From reality-TV hopefuls to international sensations, KATSEYE’s rapid rise marks one of the most remarkable success stories in recent pop history. In just under two years, this six-member girl group has transformed from contestants into global pop icons, captivating fans with their infectious energy and breakout hits like “Touch” and “Gnarly.” As KATSEYE continues to build a name destined for an even brighter future, here’s a deep dive into their journey—from their early beginnings to their recent breakthrough.
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Pre-Debut
Several KATSEYE members had a long history in dance, television, and the entertainment industry before debuting with the group. Daniela began competitive dancesport at just three years old and appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2013 at the age of 8. In 2016, she was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation. Sophia has music in her blood—her mother is Carla Guevara Laforteza, a renowned musical theatre actress. Sophia even appeared on Family Feud Philippines in 2022. Megan, like Daniela, has been a professional dancer since childhood. Lara pursued acting and singing early on, even appearing in a campaign video for Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance. Manon rose to social media fame in 2021 by sharing fashion and lifestyle videos on TikTok and Instagram.
August 2023 – The Debut: Dream Academy Begins
The six future members crossed paths when HYBE and Geffen launched The Debut: Dream Academy, a high-stakes global competition aimed at creating a new girl group. Thousands auditioned, but only 20 made the initial cut, each dreaming of stardom.
November 2023 – KATSEYE Is Formed
Following intense performances and global fan voting, six finalists earned their place: Manon, Lara, Daniela, Megan, Jeong Yoon‑chae, and Sophia. Rebranded as KATSEYE—a nod to the gemstone chrysoberyl—the group officially took shape.
June/July 2024 – Official Debut
KATSEYE unveiled “Debut” as their first official single, paired with a striking music video. In July, they had a major breakthrough with the second single, “Touch,” which exploded on TikTok and streaming platforms.
August 2024 – Docuseries Launch
Netflix premiered Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, a docuseries that pulled back the curtain on the group’s formation. The show attracted a global fanbase and helped solidify the group’s early momentum.
August 2024 – Debut EP
KATSEYE released their debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), under HYBE x Geffen. The project introduced them as one of the most exciting new acts to watch. It marked their first appearances on major charts, including No. 119 on the Billboard 200 and No. 45 on the UK Albums Chart.
May 2025 – Enter “Gnarly”
Less than a year after debuting, KATSEYE launched a bold new era with “Gnarly,” showcasing a grittier, more experimental sound. The single entered both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, proving the group’s rapid global rise.
June 2025 – Breakthrough With “Gabriela”
“Gabriela,” the second pre-release single from Beautiful Chaos, blended moody R&B, Latin flair, and cinematic storytelling. It climbed into Spotify’s Global Top 10 and became their biggest hit to date, peaking at No. 42 on the UK Singles Chart.
June 2025 – Sophomore EP: Beautiful Chaos
KATSEYE released Beautiful Chaos, a five-track EP exploring themes of modern girlhood and the intersection of digital and real-life identities. Anchored by hits like “Gnarly” and “Gabriela,” the EP received widespread acclaim. The project landed at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, marking the group’s first top 10 entry on the prestigious chart.
August 2025 – A Memorable Summer
Summer 2025 was nothing short of magical for KATSEYE. “Gabriela” quickly became their biggest hit, reaching the top 10 on Spotify and peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their momentum expanded to the stage. Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae took the Lollapalooza stage in early August, and it was historic. An estimated 85,000 people flooded Grant Park to catch KATSEYE’s set. According to festival organizers, this was the largest early-afternoon audience in Lollapalooza’s history, breaking all prior attendance records for that time slot.
November 2025 – Unexpected Grammy Nominations
KATSEYE closed out the year on a high note—and with a surprise. They received two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards: Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Gabriela.” Building on that momentum, they launched the Beautiful Chaos Tour, their first-ever tour.
January 2026 – “Internet Girl” Ahead of a Massive New Year
KATSEYE kicked off the new year with new music. During the Beautiful Chaos Tour, the group debuted the single “Internet Girl,” which was officially released on January 2. The track earned the group their highest debut yet on the Daily Global Spotify Chart (No. 13) and also entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 29. That same month, KATSEYE were announced as performers at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking yet another milestone in their fast-rising career.
February 2026 — Debut Album Teased; Manon Goes on Indefinite Hiatus
In early February, all six members appeared as guests on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. For the first time, KATSEYE teased their debut full-length album, describing it as “colorful,” “energetic,” “hot,” “fun,” and “fierce.” Their rising momentum extended beyond music, with a State Farm commercial airing during the Super Bowl on February 8.
On February 20, an unexpected announcement shifted the group’s trajectory. Management revealed that Manon would be taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her health and well-being. The remaining five members—Daniela, Lara, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae—continued with scheduled appearances, emphasizing a “we can’t leave anybody behind” mindset in subsequent interviews.
The news sparked widespread discussion about KATSEYE’s future, with speculation surrounding the reasons behind the hiatus. While no official details were provided, some online conversations pointed to concerns about racism, though these claims remain unconfirmed.
March 2026 — KATSEYE Move Forward as Five
A few weeks after the hiatus announcement, Daniela, Yoonchae, Sophia, Lara, and Megan returned to the stage for the first time in 2026. The group launched a series of festival appearances across South America, navigating ongoing questions about Manon’s absence.
On March 13, Sophia addressed the situation publicly for the first time, expressing support for her bandmate. During their set at Lollapalooza Argentina, she told the crowd, “Let’s give it up for Manon!”
By the end of the month, KATSEYE officially announced new music. The group confirmed the release of their new single “Pinky Up” for April 9, just one day ahead of their highly anticipated Coachella debut. Fans quickly noticed that Manon did not interact with the announcement, further fueling speculation about her involvement.
April 2026 — “Pinky Up” Era and Coachella Breakthrough
Questions surrounding Manon’s presence on “Pinky Up” were gradually answered in the days leading up to its release. She did not appear in any video teasers or concept photos, though some fans initially believed she may still feature on the track if it had been recorded prior to her hiatus.
However, speculation intensified after the first music video teaser dropped without her. Shortly after, Manon removed “KATSEYE” from her Instagram bio, leading many fans to believe she may no longer be part of the group.
The days leading up to the release were dominated by fan theories and online discourse. When “Pinky Up” arrived on April 9, alongside a striking, high-energy music video, Manon was not only absent from the visuals but also from the song itself. Many fans interpreted this as a clear signal of her departure, calling on HYBE and Geffen to provide clarity.
Despite the uncertainty, the single delivered strong commercial results. The music video earned over 7.2 million views in its first 24 hours, marking the group’s biggest YouTube debut to date, while also securing a solid entry on Spotify ahead of their Coachella performance.
On April 10, KATSEYE made their highly anticipated debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Sahara Stage). The performance drew a massive crowd, with Daniela, Sophia, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae delivering a standout set that showcased their stage presence and cohesion as a five-member group. The set also featured a surprise collaboration with HUNTR/X—Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami—for the Oscar-winning track “Golden.”
Following the performance, “Pinky Up” surged across streaming platforms, reaching No. 10 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs USA and No. 13 on the Global chart within 24 hours.
Hours before their Coachella debut, the group appeared on Apple Music with Zane Lowe, where Sophia addressed the situation more directly. “Manon has been on hiatus, and we love her so much,” she shared. “We know she’s doing well, and she got to talk to the fans about it. We’re just really excited and rooting for all of us and each other.” She continued with a message of unity: “We’ve gotten through so much together… we all just want each other to win, be okay, and feel good.” Sophia also emphasized the importance of staying focused on their audience, adding that the group must continue to “show up for the fans.”
The Rest Is Unwritten
KATSEYE’s story is still unfolding. While hopes for Manon’s return remain strong, the group continues to rise as a five-member act. If the past two years are any indication, their next chapter may be their most defining yet.
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