Global sensation KATSEYE has officially tapped chart-topping English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran as a composer for their upcoming digital single, “Animal.”
Scheduled for global release on July 24, 2026, at 1 PM KST, the new track serves as the high-octane pre-release single leading into KATSEYE’s anticipated third EP, titled ‘WILD,’ which is slated to drop on August 14, 2026.
Descriptions of “Animal” emphasize a dynamic shift in tone for the international group, framing the song as a hard-hitting track driven by an intense beat, a catchy, addictive hook, and provocative lyrics.
A previously dropped music video teaser showcased a bold, spy-inspired concept, highlighting slick performance choreography and high-energy production that ignited immediate interest across music forums and social media platforms.
The inclusion of Ed Sheeran as a co-composer brings a heavyweight hitmaking pedigree to the single.
Renowned globally for multi-billion-stream hits like “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Thinking Out Loud,” Sheeran is no stranger to the K-pop and global pop landscape, having previously co-written and composed global hits for BTS, including “Permission to Dance” and “Make It Right.”
Ed Sheeran’s relationship with KATSEYE predates this formal creative collaboration.
Last year, the British singer shared KATSEYE’s hit single “Gnarly” on his personal Instagram Story, complimenting the track as his “new jam.”
The artists later met in person during the 2025 NRJ Music Awards, laying the groundwork for what has now developed into a direct musical partnership.
A Stellar International Trajectory Powered by HYBE and Geffen
Formed through the joint global audition and survival project spearheaded by HYBE and Geffen Records, KATSEYE has experienced rapid upward momentum since their debut.
The multinational six-member group recently achieved a major milestone by breaking into Billboard’s main singles chart, the Hot 100, with their hit “Gnarly,” solidifying their status as a dominant new force on the international stage.
With “Animal” serving as the vanguard release for their upcoming EP ‘WILD,’ KATSEYE continues to bridge Western pop production values with K-pop performance precision.
The combination of Ed Sheeran’s pop songwriting expertise, HYBE x Geffen’s production power, and KATSEYE’s fierce stage presence positions “Animal” as a pivotal release in the group’s ongoing global expansion.
As the single drops ahead of the full ‘WILD’ mini-album in August, fans and industry analysts are eagerly watching to see if this high-profile partnership will propel KATSEYE to new streaming records and chart heights globally.
