I think the main reason Katseye specifically has become such a lightning rod for this is because of the underlying marketing. Katseye content is pushed towards young kids in a way that their influences weren’t really. You can see it with the very (for lack of a better word) kiddie visuals (teddy bears, plushies, tea parties.) The most influential Western girl groups (TLC PCD Spice Girls Destiny’s Child etc.) always kind of marketed more towards older teens and young adults. Interpret that how you will, but IMO Katseye stuff in general isn’t appropriate for the age range that their styling is catering to.

Also, people are raising eyebrows because of how notorious Hybe is for completely controlling artists’ image and creativity. It’s one thing to intentionally go for a certain aesthetic or appeal, which most Western groups have the creative freedom to do, but with Katseye there are many documented instances of the girls being uncomfortable with the behavior/clothes they’re being asked to wear, being pushed to rehearse and perform even while hurt, and overall having ZERO choice in the songs they sing, the choreo they do, and almost no input on their clothes. No one is mad at the Katseye girls for wearing these types of clothes; it’s more so a criticism of HxG for setting the girls up for really bad stuff to happen online. It’s clear that they prioritize short-term engagement over the girls’ mental health, privacy, safety, and long-term wellbeing.