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INTERVIEW KATSEYE reflects on AMA wins as group prepares new release
From left, girl group KATSEYE members Lara, Daniela, Megan, Yoonchae and Sophia perform during the Governors Ball Music Festival at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City, June 5. AP-Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
Global girl group talks Korean promotions, team bond ahead of August comeback
Girl group KATSEYE is having its moment.
It recently swept all three of its nominations at the 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) on May 25: New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for "Gnarly" and Breakthrough Pop Artist.
"We never expected to go home with all three awards that night," Sophia said in a written interview with The Korea Times.
For a group that debuted less than two years ago, the achievement marks an important milestone in the group's rapid rise.
KATSEYE was formed through the 2023 competition reality show "The Debut: Dream Academy," and the members went through the K-pop trainee system, involving months of vocal and dance training under a survival format.
Signed jointly under HYBE Labels and Geffen Records, the group debuted in August 2024 with its first EP "SIS (Soft Is Strong)," positioning itself as a bridge between the K-pop world and Western pop audiences.
While KATSEYE was conceived as a global pop act, its connection to Korea remains strong. Korea is often among the first stops on the group's promotional schedule, and its members credit the country's music industry with helping them grow as performers.
"I think Korean music shows are one of the best places to showcase performance. They capture every detail so well, from the choreography to our facial expressions," Yoonchae told The Korea Times. "It’s such a unique environment for performers, and it’s helped us show who KATSEYE is on stage. We’ve also had so much fun meeting our Korean fans, and it’s been really special to connect with them while promoting in Korea."
The group's admiration for Korean artists extends beyond the stage. During its AMAs acceptance speech, KATSEYE expressed gratitude to those who helped shape its journey, including BTS and HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk.
"It felt right to acknowledge those who have given us inspiration and guided us through our journey," Sophia said.
From left, Lara, Sophia, Megan, Daniela and Yoonchae of girl group KATSEYE pose with the New Artist of the Year award at the American Music Awards, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, May 25. EPA-Yonhap
The group's growing recognition has been accompanied by commercial success. Its debut EP introduced listeners to tracks including "Touch," which became one of KATSEYE's most widely recognized songs and helped expand its international audience.
More recently, KATSEYE released the single "PINKY UP," which reached new chart highs for the group, including placements on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.K. Official Singles Chart.
Following the release, the group traveled to Korea for a packed promotional schedule. The KATSEYE members arrived at Incheon International Airport in late April and quickly began a series of fan and broadcast appearances, including a Weverse fan signing event and performances on major music programs such as Mnet's "M Countdown," MBC's "Show! Music Core" and SBS' "Inkigayo."
Global girl group KATSEYE poses at the famous staircase at SBS' studio for "Inkigayo," the broadcaster's long-running music show, Gangseo District, Seoul, May 3. Captured from KATSEYE's Instagram
Beyond its activities in Korea, KATSEYE has continued to expand its presence on international stages, including major music festivals in North America.
Asked how the group approaches different types of performances, Megan said the preparation often depends on the venue and audience.
"Korean music shows feel really detail-oriented and fast-paced — there's a lot of focus on precision, camera angles and making every little moment count," she said. "When we perform overseas or at festivals, the energy feels bigger and more spontaneous. The biggest thing we've learned is how to adapt while still making sure it always feels like us on stage."
Global girl group KATSEYE performs during the 2026 American Music Awards in Las Vegas, May 25. Reuters-Yonhap
As KATSEYE's profile continues to grow, the group is already looking ahead to its next chapter.
Its upcoming release, "WILD," scheduled for August, represents what the members describe as their most confident project yet.
Daniela laid out the arc simply: “SIS” was the introduction, “Beautiful Chaos” was the embrace of duality, while "WILD" is something closer to a full arrival.
“‘WILD’ represents freedom,” she said. “We’re taking bigger risks than ever, having more fun and showing a side of ourselves that’s bolder and more confident than ever before.”
Lara echoed the sentiment, calling the album more personal in sound. “We’re exploring a more fun and authentic sound with 'WILD.' There’s more heart in this one.”
The confidence, the members say, comes in part from the bond they have built through years of training and shared experiences, from major award shows and festival stages to countless hours in rehearsal rooms.
Sophia said, “We’ve built such a safe space with each other, full of honesty, confrontation, empathy and understanding. We know what we’re feeling or thinking with just one look.”
To end, Lara said, “KATSEYE is here to stay and keep evolving. We are really hungry to keep creating and delivering new performances.”