KATSEYE members (from left) Megan, Lara, Sophia, Manon, Yoonchae and Daniela. Image: Courtesy of HYBE and Geffen Records
Even though it’s been two months since their debut, KATSEYE has big dreams for their careers — almost to the point where they love to “manifest” their goals in the years to come.
KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through the reality show “The Debut: Dream Academy” managed by HYBE and Geffen Records. The group consists of six members: Sophia Laforteza (Philippines), Lara Rajagopalan (United States), Jeong Yoon-chae (South Korea), Megan Meiyok Skiendiel (United States), Daniela Avanzini (United States) and Manon Bannerman (Switzerland).
The girl group, currently in the Philippines as part of their Asia tour, shared that they love to set goals when asked where they see themselves in five years.
“We love to manifest and set goals for ourselves. One common thing for us is headlining Coachella. Probably perform in a stadium in the Philippines,” Manon said in a press conference in Pasay City.
Meanwhile, Lara and Sophia hope they will have the chance to perform at the Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) – and receive a Grammy – in the future. Daniela, for her part, said performing in each of the members’ home countries would be an “amazing” experience.
KATSEYE members (from left) Lara, Yoonchae, Daniela, Manon, Megan and Sophia during their press conference in Manila. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
KATSEYE – who hopes to collaborate with Liza Soberano and Niana Guerrero – were shocked when they were informed during the press conference that “Touch” made it to Billboard Philippines’ Hot 100 chart.
“I think ‘Touch’ is resonating with a lot of people, its sound and choreography and how much we put into it, and the attention behind it, we’re so, so grateful and happy that people are resonating with the song,” Sophia said of the group’s single.
“Every time we see it on our TikTok and Instagram, we giggle and send links on our group chat of people doing covers, just reaching this audience – which is home-based – really warms my heart,” she continued.
Yoonchae, who was listening attentively to her bandmates throughout, said she enjoys seeing their fans (known as Eyekons) have their own interpretations of the single on social media as well.
On dreaming
The female sextet also hope that their story will inspire their supporters to chase their dreams while noting that it’s okay to be “kind” to themselves.
“Anything is possible. Just go for it. I feel like we all grew up seeing people like us in this position and being pop stars as impossible,” Lara recalled. “One of our biggest missions as KATSEYE is to make people feel like they can have it too. And this is something that can happen to them.”
Daniela then chimed in, saying that achieving one’s dream is possible as long as you’re willing to put in the work. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t be such a perfectionist.”
“We ourselves go through that. It’s okay to be kind to yourself,” she continued. “Like Lara said, just follow your dreams. You can do anything if you put in the work.”
KATSEYE in a concept photo for “SIS (Soft Is Strong).” Image: Courtesy of HYBE and Geffen Records
Meanwhile, Sophia said being the leader of KATSEYE taught her that learning never stops, which allowed the group’s members to come together despite coming from different parts of the world.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you never stop learning. Staying open-minded with a lot of things that come your way will make you grow, not only as a person but also as an artist,” she said. “It allowed us to work with each other and reach the goal we’re heading towards, which is connecting with the world.”
On ‘SIS (Soft Is Strong),’ gratitude
Touching on their debut EP “SIS (Soft Is Strong),” Lara said it centers on KATSEYE’s “sisterhood” and serves as an empowering message to their listeners. It contains five tracks: “Debut,” “Touch,” “My Way,” “I’m Pretty” and “Tonight I Might.”
“Our album ‘SIS,’ like sister, is about the sisterhood of our group — is the message that we want to share [with] our listeners. But I also feel like through the songs, we want people to feel like the best version of themselves, to feel confident, but also vulnerable and real,” said Lara.
The album is said to be KATSEYE’s way of comforting their fans as well, especially when it comes to dealing with the “real parts of being a girl.”
“I feel like the songs really talk about the real parts of being a girl and growing up. Sometimes, it’s not always the most fun and happy experience, so we want people to be able to relate and feel seen,” Lara further explained.
KATSEYE members (from left) Lara, Yoonchae, Daniela, Manon, Megan and Sophia during their press conference in Manila. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
The girl group is aware they still have a long way to go, but they’re grateful for the support from their labels, parents and fans.
“We have so much gratitude [to our agencies] for believing in us and putting so much faith in us. And especially our parents who put so much work in [raising] us. I think we would say how proud we are of each other, and how far we’ve come, especially with the journey you all saw with ‘Popstar Academy: KATSEYE,’” she continued.
“It’s a long, long journey, but it was all worth it in the end,” said Megan. Sophia, for her part, said their Eyekons are the reason why they’re able to shine onstage.
“I feel like who we want to thank [the most] are our Eyekons. Everything that we have [is possible] with our Eyekons. We wouldn’t be here onstage and be here in a girl group without them,” she said.