Back in the summer of 2023, more than 120,000 hopefuls from all around the world applied for a chance to join what was being called a first-of-its-kind global pop group. The project was a collaboration between South Korea’s HYBE and America’s Geffen Records, so the buzz was huge from the very beginning.
Out of that enormous pool, only 20 finalists were chosen for Dream Academy, a survival-style show that put the spotlight on dance skills, vocal power, and sheer determination. Those finalists trained in Los Angeles, pouring everything they had into the process, and at the end, only six would make the final cut.
The entire journey was captured in Netflix’s Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, a documentary series that didn’t just show the glittery parts of pop stardom but also the exhaustion, homesickness, and fierce competition it takes to get there. Watching it now, knowing how far the girls have come, gives you chills.
Why you should be listening to Katseye
By November 2023, the final lineup was announced: Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae. Each one brought something different, not just in style but in heritage.
- Sophia (Group Lead) represents the Philippines, connecting to a massive and passionate fan base across Southeast Asia.
- Manon (Visual Lead) hails from Switzerland, adding a European flair to the lineup.
- Daniela Avanzini (Dance Lead), born in Atlanta, represents her Cuban and Venezuelan roots and brings serious dance experience, having once reached the top 10 on So You Think You Can Dance.
- Lara (Vocal Lead) brings her Indian background into the spotlight, which feels especially meaningful in a global pop landscape that rarely highlights South Asian voices.
- Megan (All-rounder), a Chinese American member, bridges Eastern and Western influences in a way that feels natural and powerful within the group’s dynamic.
- Yoonchae (Maknae/youngest), born in Seoul, is the youngest of the group and already a force to be reckoned with.
That global mix is part of what makes Katseye so special. Fans see themselves reflected in these girls and the way they celebrate their cultural differences rather than blending them into one generic pop persona.
Debut and rise
Katseye made their official debut on June 28, 2024, with the single “Debut.” It was exactly what it promised to be, a bold introduction, but it was their follow-up, “Touch,” that really blew up. The song leaned into Y2K vibes and paired with choreography that fans couldn’t stop learning on TikTok.
The music video crossed 50 million views within months, and suddenly, Katseye wasn’t just the group that came out of a competition; they were the group everyone needed to keep their eyes on.
Their first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), laid the foundation for their playful yet determined identity. Then came “Gnarly” in April 2025, a hyper-pop track that marked their first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. That moment proved they weren’t just riding the hype of their formation; they were breaking into the mainstream.
By June 2025, the group released their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, and it debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200. That’s the kind of milestone most new groups only dream about. Critics were divided, some wishing the EP had pushed boundaries more boldly, but nearly everyone agreed that “Gnarly” was proof Katseye had more creative fire in them waiting to be unleashed.
Streaming success
If their chart performance wasn’t impressive enough, their streaming numbers tell an even bigger story. As of early September 2025, Katseye has officially surpassed 1.2 billion total streams on Spotify, a staggering figure for a group not even two years into their career.
Their breakout single “Touch” leads the pack with over 432 million streams, while “Gnarly” follows at 224 million and “Gabriela” sits at over 200 million. Even their debut single “Debut” has crossed 143 million streams, and fan-favorite “Gameboy” has earned over 70 million.
This momentum has translated into steady growth. The group currently has around 28.4 million monthly listeners and averages 8.3 million daily streams, showing just how engaged their global fanbase is.
To put it in perspective, Katseye pulled in 894 million streams in 2025 alone by late August, compared to 311 million streams in all of 2024. In other words, their popularity is not just holding steady, it’s skyrocketing.
Fashion and influence
Of course, music is only part of the story. Katseye has leaned into fashion and branding, snagging partnerships with Fendi, Lush, and Coach. They even joined forces with Jollibee and later teamed up with Mattel’s Monster High, creating a remix of “Fright Song” and their own dolls. It was the kind of collaboration that made sense: both Katseye and Monster High celebrate individuality and community, and the crossover hit right at the heart of their fanbase.
Katseye’s recent campaign with Gap has become a full-blown global moment, blending fashion and music in a way that feels effortless. The girls brought their own styles into the collaboration, making it less about matching outfits and more about celebrating individuality. Fans worldwide have embraced it, turning the campaign into a viral showcase of the group’s influence beyond music.
The VMAs
Which brings us to September 7, 2025, is a big one. Katseye will be performing at the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show at 7 p.m. ET. They’re set to perform “Gabriela” and “Gnarly,” two songs that really showcase the range they’ve built in just over a year since debuting. And they’re not just performing, they’re nominated for two awards: Group of the Year and Push Performance of the Year for “Touch.”
For a group that came together through a survival show not even two years ago, this moment is enormous. It’s not just about recognition, it’s about proving that their concept works and that the gamble to create a truly global girl group was worth it.
Why their story hits different
Katseye’s journey matters because it’s more than just another pop group origin story. They show us what happens when diversity isn’t a buzzword but the actual blueprint. They’ve blended K-pop’s unmatched training system with the individuality and personality-driven storytelling of Western pop, creating something that feels fresh but still familiar.
I think that’s why so many fans, myself included, are rooting for them. Watching them go from nervous trainees in Dream Academy to performing on one of music’s biggest nights is inspiring, not only for what it means to the industry but for what it means to anyone who’s ever dreamed of chasing something that feels out of reach.
When Katseye takes that VMAs stage Sunday, it’s more than just a performance; it’s a victory lap for how far they’ve come and a glimpse into how much further they’re destined to go.