Netflix hosted a talent competition called “Dream Academy,” a collaborative project between record labels Hybe and Geffen Records. This was announced on August 28, 2023. The goal was to bring 20 artistically talented candidates from different countries into a K-pop-influenced training program where they competed to become one of the final members for the global girl group. Fans were able to vote 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 group of 2025.
Just a 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 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 groups do not have in a way that has put them into the spotlight. This is showcased in their collaboration with Mattel for which they sang “Fright Song,” with 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 embrace of their different upbringings and diversity.
Lastly, Katseye has also gained a large fanbase because of their unique online interactions. During social media lives and interviews, the members feel real and like they do have a real bond with each other and their fans, unlike many other well known K-pop groups that are very private and very professional to keep a perfect image for the fans. The members often tell personal stories to fans which is very refreshing to see in the k-pop industry and have fun. Katseye’s supporters often connect over the members’ famously funny lines, whether it’s posting memes or turning them into chants for live performances. This allows for people to easily connect to each member and easily join their fanbase known as Eyekons.
Katseye is growing to be a global sensation, They connect millions of fans with their relatable music and authenticity. Katseye is 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 route to challenge traditional k-pop norms, expanding their influence and becoming a known name in the music industry.
