The culturally diverse girl group KATSEYE, now temporarily down two members, is eager to show a more raw and authentic side through its upcoming EP and tour, as well as the concert film "KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS," which arrives in theaters worldwide on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles-based group, formed in 2023, has two members on hiatus. Sophia Laforteza became the second KATSEYE member to take a break for mental health and wellness reasons on August 7. Manon Bannerman's hiatus was announced on February 20.
"She (Manon), no matter what, will always be a part of KATSEYE. I think it's a lovely thing for us and the fans to see the true, full journey," Indian American singer Lara Raj told Reuters, referring to Manon's appearance in the documentary.
Before Sophia's departure was announced, Lara described the Filipino American singer as KATSEYE's official leader.
"I think she has always been meant to be the leader, and she feels like the roots of the tree, and we're like the branches that branch out," Lara said.
South Korean entertainment company Hybe (352820.KS) and Geffen said in a joint statement on social media that Sophia's condition will be reassessed in September. The group's "WILD WORLD TOUR" begins on September 1.
The multinational group, whose members go mainly by their first names, won success by blending the performance training model of K-pop with Western pop influences. Its hit singles include "Touch," "Gnarly" and the Grammy-nominated "Gabriela."
FROM CONTEST TO CONCERT TOURS
"KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS" chronicles the group's formation and rise, revisiting their time as finalists on Hybe and Geffen's 2023 Netflix (NFLX.O) competition series "The Debut: Dream Academy."
"Looking back, I was a wreck most of the time," Megan said, laughing.
"I think it really prepared me for now, to this coming day, being an artist, to being in front of the public eye," the Hawaiian native added, reflecting on the criticism from Hybe experts faced by contestants during the show.
The group is determined to keep flourishing with future projects.
Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung expressed excitement about the group's upcoming releases.
"We have a lot more songs, Lara's song that she wrote," Megan said, highlighting new music including "Unloveu," which Lara co-wrote and co-produced for KATSEYE's "Wild" EP, to be released on August 14.
The Hawaiian native added that fans can also expect favorites such as "Pinky Up," which became a social media hit that gained traction across TikTok, YouTube Shorts and other platforms through its quirky hook and playful choreography.
Romanian singer and songwriter Sorana, one of the song's co-writers, recalled drawing inspiration from the overly refined style of people who extend their pinky fingers while sipping from a tea cup.
