[Dispatch=Reporter Tae-yoon Jung] KATSEYE returns with an album that condenses two years of growth.

KATSEYE's third EP 'WILD' was released on the 14th. The new album captures a new chapter for the members as they accept all aspects of their inner selves and move toward instinct and freedom.

The members' confident attitude in revealing emotions, desires, and individuality without restraint, breaking free from others' gazes and predetermined frameworks, is reflected throughout the album. The group prepared five diverse genre tracks.

The title track 'Hootie Frutti' is a song that emits hot energy like the sun beating down. Brazilian funk-style percussion, rich pop sound, heavy drums, and witty lyrics come together in harmony.

Powerful performances were added to this. The music video will be released at 1 p.m. today. The intense primary-colored costumes and vibrant colors reminiscent of the Brazilian carnival visualize the heat of the song.

The members inject vitality with pleasant gestures as if tasting fruit and confident expressions. Bold movements including twerking, wet hairstyles, and barefoot group choreography added instinctive appeal.

In addition to the title track, the album includes pre-released tracks 'PINKY UP' and 'Animal', 'Bel Air', and 'That Way'. 'Bel Air' captures the bitter-sweet emotions of a breakup, while 'That Way' highlights independent spirit.

The production lineup is impressive. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, pop star Ed Sheeran, Omer Fedi, Blake Slatkin, Patrick Berger, and Johnny Goldstein joined forces.

The pre-released track 'PINKY UP' reached a peak of number 28 on the Billboard 'Hot 100' (as of April 25). On the UK 'Official Singles Top 100', it reached number 14 (April 17-23), setting a new personal best.

'Animal' is also sweeping global charts with its captivating vocals and dynamic beat. It entered the 'Hot 100' at number 24 (as of August 8). It also charted at number 8 on Spotify's 'Weekly Top Songs Global' (July 31-August 6) and number 5 on 'Daily Top Songs Global' (as of August 2).

Meanwhile, KATSEYE achieved three awards at the '2026 American Music Awards', including Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The group was also nominated in two categories at the 68th Grammy Awards.

<Photo provided by HYBE-Geffen Records>