The Netflix talent competition “Dream Academy,” a collaborative project between record labels Hybe and Geffen Records, was announced on Aug. 28, 2023. The goal of the program was to bring 20 artistic and talented female candidates from different countries and backgrounds into a K-pop-influenced training program where they competed to become one of the final members of a global girl group. Fans followed the girls throughout three missions that tested their vocals, dance skills and charisma, voting for their favorites until the finale of the competition. Ultimately, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Yoonchae Jeung, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini and Megan Skiendiel were chosen to debut by both judges and the audience, releasing their first single “Debut” in June 2024 as Katseye, a group that has evolved into one of the most talked about and influential artists of 2025.
Just one year into their careers, Katseye has performed in Lollapalooza, the Grammy Museum, the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where they won the “Push Performance of the Year” award for their single “Touch.” The global girl group has managed to become a favorite in the K-pop and western world alike through their strategic marketing, authentic online interactions, strong performances and representation of their diverse backgrounds, paving their way to becoming a big name in the industry.
Katseye’s first EP “SIS: Soft Is Strong” resembled a soft K-pop album and failed to take risks, stand out and reflect the group’s status as a global girl group. Despite this, the group has evolved to highlight their wide diversity — an advantage that most soloists or K-pop acts do not have — in a way that has catapulted them into the spotlight. This is showcased in their collaboration with Mattel for which they sang “Fright Song,” accompanied by Monster High dolls of the six members. In the music video, each girl represented a monster from their culture, with the exception of Daniela who embodied a werewolf. Sophia, the group’s appointed leader, was dressed as Manananggal — a creature from Filipino lore, Megan was the Huli Jing — a shape-shifting Chinese fox spirit, Lara was Rakshasa — a devil from Indian mythology, Yoonchae was Jang San Bum — a white tiger monster from Korean mythology — and Manon was a Sea Monster inspired by Mami Wata — a water spirit from African lore. Their R&B pop song “Gabriela” also does not shy away from emphasizing the group’s versatility, primarily Daniela’s Latina roots. The music video draws inspiration from telenovelas — a type of serial drama or soap opera produced primarily in Latin America — and Daniela’s verse in Spanish stands out. Other moments, such as Sophia’s Tagalog speech during their VMA award acceptance and Lara wearing a Bindi to embrace her Indian roots also show the group’s embracement of their different upbringings and ethnic diversity.
The group’s live performances also stand out because of the magnetic stage presence, skillful choreography and stable vocals. When “Gnarly,” the lead single for Katseye’s second EP “Beautiful Chaos” was released on Apr. 30, 2025, many fans and critics initially heavily criticized its lyrics for being shallow and meaningless. However, after the group’s energetic and passionate performances in various music festivals and music shows, the song slowly found a spot in the playlists and hearts of many. “Gnarly” successfully showcased each member’s individual artistry— Daniela’s masterful dancing, Megan’s vivid facial expressions, Lara’s strong voice, Yoonchae’s playful energy, Manon’s effortless aura and Sophia’s versatility. The group also made headlines with their performance of the “Gabriela” dance break in Lollapalooza. The demanding routine — including flips, splits and detailed footwork that were particularly impressive when followed by stable singing — was praised by critics and the visuals — such as the members quickly changing into flowy skirts that elevated the piece and throwing rose petals at the end of the dance break — were eye-catching.
Lastly, Katseye has also garnered their large fanbase due to their authentic online interactions and openness. During social media lives and interviews, the members all have showcased their chaotic energy and close bond to the world, unlike many traditional K-pop groups that maintain privacy and professionality, often at the expense of expressing themselves. The members often engage in playful banter with each other, tell personal stories to fans as though they are speaking with a friend and have fun, unfiltered moments. Katseye’s supporters often connect over the members’ famously funny lines, whether it is distributing memes or turning them into chants for live performances. This allows for people to easily connect to each member parasocially and easily join their fanbase — known as Eyekons.
Katseye is evolving into a global sensation — connecting millions of fans with their fresh music and authenticity, but this isn’t the group’s peak, it is simply their start. Set to go on their first tour for “Beautiful Chaos” and being one of the acts for the 2026 Coachella, the global girl group seems to be on a trajectory to challenge traditional pop norms, expanding their influence and becoming a household name in the music industry.
