KATSEYE: A Rebirth of The Girl Group?

Image Credit: Warmtoned via Wikimedia Commons

For a while, it felt like the music world had misplaced one of its most essential ingredients: the girl group. The synchronised choreography, coordinated outfits, harmonic riffs and unmistakable sisterhood once championed by the Spice Girls and TLC faded into nostalgia as trends shifted and solo artists became the default setting. For years, the question lingered: where did all the girl groups go?

Then came 2023: the announcement of HYBE x Geffen’s brand new survival show The Debut: Dream Academy. The result? A global girl group that took the music world by storm - KATSEYE.

KATSEYE didn’t just debut - they were handpicked, shaped and engineered to perfection. What started off as hundreds of thousands of global auditions was narrowed down to twenty trainees, all competing for six coveted spots in what we now know as KATSEYE. 

Unlike typical casting processes, Dream Academy felt like a study in global pop sociology. Its seamless blending of rigorous K-Pop training schedules with the authentic, personality-focused nature of Western music made HYBE x Geffen’s message clear: talent can come from anyone and anywhere.

The process was intense, emotional, and surprisingly, relatable. The late-night rehearsals? We’ve all pulled an all-nighter trying to meet a deadline. The looming evaluations? Uncomfortably similar to the impending doom of trekking to the ExCeL Centre for exams. The pressure-cooker environment? We are no strangers to the challenging nature of university.

After months of intense training, evaluations and internet-wide discourse, KATSEYE was formed. The final product? A magnetic blend of cultures, personalities and artistic strengths. Each member offers something unique and distinct, from powerhouse vocals to hypnotic stage presence and dance moves that don’t seem physically possible (just look at Daniela dance!). They sound like a global playlist come to life; a blend of intense pop, subtle R&B, and a futuristic polish that borrows from K-pop, Western pop and the internet’s evolving soundscape.

But what’s most captivating is how the girls fit together. Instead of smoothing out their differences to form one individual image, each girl leans into their own. The members differ drastically: from Sophia’s preppy attire to Lara’s street-style aesthetic, the group strikes a balance between sleek, traditional girl-group and something more spontaneous. Their aesthetic blends Y2K revival, modern streetwear, and unique cultural elements from each of the girls’ backgrounds - exactly the kind of mix doing numbers on Gen Z moodboards. 

For students, part of KATSEYE’s charm lies in how recognisable they feel. They resemble a group of friends that directly reflects our own circles - diverse, tight-knit, and unapologetically themselves. Their lively, chaotic energy and dynamic edge resonate strongly with student fans who see themselves represented in each of the girls.

So, are girl groups really back?

KATSEYE has arrived at a pivotal moment; the industry is wide open, streaming culture is dominating, and audiences are craving authentic, transparent representation. Whether KATSEYE becomes the blueprint for a new wave of girl groups, or simply opens the door for others, their impact is unmistakable. They’re not just reviving a format - they’re reinventing it for a brand new era.

One thing is certain: the girl-group renaissance may finally be here.