GIRLSET enters the ‘CHAT’ with a fresh take on hyperpop
We’re seeing sharp new concepts from the group as they gear up for their debut album
GIRLSET's new single, "CHAT" is out now.
YouTube/ @GIRLSET
Words by Pendhay Yeshay
JYPE and Republic Record’s global girl group GIRLSET released their newest single “CHAT,” on July 17, tackling hyperpop with the gritty yet engaging track and reaffirming their new identity as a quartet.
Featuring a heavy electronic sound akin to many other global and K-pop girl groups like KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, XG and so many more, GIRLSET gives their own take on the recent hyperpop trend. “CHAT” also shows greater creative control for the group members as they’re listed as vocal producers alongside August Rico and Luke Milano, who helped compose and write the song. This creative control highlights the members' increased bandwidth in creating their group’s brand—reassuring fans of their own agency, especially after the group was embroiled in controversy in their early days as VCHA, during which former member KG took the label to court over claims of abuse and exploitation.
After a three-month hiatus from May to August 2025, VCHA’s remaining members (Camila, Lexi, Kendall, and Savanna) stayed with their label and rebranded with a more mature, Y2K-esque concept as GIRLSET. “CHAT” comes before their anticipated debut album following earlier released tracks, “Little Miss,” and “Tweak.”
“CHAT” was also promoted live on various South Korean broadcast channels such as MBC, SBS, and KBS. This allowed fans to see them perform live, which the group hadn’t done with their earlier releases as fans had hoped would happen.
GIRLSET also traveled around the United States, hitting major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York to host meet and greets, with a special themed truck handing out free posters to fans.
“CHAT” is GIRLSET’s fourth single after their rebrand and is a medium for the group to address some of the hate they have received from fans constantly comparing them to other groups like KATSEYE. By telling their audience to keep their eyes on them as they enter the chat, the group members hone in on the fact that they are aware that people talk about them, but they’re above the lies and hate. With lyrics like, “Eyes on me, it’s all eyes on me/You try copy me, but you don’t know how,” it’s evident that GIRLSET is forging their own path towards stardom, and they don’t care what the haters have to say.
Published on July 30, 2026
Words by Pendhay Yeshay
Pendhay Yeshay is a born-and-raised boy from the Himalayas who loves all things pop culture, tennis, dance, everything in between and beyond. You’ll probably spot him on the 7 train in New York, dancing with his AirPods on, and a mango green tea (no sugar, less ice, with lychee jelly) in hand.