music

How Katseye became the world’s biggest girl group

Their raucous pop music has made Katseye the biggest girl band in two decades. Can they weather toxic fandom, critical pans and a dwindling member count?

How Katseye became the world’s biggest girl group

TL;DR

  • Katseye, a global girl group, has risen to prominence by combining Western pop individualism with K-pop's rigorous training and choreography.
  • Their success is heavily attributed to their dedicated fanbase, Eyekons, and their strategic use of social media, including viral trends and relatable content.
  • The group has secured major marketing deals and achieved significant commercial success, including a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 with their EP 'Wild'.
  • Katseye has also faced substantial challenges, including racist and sexist harassment, death threats, rumors of internal tensions, and temporary health-related hiatuses for members Manon and Sophia.
  • Despite commercial triumphs, critics have offered mixed reviews of their music, citing sonic incohesiveness and a lack of standout solo moments.
  • The intense demands of the K-pop and Western pop industries, coupled with public scrutiny, raise concerns about the group's sustainability and long-term artistic development.