Did Jennie's Less Than a Lover 'flop' in comparison to KATSEYE's Animal? Here's what netizens think

July 24 turned into a major showdown for pop fans as some of the biggest names in music dropped new releases on the same day. Among them were BLACKPINK's Jennie and global girl group KATSEYE, who both arrived with highly anticipated singles.

But instead of celebrating both releases, fans quickly turned the internet into a competition. As reactions poured in, some netizens began debating whether Jennie's Less Than a Lover had been overshadowed by KATSEYE's Animal.


Jennie's Less Than a Lover marks another chapter in her growing solo career. Released through Odd Atelier and Columbia Records, the track explores a relationship that exists somewhere between romance and friendship.

The BLACKPINK star had previously teased the song during her headlining performance at Governors Ball in New York City in June. The single also arrived with a cinematic music video that matches its soft, atmospheric sound.

While Jennie went for a more ethereal sound, KATSEYE took a different route with Animal. The song features Ed Sheeran's writing, creating an unexpected collaboration that immediately became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the release.

Fans praised the group's vocals and the combination of KATSEYE's polished pop style with Sheeran's songwriting. The release comes as KATSEYE continues to build momentum internationally, with the group preparing for another major step in its career.


The debate began after fans noticed the contrasting reactions to the two releases. Some netizens praised Less Than a Lover for its relaxed, dreamy sound, while others felt that Animal generated more immediate excitement online.

However, the main reason some fans began labeling Jennie's song a "flop" was its position on the Global Spotify charts and its performance on YouTube.

Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to discuss how, despite Jennie having millions of monthly listeners, her overall audience did not necessarily translate into listeners for the new song.

Some argued that a significant portion of her monthly listeners comes from her collaborations with other top artists, rather than her solo releases.

Many of Jennie's own fans also were suprised seeing the song not charting high on the charts, with other K-pop group fans using it to create more fanwars.

The new single arrives after a major period in Jennie's solo career. Last March, the BLACKPINK star released Ruby, her debut solo EP. The 15-track project, released through her own label Odd Atelier, featured collaborations with Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, Dua Lipa, FKJ and Kali Uchis.

She later reunited with BLACKPINK for the group's world tour and new album Deadline, released in February. The five-track project included the group's comeback single Jump.


For KATSEYE, Animal arrives as the group continues its rapid rise in global pop. The group is set to release its third EP, WILD, on August 14, 2026. The project follows 2025's BEAUTIFUL CHAOS and includes the previously released tracks Pinky Up and Animal.

The group will also embark on its headline arena WILDWORLD Tour, with major stops across the UK, Europe, North America and Mexico. The tour will support the group's upcoming EP, WILD.