KATSEYE Touch: What Makes This Song Different From Everything Else

KATSEYE - Touch captivated listeners worldwide when its infectious dance challenge went viral on TikTok in 2024. Released on July 26, 2024, as the girl group's second single from their extended playSIS (Soft Is Strong), the song quickly transcended typical K-pop boundaries despite its deceptively simple structure.

This liquid drum and bass-infused dance-pop track with R&B undertones tells the story of moving on from a lover. However, what makes the KATSEYE Touch lyrics and meaning particularly interesting is how they're delivered in such a compact package. At just over two minutes long, the song is so lightweight "it might as well be an extended ringtone". Initially gaining traction through social media, the KATSEYE Touch music video has consequently amassed over 50 million views as of November 2024. The group has also expanded the song's reach by releasing a remix featuring Yeonjun in October 2024 and a Christmas-themed version in November.

The story behind 'Touch' and its release

Katseye's journey leading up to 'Touch'

Following their ambitious first single "Debut" on June 28, 2024, which accumulated 2.3 million views within just three days, KATSEYE emerged as a groundbreaking musical project. Formed through the rigorous selection process of 'The Debut: Dream Academy' (2023), this six-member ensemble represents the first-ever global girl group developed using traditional K-pop training methodologies. Their formation journey—whittling down 120,000 applicants to just six final members—was documented in Netflix's "Popstar Academy: KATSEYE."

Touch release date and initial promotion

On July 22, 2024, KATSEYE announced their second single, releasing "Touch" four days later on July 26. Unlike their bold debut, "Touch" showcased the group's vulnerability through delicate vocals and dreamy ethereal tones, exploring themes of love's complexities and emotional healing. This softer approach served as a perfect teaser for their debut EP "SIS (Soft Is Strong)," which arrived on August 16, 2024.

How the remix and holiday versions expanded its reach

KATSEYE further extended the song's life cycle through strategic releases: first with a remix featuring Tomorrow X Together's Yeonjun on October 11, 2024, followed by a festive "Holiday Version" on November 22. While maintaining the original's structure and lyrics, the holiday edition incorporated jingle bells and fresh synths for a seasonal feel. Additionally, a vinyl release featuring the Yeonjun collaboration was announced for June 2025.

What makes the sound of 'Touch' stand out

Dance-pop meets liquid drum and bass

The sonic blueprint of "Touch" draws from a unique combination of genres. Essentially, the track blends liquid drum and bass elements with dance-pop foundations, creating a distinctive sound that sets it apart from typical K-pop offerings. This fusion gives the song its memorable "candy-lacquered" chorus that resonates with modern listeners.

Use of R&B undertones and soft vocals

Underneath the electronic production lies subtle R&B undertones that add depth to the track. The members showcase their versatility through delicate vocals paired with dreamy ethereal tones as they explore themes of love and self-worth. This softer approach earned the song praise from NME as "a dreamy dance-pop salute to independence".

Comparison with Katseye's debut single

"Touch" marks a striking departure from "Debut," serving as its "complete opposite". Where "Debut" leaned into bold energy, "Touch" reveals the group's vulnerability. Remarkably, both songs share one controversial characteristic—brevity. At just over two minutes, critics described "Touch" as "a wisp of pop track" that "might as well be an extended ringtone".

Production team and their influence on the sound

The distinctive sound of "Touch" stems from its powerhouse production team: Blake Slatkin, Cashmere Cat, Omer Fedi, and Taka Perry. With lyrics by Caroline Ailin, the production draws comparisons to other HYBE groups like NewJeans and ILLIT, yet carves out its own identity through its PinkPantheress-inspired sound.

How 'Touch' performed globally

Chart positions across countries

"Touch" made a remarkable international impact since its release. The song reached #58 on the Billboard Global 200, while making notable appearances on various national charts. In Asia, it secured impressive positions: #4 on Japan Hot Overseas, #5 in Singapore, #9 in Malaysia, #13 in the Philippines, #17 in Taiwan, and #70 in South Korea. In Western markets, the track landed at #79 on the Canadian Hot 100, #22 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100, and climbed to #32 on the US Pop Airplay chart.

Impact of the TikTok dance challenge

The viral TikTok dance challenge proved instrumental in catapulting "Touch" to global recognition. As veteran K-pop idols noted, dance challenges have evolved from "random fun things" to "promotional necessities". KATSEYE capitalized on this trend through strategic collaborations, including a TikTok post featuring members dancing with ENHYPEN's Heeseung and Ni-ki. These digital partnerships significantly boosted weekly growth across platforms.

Certifications and streaming milestones

The track's commercial success translated into impressive streaming figures. "Touch" surpassed 430 million streams and reached the 200 million mark in 139 days. The official music video garnered 27 million views, with three additional clips exceeding 15 million views each. Furthermore, the song earned Gold certification in New Zealand, representing 15,000 certified units.

The music video and its visual storytelling

Y2K aesthetic and nostalgic elements

The "Touch" music video transports viewers back in time with its distinctive Y2K aesthetic. Heavily inspired by the late 90s and early 2000s, the visuals create a nostalgic atmosphere through a narrative centered on a citywide search for member Yoonchae who has reportedly gone missing. The thrift store setting becomes the primary backdrop for this stylish time capsule.

Symbolism of the members' dream charms

Throughout the video, attentive fans can spot Easter eggs in the form of each member's dream charms, which symbolize their unique qualities: Sophia's dream anchor, Megan's dual cherry, Daniela's guardian shield, Lara's limitless key, Manon's stellar tiara, and Yoonchae's soothing shell. These symbolic elements create deeper meaning beneath the vibrant visuals.

Director's vision and fan interpretations

Directed by Cody Critcheloe, known for his work with Demi Lovato and Kylie Minogue, the video presents a surreal narrative blending fantasy and reality. Fan theories have emerged regarding hidden lore, particularly noting how Sophia enters through a portal while Yoonchae's presence remains mysteriously intact despite being reported missing.

How the video contributed to the song's popularity

The video's cinematic quality, powerful group performance, and what Billboard described as "top-notch choreo" helped propel its success. Consequently, the visual storytelling element has garnered over 50 million views, proving instrumental to the song's widespread appeal.