Fans searching for Katseye often dive into their unique story as a global girl group. Formed in 2023 through the intense Dream Academy survival show, these six talented women bring fresh energy to the music scene. Blending K-pop training with Western pop vibes, Katseye debuted in June 2024 and quickly captured hearts worldwide.
Their multicultural lineup makes them stand out in a crowded industry. The journey started with over 120,000 applicants from around the globe. HYBE and Geffen Records teamed up to create this project, aiming for a truly international act.
The reality series aired live, letting fans vote on performances. After tough missions in singing, dancing, and teamwork, the final members were revealed in November 2023. It was emotional, with tears and cheers marking the big moment.
Sophia Laforteza leads the pack as the group’s captain. Born in the Philippines on December 31, 2003, she ranked first in the competition. Sophia’s vocal strength and stage presence shine through, drawing from her theater background.
She’s inspired many young Filipina artists, proving dreams can cross oceans. Her charm keeps fans hooked on every performance.
Lara Rajagopalan, second in line, brings Indian-American flair. At 19, she’s from Los Angeles but attended school in New York. Lara’s acting chops and songwriting skills add depth to Katseye. She loves the stage and often shares how embracing her roots makes her feel empowered. Her story resonates with diverse audiences seeking representation.
Daniela Avanzini, the 20-year-old from Atlanta, adds Latin fire with her Cuban-Venezuelan heritage. A dancer since age three, she competed on America’s Got Talent as a kid. Daniela’s curly hair and bold personality stand out, as she sings about self-acceptance. Her journey from ballroom to pop idol inspires those chasing big breaks.
Manon Bannerman, 19, represents Switzerland with Ghanaian and Italian roots. She blew up on TikTok with fashion videos before joining. Manon’s confident vibe and multilingual skills help the group connect globally. She’s all about celebrating individuality, making her a fan favorite in searches for Katseye diverse members.
Megan Skiendiel, also 19, hails from Honolulu with Chinese-Singaporean-American background. Trained in professional dance young, she brings smooth moves to the table. Megan’s love for performing shines in their choreo-heavy tracks. Her story of balancing cultures adds to the group’s relatable appeal for multicultural fans.
Yoonchae Jeong, the maknae at 17, is the only Korean member from Seoul. Graduating high school in 2024, she idolizes BLACKPINK and BTS. Yoonchae’s gentle energy balances the group’s dynamic, with her vocals adding softness to upbeat songs. She’s a bridge to K-pop roots, exciting traditional fans.
Katseye’s debut single “Debut” dropped in June 2024, an upbeat pop track about confidence. It set the tone for their sisterhood theme. Then “Touch” in July went viral on TikTok, with its dreamy R&B feel exploring love’s twists. The music video racked up millions of views, boosting their Spotify streams to over 26 million monthly listeners.T
heir first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), arrived in August 2024 with five tracks. It hit Billboard 200 at number 119, a milestone for a Western girl group. Collaborators like Ryan Tedder added polish, mixing pop with K-pop precision. Fans love the Y2K fashion, low-rise jeans, and crop tops that scream nostalgia.
The Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: Katseye premiered in August 2024, chronicling their training. It shows the sweat, scandals, and bonds formed in LA and Seoul. Viewers get raw insights into K-pop methods adapted for global appeal. The series spiked interest, with episodes highlighting makeovers and eliminations.
By April 2025, Katseye released “Gnarly,” a bold hyper-pop shift that debuted on Billboard Hot 100 at 92. Initially mixed reviews turned to obsession, with TikTok dances going wild. It topped Spotify’s U.S. debut chart, proving their growth. The track’s edgy lyrics fit their evolving style.
Their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, dropped in June 2025, embracing artistic mess with empowering messages. It celebrates confusion turning into beauty, much like their career. Collaborations and high-energy choreo keep the momentum. Katseye’s North American tour kicked off in November 2025, selling out fast.
Fashion plays a big role too. Creative director Humberto Leon mixes vintage and high-low looks, from Balenciaga to American Eagle. Deals with Fendi and Glossier highlight their trendsetting side. Katseye’s style draws from 90s and 2000s icons, making them searchable for Y2K pop fashion inspo.
Debates rage on if Katseye is true K-pop or global pop. Trained like idols but singing in English, they’re a hybrid. HYBE aims to mainstream K-pop vibes without the Korean focus. Performances at KCON LA, MAMA awards, and Lollapalooza in 2026 show their crossover success. Fans call them K-pop adjacent, loving the blend.
The fandom, Eyekons, grows daily with over 4 million social followers. They stream, vote, and create content, echoing dedicated K-pop armies. Katseye’s message of sisterhood across cultures inspires young girls worldwide. Their resilience through training mirrors real-life hustle.
In the end, Katseye’s rise as a global girl group redefines boundaries. From Dream Academy tears to chart-topping hits, they’ve built a legacy of diversity and strength. With tours and more music ahead, their story keeps unfolding, drawing in fans eager for the next chapter.
