Global Girl Group Katseye Aims for World Domination

The Grammy-nominated K-pop-inspired band is breaking out of the mold with an emphasis on individuality and authenticity.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Katseye, a global girl group formed through the grueling 'Pop Star Academy' reality show, is making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of K-pop and individual expression. The six-member band, hailing from three continents, has released successful EPs and singles, embarked on a North American tour, and even landed a Gap commercial showcasing their mesmerizing choreography. With a focus on personal authenticity that sets them apart from traditional K-pop groups, Katseye is aiming to become 'the biggest girl group on this planet'.

Why it matters

Katseye's diverse racial makeup and willingness to openly discuss personal struggles like mental health and sexuality set them apart from the typical K-pop mold, resonating with fans who appreciate their honesty and individuality. Their success highlights the growing demand for pop acts that prioritize authenticity over rigid uniformity.

The details

Katseye was formed in 2022 through the Netflix reality series 'Pop Star Academy,' where 20 young women competed for a spot in the final six-member group. The band officially debuted in 2024 and has since released two EPs, 'SIS (Soft Is Strong)' and 'Beautiful Chaos,' the latter of which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Katseye has also found success with singles like the Latin-tinged 'Gabriela' and the brash 'Gnarly,' which showcases the group's versatility. In 2025, Katseye embarked on their first North American tour and landed a memorable Gap commercial featuring their energetic choreography.

  • Katseye was formed through the 'Pop Star Academy' reality show in 2022.
  • The group officially debuted in June 2024 with the single 'Debut'.
  • Katseye released their second EP, 'Beautiful Chaos,' in 2025, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
  • Katseye embarked on their first North American tour in 2025.
  • The group's Gap commercial debuted in August 2025.

The players

Katseye

A global girl group formed through the 'Pop Star Academy' reality show, featuring members from three continents and breaking out of the traditional K-pop mold with an emphasis on individuality and authenticity.

Lara Raj

A 20-year-old member of Katseye who identifies as queer.

Megan Skiendiel

A 19-year-old member of Katseye who has openly discussed her use of anti-anxiety medications to manage her mental health.

Jae-Ha Kim

A culture critic who specializes in Korean entertainment and has analyzed Katseye's unique approach to K-pop.

Manon Bannerman

A 23-year-old member of Katseye who is excited about the group's growing success, including performing at Coachella and being nominated for Grammys.

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What they’re saying

“We don't talk too much about how much the world really needed it. It's something that we didn't realize until fans were coming up to us saying, 'We needed this now': like, six young women who are proud to be who they are, proud to look the way they do, proud of where they come from and how they grew up.”

— Sophia Laforteza (Washington Post)

“I like that they seem to be telling their fans the parts of their lives that could be difficult to talk about in public. It helps a lot of fans with their own issues when you have a celebrity this beautiful and talented and well loved saying, 'Hey, I'm going through this too.'”

— Jae-Ha Kim, Culture Critic (Washington Post)

“I think that's one of the reasons why they were such a huge, huge hit at Lollapalooza. People were expecting something perfectly executed. Which they got, but they got all the weirdness and the emotion and the honesty with it, too.”

— Jae-Ha Kim, Culture Critic (Washington Post)

“Things we wanted to accomplish a year ago, like performing at Coachella, going to the Grammys — a lot of it's coming true, which is really, really surreal.”

— Manon Bannerman (Washington Post)

“We really do have a vision to become the biggest girl group on this planet. We're hungry for that. World domination. I want us to be known in the smallest villages out there. You know?”

— Manon Bannerman (Washington Post)

What’s next

Katseye will spend the spring of 2026 touring in South America at international Lollapalooza events. In April, the group will perform at both weekends of Coachella in California.

The takeaway

Katseye's success highlights the growing demand for pop acts that prioritize authenticity and individuality over rigid uniformity. Their willingness to openly discuss personal struggles and challenges sets them apart from traditional K-pop groups, resonating with fans who appreciate their honesty and unique approach to the genre.