As pop shifts and evolves, so does its artists. Unique to their own modus operandi, international girl group KATSEYE are making a splash within the contemporary global market, and it’s with good reason. The sextet formed through the reality show Dream Academy, a collaboration derived between major players in the music sphere, South Korean record label HYBE and American imprint Geffen Records. It marks a historic and forward-thinking coalescence of ethos and outlook, the incepting occasion that a US major and a K-Pop leading light have amalgamated their knowledge and vision.

The product of the collaboration proves it could be a winning formula for years to come, documented in the August-released Netflix show Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. The six-piece are vibrant in their sound and their multiculturalism alike. Consisting of Daniela (USA/Venezuela/Cuba), Lara (USA/India), Manon (Switzerland/Italy/Ghana), Megan (USA/China/Singapore), Sophia (Philippines), and Yoonchae (South Korea), the variety of styles and perspectives in the outfit is refreshing and progressive, and their sound pays dividends for it. Polished, potent and pop-centric, KATSEYE’s August-shared debut EP “SIS (Soft Is Strong)” is multi-layered and magnetic, a classy and curated work.

We caught up with the group, dissecting their journey up until now, the core of their chemistry, their experience at Dream Academy, and their debut EP.

Listen to “SIS (Soft Is Strong)”…

Read the exclusive interview…

Hey KATSEYE! How are you? How’s your summer? 
MEGAN: ⁠Hi!! We’ve had an incredible summer! As you know, we made our debut, and it’s been an unforgettable experience! So much has happened, and we’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. We released our EP, “SIS (Soft is Strong)”, had our first performance at KCON, held our first fan event, and so much more! This summer has truly been amazing!


How did you all form as a group? Was there a spark there right away? 
MANON: We went through a competition called Dream Academy where our training was inspired by HYBE’s  K-pop methodology, so this means we got dance and vocal training as well as performance classes, and through the process we were evaluated for our skills and abilities.The Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE really goes in depth on our pre-debut journey. There was definitely a spark right after we got announced as a group; having gone through such  rigorous training together, we could relate to each other in ways others might not. Now, as members of KATSEYE, our bond is stronger than ever. 

What is the core of the connection between you all? Where does the chemistry stem from?
LARA: Our passion for music and performing definitely is the core of our friendship, but if you go deeper, our humor is so similar and we are all really talkative and opinionated so there is never a dull moment with us. We also all love food and it’s literally the basis of our group. KATSEYE would be nothing without food.


You all have completely different backgrounds and cultures. How does this help in your world view as artists? 
DANIELA: Coming from a background with Spanish and Latino influence, combined with exposure to other different cultures, has tremendously influenced my perspective as an artist tremendously. It allows me to include aspects of my culture and worldwide influences in the way I see music and perform. It expands my creativity and openness to teamwork helping me to communicate with a larger, more varied global audience.


In what ways does your diversity shape and affect your sound? 
SOPHIA: Coming from so many different places around the world, we want to be able to touch a lot of people with our sound. We want our music to reach those who are like us and who look like us. Through our music and its message, we have so much of ourselves in it and we hope that our EYEKONS can find themselves in it too. 

What is the KATSEYE ethos? 
SOPHIA: Each of us went under the Kpop methodology as trainees which required a lot of hard work and dedication. We’re so grateful that all of the hours and sacrifices allow us to put on the best performances and truly blossom as artists. With so much to offer through our diversity, backgrounds, and talents, we hope we can catch the eyes of many.


Talk us through your journey on The Debut: Dream Academy. How was the experience? What did you learn? 
MEGAN: ⁠Our journey through The Debut: Dream Academy was truly unforgettable. It brought out a  whirlwind of emotions, but we’re all incredibly grateful for the experience. If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from that time, it’s the importance of letting go of the need to be perfect. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace confidence in who I am and what I have to offer.

What does your new Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE tackle? What is the show about? What are the key messages? 
DANIELA: The Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE narrates the tale of how we, the KATSEYE members, come together from all over the world to make our dream a reality and go through very intense and rigorous training to get ready for our big debut. It provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes peek at our journey by capturing the sacrifices, hard work, the sisterhood, and devotion we made in pursuit of our ambitions. The show also demonstrates the value and methodology of K-pop training and how we blended Western pop and K-pop elements to create something fresh, unique, and international.

Congratulations on your debut EP “SIS (Soft Is Strong)”! How are you feeling now it’s out in the world? 
MANON:Thank you so much. I am feeling so happy and excited since we’ve been working on this very intensely literally every single day for the past eight months so we are super excited with the outcome and how people are perceiving it, and it’s especially fulfilling to see people including our EYEKONS doing our dances.

What was the creative process behind creating the record? 
LARA: We really had to tap into our childhood memories for this project. I feel like a lot of feelings and things you go through as a girl growing up are reflected and talked about in “SIS”, especially in “My Way.” For some songs like “Debut” and “Tonight I Might” we tapped into a more carefree fun energy, and we got more emotional and vulnerable with the others.

What sonically influenced the EP? 
SOPHIA: We hope to create something special for us as KATSEYE and push boundaries with what we put out. Each of us also look up to many artists that simply inspire us everyday. We love many artists like the Pussycat Dolls, Le Sserafim, ENHYPEN, Blackpink, and Ariana Grande! 


What are the key themes and ideas that are explored lyrically? 
YOONCHAE: The key themes are exploring vulnerability and strength through confidence. We express a lot of raw feelings and true stories that many of us relate to and hope others can as well. In order for us to show this vulnerable side, it requires strength and courage. This soft and strong side are what we want our listeners to feel through our music. 

What is next for the group, short and long term? 
YOONCHAE: Soon, we want to put out some more music and have more experiences as new artists. We have a lot to learn and we’re so excited for everything ahead. Long term, we would love to attend award shows and maybe win some, tour the world, and capture the hearts of more EYEKONS!