The viral moment arrived at breakfast: global girl group KATSEYE performing their hit “Internet Girl” for the first time on November 15, 2025, at The Armory in Minneapolis. My daughter’s immediate reaction? “Play it again.” Suddenly, our morning wasn’t just about cereal; it was about shared fandom.
This isn’t unusual. Kids grow up faster now, and social media blurs generational lines. We share algorithms, and sometimes, that means sharing obsessions. The question isn’t if a 9-year-old should be a fan – it’s why it’s perfectly acceptable. KATSEYE is this generation’s Spice Girls, only more polished, more global, and with a stronger message of self-acceptance.
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The Rise of a Global Phenomenon
KATSEYE didn’t emerge overnight. Formed in 2023 through the HYBE Corporation and Geffen Records survival show “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE” (also known as “Dream Academy”), the group consists of six members from the U.S., South Korea, Switzerland, and the Philippines. Their diversity is deliberate: roots in Cuba, Venezuela, India, and Sweden enrich their global appeal.
Representation matters. Two members, Lara Raj and Megan Meiyok Skiendiel, are openly queer, providing visible representation for young fans. The group includes Sophia Laforteza from the Philippines, allowing biracial children like my own to see themselves reflected on stage.
The group’s aesthetic is bold, with “baddie vibes” and striking choreography. But beneath the surface lies a core of empowerment and diversity. My daughter, enrolled in dance, theater, and voice lessons, latched onto the chorus, learned the moves, and declared she wanted to be “bold like that.” That’s a win.
From Reality Show to Billboard Charts
KATSEYE debuted on June 28, 2024, with “Debut,” followed by their first EP, “SIS” (Soft Is Strong), on August 16, 2024. Their breakthrough came with the hyper-pop single “Gnarly” in April 2025, which quickly went viral. Then came “Gabriela,” a Latin-pop track with even more striking choreography.
Their second EP, “Beautiful Chaos,” dropped on June 27, 2025, debuting at No. 4 on the US Billboard 200. They didn’t stop there: a GAP denim commercial featuring the group and Kelis’ “Milkshake” cemented their pop-culture dominance.
This isn’t just a “cute girl group.” It’s a meticulously crafted global brand built on grit, talent, and strategic business moves.
The Making of KATSEYE: Hard Work Behind the Glamour
The group’s origins are rooted in the grueling reality of a survival show. The Netflix series documenting their formation revealed intense training, emotional breakdowns, and ruthless eliminations. Contestants cried, coaches pushed them, and musical boot camps tested their limits.
The process was brutal, but it produced a group of triple-threats: singers, dancers, and performers who earned their spots through sheer determination.
Balancing Freedom and Values
KATSEYE strikes a unique balance between creative expression and core values. Their music is fun and glossy, but their story is grounded in hard work. They train like athletes, face public scrutiny, and lift each other up under immense pressure.
What my daughter absorbs isn’t just a catchy beat. She witnesses diversity, empowerment, and the reality that success takes dedication. In a world saturated with manufactured perfection, KATSEYE offers a grounded message: work hard, be yourself, and earn your place.
In the end, this isn’t just a pop group. It’s a reflection of a generation that values authenticity, diversity, and resilience—qualities any parent can get behind.
