Video: KATSEYE — “Gabriela” (Official Music Video). Watch on YouTube
“Gabriela” offers a useful place to begin with KATSEYE. What appeals to me is the songwriting—the composition and lyrics—as well as the members’ vocal performances. Before getting into how the group was assembled or where it fits within pop, the song gives listeners something concrete to respond to: the music itself.
That is the approach I prefer for understanding KATSEYE. Their background matters, but their music and group identity deserve attention on their own terms. With the North American leg of the WILDWORLD Tour approaching, this is a good moment to meet the members, explore a few key songs, and check whether a show is coming nearby.
Who Is KATSEYE?
KATSEYE is a Los Angeles-based global girl group created through HYBE and Geffen Records’ joint project. The final six members were announced in November 2023 through The Debut: Dream Academy. Their first single, “Debut,” followed on June 28, 2024.
The distinction between formation and musical debut is worth keeping clear: the lineup came together in 2023, while their recording career began in 2024. Their first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), arrived that August.
K-pop’s artist-development system is part of their foundation. Still, to my ears, KATSEYE feels different from the Korean girl groups and boy groups I associate with K-pop. I find it more useful to focus on their songs and performances than to make that connection the main explanation for their appeal.
Meet the Six Members
The official member roster lists Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae. The locations below follow the group’s official introduction; they describe hometown backgrounds rather than each member’s full cultural heritage.
| Member | Hometown in the official introduction |
|---|---|
| Daniela | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Lara | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Manon | Lucerne, Switzerland |
| Megan | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Sophia | Manila, Philippines |
| Yoonchae | Seoul, South Korea |
Different Backgrounds, One Shared Performance
Beyond the music, what interests me is how people raised in different cultural environments build a working group. A shared rehearsal schedule is only one part of that process. Agreeing on expectations, communicating, and finding space for individual personalities are questions that make their formation worth exploring.
A training system that emphasizes coordination and shared standards raises an interesting question: how does a group develop cohesion while allowing its members to remain individuals?
For readers interested in that background, Netflix’s Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE documents the development process. It is separate from The Debut: Dream Academy, the audition project through which the final lineup was selected.
Start with “Gabriela,” Then Explore the Catalog
“Gabriela”: the song I would play first
My strongest connection so far is with “Gabriela.” I like the composition and lyrics, and the members’ singing is another reason the song stands out to me.
For a first listen, there is no need to memorize every name. Start with the song, then watch again and notice how the different performers contribute to it.
Watch “Gabriela” — Official Music Video on YouTube
“Debut”: return to their starting point
“Debut” is useful for understanding how KATSEYE first introduced itself. Watching it alongside later releases gives a new listener a starting point for comparing the group’s presentation over time.
Watch “Debut” — Official Music Video on YouTube
From “Touch” and “Gnarly” to WILD
“Touch” belongs to their first EP era. “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” preceded the second EP, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, according to the group’s official biography. That provides a measurable milestone beyond social-media attention.
Their third EP, WILD, was released on August 14, 2026. Its standard track list includes “PINKY UP,” “Animal,” “Hootie Frutti,” “Bel Air,” and “That Way.” “Hootie Frutti” offers a more recent point of reference before checking the tour.
Watch “Hootie Frutti” — Official Music Video on YouTube
These songs are listening suggestions, not a confirmed concert set list.
A Brief Note on Member Availability
Official announcements described Manon’s temporary break as time to focus on health and wellbeing, and Sophia’s as a pause prioritizing mental health and wellness, with rest and ongoing care. Those announcements do not establish a confirmed return date. The six-member roster should therefore not be treated as a guarantee that all six will appear at a particular show; check the latest official notices before attending.
Find a WILDWORLD Tour Show Near You
Live Nation announced the tour’s North American leg would begin October 13, 2026, in Miami. Below are selected announced U.S. dates, rather than a complete list of every performance or added show.
| 2026 date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 13 | Miami, FL | Kaseya Center |
| October 24 | Belmont Park, NY | UBS Arena |
| November 5 | Chicago, IL | United Center |
| November 14 | Las Vegas, NV | MGM Grand Garden Arena |
| November 17 | Seattle, WA | Climate Pledge Arena |
| November 19 | Oakland, CA | Oakland Arena |
| November 21 | Los Angeles, CA | Crypto.com Arena |
Check KATSEYE dates and ticket availability on Ticketmaster
Use the current event page to confirm the date, venue, total ticket price, and any age or entry restrictions. For participating members and group updates, consult KATSEYE’s official notices.
If “Gabriela” catches your attention, explore a few more songs and check the nearest U.S. date. The music is a good starting point; a nearby performance may be your next step.