Recommended tracks: “Gnarly,” “M.I.A,” “Gameboy”
Artists you may like: aespa, Charli XCX, Flo, LE SSERAFIM
Global pop girl group KATSEYE has released their second EP, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, marking a bold new chapter just one year after their debut.
Formed through a K-pop-style survival competition, the group was created by Korean entertainment company HYBE and Los Angeles-based Geffen Records. Their formation and rise were documented in the Netflix series Popstar Academy, which drew viewers in with its intense and extensive training process. While KATSEYE may still be a new name to some, the group’s mission of inclusivity and relatability has earned them a rapidly growing global fan base.
A key aspect of KATSEYE’s appeal lies in its diverse lineup. The members, Daniela (Cuban-Venezuelan American), Lara (Indian), Manon (Ghanaian Italian), Megan (Chinese American), Sophia (Filipina), and Yoonchae (Korean), represent a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, reinforcing their vision of global representation. HYBE and Geffen aimed to create a group in which fans from around the world could see themselves reflected. That inclusive vision sets KATSEYE apart from other acts.
Beyond music, KATSEYE has also drawn attention for their openness on social media. Members Lara and Megan have publicly come out as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, a significant step for artists under a Korean label. Their transparency has resonated with fans and further solidified the group’s image as genuine and relatable.
In recent years, girl groups have taken a back seat in the Western music industry. But with the rise of acts like FLO and now KATSEYE, a new wave is emerging. Drawing inspiration from legendary groups like Destiny’s Child, TLC, and the Spice Girls, they blend nostalgic influence with modern flair to create their own identities in an industry dominated by solo artists.
KATSEYE kicked off the BEAUTIFUL CHAOS rollout with lead single “Gnarly,” a high-energy track powered by bold choreography and a confident tone. The song marks a sonic shift from their debut EP, moving away from soft pop toward a more experimental and edgy sound.
“Gabriela” plays like a modern-day “Jolene” (Dolly Parton), with lyrics warning a romantic rival: “You could have anyone else you wanted to / I’m begging you / Hands off, Gabriela.” The song carries a sultry Latin undertone. While the message is serious and bold, its playful, sassy tone brings balance. The track also features KATSEYE’s first verse delivered entirely in Spanish, performed by member Daniela, another nod to their global mission.
“Gameboy” leans into a fun, futuristic sound with glitchy electronic effects and video game-inspired cues. Lyrically, the song flips the script on romantic clichés: “You’re just a game boy / I ain’t trying to play, boy / I ain’t thinkin’ about you.” It showcases the group’s unapologetic, charismatic attitude with a hint of sass.
“Mean Girls” slows things down slightly with a more reflective but bass-heavy approach with trap-influenced synths, similar to artists like PinkPantheress or NewJeans. The song sends a message of empowerment, offering forgiveness to mean girls, speaking directly about the scrutiny artists often face online.
Closing out the project is “M.I.A.,” a fiery, upbeat track that sounds like a cross between BLACKPINK and Charli XCX. With punchy lyrics and playful autotune, the group declares their right to peace and fun, making it clear that they won’t let drama get in the way of their good time.
With BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, KATSEYE reintroduces themselves as a fearless, boundary-pushing group determined to make space for representation, individuality, and fun in pop music’s next era.
Keep up with KATSEYE: Website // Instagram // Youtube // X // TikTok
