Written by Anshica Sharma
It all began with an audition. Hybe and Geffen Records held a worldwide search for a new girl group, selecting twenty women from all over the globe to train in Los Angeles. They underwent months of intense choreography practice, vocal training, and performance challenges, all competing for the six spots that would form KATSEYE. This two-year journey of training, competing, and selecting the final members was documented in the Netflix series Popstar Academy: Katseye, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a global girl group.
KATSEYE is made up of six members. Sophia, 22, is the leader from the Philippines. Lara, 20, is the main vocalist and an Indian American. Daniela, 21, is the main dancer of Latin American descent. Manon, 23, is the main visual (the member recognized for their strong image and presence) with Ghanaian heritage. Megan, 19, is an all-rounder (someone skilled in multiple performance areas like singing and dancing), born and raised in Hawai‘i with a Singaporean-Chinese and American-Swedish background. Yoonchae, 17, is the maknae, the youngest, and a Korean trainee. Together, they bring a mix of experiences, perspectives, and talents that make the group feel truly global.
KATSEYE is reshaping representation in Western pop music. Their previous hit, “Gnarly,” initially faced criticism for being different and pushing boundaries, but it then went mega viral on social media, earning widespread praise and attracting a surge of new fans. Following that, “Gabriela” has over 400 million cumulative streams on Spotify, ranking it among the top-performing girl group songs of 2025. “Gabriela” also reflects KATSEYE’s commitment to cultural inclusivity, incorporating Latin influences in honor of Daniela. The group has expressed plans to explore every member’s culture in future songs and projects, demonstrating that global perspectives can be central to mainstream pop. KATSEYE has achieved all this with only two EPs released, and without even putting out a full album yet.
What makes the girl group stand out is how they balance exceptional skill with authenticity. Fans watch six young women who push themselves to the highest level while remaining playful, candid, and supportive of one another. On stage, during interviews, or in live streams, the members consistently have each other’s backs. They genuinely uplift and care for one another, forming a sisterhood within the group. The older members guide the younger ones, and they all genuinely learn from each other’s languages, music, food, and cultures. That kind of trust and sisterhood is a key part of why they are reaching the success that they are.
KATSEYE has already performed on major stages such as Jingle Ball, Wango Tango, and Lollapalooza, and they are set to perform at Coachella next spring. Their headline tour, which just kicked off, has fans worldwide seeing them deliver high-energy performances that blend global influences, precise choreography, and their personalities.
Beyond music, KATSEYE has become a cultural force through high-profile collaborations. They have partnered with Pandora, Valorant, 5gum, Jollibee, and Gap, where a choreographed campaign set to Kelis’ Milkshake went viral. The Gap “Better in Denim” campaign was choreographed by Robbie Blue, a renowned choreographer who has worked with rising female stars like Tate McRae, Doechii, and Adela. The campaign generated over 400 million views overall and 8 billion impressions within weeks, with 20 million views in the first three days alone. It also drove a $1.7 million earned media value, a 171 percent increase in brand mentions, and Gap’s most-liked Instagram post and TikTok video to date. In contrast to the controversy earlier this year around the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad, which implied a single standard of beauty, KATSEYE’s campaign showed the real power of diversity, highlighting what audiences want and value in representation.
The members of the group are also breaking boundaries socially and culturally. Lara Raj publicly came out as queer, a rare and powerful moment for a brown girl in a space influenced by K-pop, and Megan followed months later, coming out as bisexual. Lara was awarded the Blooming Impact Award at the LA LGBT Center earlier this year, underscoring the group’s influence beyond music. These moments show that KATSEYE is not only redefining what pop can sound and look like but also what it can represent.
Since their debut less than two years ago, KATSEYE has already achieved numerous milestones, including Grammy nominations and the launch of their first headline tour. Their rapid rise demonstrates not only talent and dedication but also the growing demand for diverse, globally minded artists in Western pop. Their music, fashion, and creative direction highlight individuality without tokenization, while their commercial and cultural successes show the tangible impact of inclusivity. For a generation growing up more connected than ever, KATSEYE does more than entertain. They create space for diverse voices, experiences, and identities to thrive in the spotlight.
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