We blame HYBE and KATSEYE

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Girls’ Generation’s newly formed subunit HyoRiSoo has drawn mixed reactions online following the release of its debut digital single, Skibidi. The trio, consisting of Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung, officially debuted on August 31 with a two-track release featuring the title track Skibidi and the B-side Lowkey In Love.

The subunit had already attracted attention before its debut, with the title of its first song prompting jokes and skepticism among some fans. Following the release, a clip of Skibidi circulated on social media and led to further discussion about the song’s concept and sound.

The track has left fans divided, with some viewing Skibidi as another example of K-pop’s increasingly internet-driven musical trends, while others see the song as an intentional comedic experiment that should be judged within the context of the Girls’ Generation members’ concept. Some listeners criticized what they described as a growing trend of deliberately quirky or “brainrot” music in K-pop.

The conversation also brought HYBE and KATSEYE into the discussion, with some fans comparing the response to HyoRiSoo’s song with criticism previously directed at HYBE artists and KATSEYE. One fan wrote,

“I’m so ready for the TikTok brainrot era of kpop music to be done with. We blame HYBE and Katseye for unleashing this pandemic.”

I’m so ready for the TikTok brainrot era of kpop music to be done with. We blame HYBE and Katseye for unleashing this pandemic

Fans critical of the release argued that SM Entertainment artists receive more leniency, claiming similar experimental songs from HYBE artists would face harsher backlash. Others said the track felt too unserious for established idols and questioned the decision to release a song with such a title.

They are too iconic to be releasing a song called skibidi

SM artists can release brainrot bulls*** and everyone will eat it up But when HYBE artists do it they get crucified for it for months 😭 Kpoptwt is full of SM a**lickers

The SM privilege is insane because they can release sh***y songs and nobody says anything, but if it were a HYBE group?? TUIDE released a genuinely good song and people still criticized it saying the songs were boring, and horrible

watch everyone find this quirky and funny but they’d crucify hybe artists for even less… sm artists rlly have it easy

However, reactions to the song were not universally negative. Other fans defended the Girls’ Generation members’ approach, pointing out that humor and playful concepts were central to the subunit from the beginning. According to this perspective, the project originated as a lighthearted idea among the three members before eventually developing into an official subunit release.

ITS PARODY GUYS. They’re literally poking fun, being an older kpop group trying to fit in with what they think young people like.

I’m thankful for Hyo, Yuri, and Sooyoung for releasing “Skibidi” to prove how stupid Kpop stans are. Read the lyrics! Most of you can’t understand they’re making fun of the crap music you’ve been calling “GAG” for years. The fact that you don’t get that makes it funnier. 😂

“they can’t be serious” THEY’RE NOT 😭😭

HyoRiSoo’s debut Skibidi blends house and hip-hop as Girls’ Generation trio expands playful project

According to a report by The Korea Times, the project marks the official expansion of an idea that initially began as a playful online joke. HyoRiSoo, also referred to as HRS, originated through Hyoyeon’s personal YouTube channel, Hyo’s Level Up, during the popular web series Fake Kim Hyoyeon.

The series featured Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung competing for positions within a fictional pop group. The three veteran idols humorously battled for roles such as main vocalist, main dancer, and center, with their spontaneous interactions and natural chemistry quickly becoming a highlight for fans.

The positive response to their dynamic eventually helped transform the joke into an official musical project, according to the report. The trio now has the opportunity to showcase a more relaxed and comedic side of their personalities through HyoRiSoo.

The Girls’ Generation trio’s debut single contains the title track Skibidi and the B-side Lowkey In Love, with the two songs exploring noticeably different musical directions. According to SM Entertainment, Skibidi combines house and hip-hop, moving between the genres while incorporating distinctive Arabian-inspired string samples.

Meanwhile, Lowkey In Love takes a more retro-inspired approach. The dance-pop track features upbeat brass arrangements, a groovy rhythm, and a catchy melody, creating a lighter and feel-good atmosphere that complements the trio’s energetic image.

The Girls’ Generation trio had already given fans an early look at both songs before their official release. On August 22, the trio performed the tracks at the 2026 CassCool Festival at Seoul Land in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.

The release has since received significant attention online. The Skibidi performance video, released alongside the single, had accumulated 5.1 million views on YouTube as of writing.

While the song has generated considerable discussion because of its unconventional title and playful concept, HyoRiSoo’s debut ultimately represents the evolution of a fan-favorite comedy project into an official Girls’ Generation subunit. Through the project, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung are able to explore a more carefree musical identity while drawing on the chemistry that initially made Fake Kim Hyoyeon popular among fans.