KATSEYE Allure Interview: Full English Translation | July 2026 Magazine

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Japanese Translation: Here

 

SOPHIA & DANIELA & LARA & MEGAN & YOONCHAE

 

KATSEYE’s cover shoot, a global project jointly produced by Allure Korea, the United States, and the Philippines, took place over two days in Los Angeles, where the members live.

When I met the members on set in the middle of the shoot, they spoke several times not only about their hunger for success, but also about how seriously each of them takes food. It did not seem like polite small talk intended simply to establish common ground.

After finishing their hair and makeup, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae settled onto a large brown leather sofa in the waiting room before the interview officially began. Almost instinctively, they reached for the snacks around them.

They tore open bags of Takis nacho chips and jalapeño chips without hesitation, then helped themselves to generous spoonfuls of Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream. There was nothing affected or self-conscious about the way they ate.

Perhaps it was the mountain of snacks, the lively chatter that never seemed to stop, or the way they lounged so comfortably across the sofa, but the room felt more like a university sorority house than the set of a major magazine shoot.

Anyone who has ever lived in a dormitory will know that interviews rarely proceed quickly amid this kind of commotion. This is especially true when the people sitting in front of you are internationally renowned pop stars with schedules packed from morning to night.

The members repeatedly apologized for the chaotic atmosphere. Then Megan suddenly announced that she thought she might be breaking out in hives. She moved closer to Sophia and asked her to check whether her suspicion was correct.

After one small commotion after another, I finally received an answer to my first question 15 minutes after the interview had begun.

None of this should be taken as a complaint. Watching them chat, share snacks, and briefly catch their breath felt more like an ordinary glimpse into the lives of young people their age.

Over the past few years, KATSEYE has raced forward without pause, evolving from an experimental project into one of the next generation’s most prominent musical icons.

They have received two Grammy Award nominations and proved themselves on the ceremony stage in front of fellow artists, 14.4 million viewers around the world, and EYEKONS, the name of KATSEYE’s fandom.

This year, they made their Coachella debut, performing songs from their first two EPs, SIS (Soft Is Strong) and BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, as well as their recently released track “PINKY UP.”

More good news arrived during the shoot. Reports announced that the world tour celebrating the release of their third EP, WILD, featuring shows in 27 cities across 10 countries, had sold out in just 48 hours.

Two days after the Allure shoot, KATSEYE went on to win every category in which they had been nominated at the 2026 American Music Awards, taking home three awards in total.

Even if the addictive choruses of their signature tracks “PINKY UP” and “Gnarly” have yet to become familiar, there is a good chance you have encountered the members’ faces somewhere on social media.

KATSEYE has already expanded its presence as the face of major brands including Fendi, Laneige, Coach, Pandora, Lush, and Glossier.

Their global campaign for the American denim brand Gap became especially viral. Do you remember Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle jeans campaign? The advertisement faced intense criticism over the phrase “Good Genes,” which many felt evoked ideas associated with eugenics.

Soon afterward, KATSEYE took center stage in Gap’s denim campaign. Dancing freely to Kelis’s hit song “Milkshake,” each member showcased her own personality. The video received an explosive response for its message of diversity and inclusion.

With members representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including Filipino, Cuban-Venezuelan, Ghanaian-Italian-Swiss, Indian, Chinese Singaporean, and Korean heritage, KATSEYE was widely seen as the strongest possible response to the controversy surrounding the idea of “good genes.”

Despite their packed schedules, every member arrived on set exactly at the agreed time, with one exception. Lara had to receive treatment at the hospital.

That day, she had undergone an MRI for back pain and even received a steroid injection before coming to the shoot. Perhaps appointments like these are simply part of everyday life for a global pop star.

“To do this job, you have to become almost superhuman,” Sophia said.

Lara is not the only member who has endured injuries along the way. The others have also pushed through various physical setbacks to reach this point.

Megan had to suspend her activities for three months last year because of a back injury. She explained that it was caused by not having enough time to recover properly.

In that sense, beginning to prioritize their health represents a significant change for the members. Lara admitted that what worried her most was the fact that she had arrived late because of her hospital appointment.

“I was terrified that people would think I was unprofessional because I was late after going to the hospital. My legs were trembling.”

Despite injuries both large and small, KATSEYE continues to move forward quietly and without pause. Perhaps they were destined for this from the very beginning.

KATSEYE is the product of an ambitious collaboration between HYBE, the company behind BTS, and the American record label Geffen Records.

Chosen from 120,000 applicants around the world, the members were shaped into global superstars through an intensive training program based on the K-pop system.

At first, they were fellow trainees working toward the same goal. Then the situation changed in an unexpected way.

When they entered the global audition program The Debut: Dream Academy, they suddenly went from teammates to fierce competitors who had to outperform one another.

Their struggle to secure a place in the final lineup was broadcast through YouTube, Weverse, and Abema. The finale, during which the six final members were announced, was streamed live on November 17, 2023.

The journey was later adapted into the Netflix documentary series Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. Across eight episodes, the series followed 20 trainees as they were narrowed down to six through fan voting and evaluations from mentors.

Now, three years later, how do the members look back on that period?

“There were so many difficult moments,” Lara recalled.

“People who watched the show often tell us, ‘You went through so much.’ Whenever they say that, I think to myself that what they saw was only a tiny part of it.”

The other members nodded in agreement.

Much of what they endured never made it into the final edit. Many of the trainees who eventually joined the debut lineup struggled with injuries. They broke down countless times and had to find the strength to stand back up. It was a period when the tears rarely stopped.

The process was not easy for Yoonchae, the group’s only Korean member, either. Having trained from a young age with the goal of becoming an idol, she spent most of her time alone before joining KATSEYE.

“I was always taking lessons or practicing by myself. I ate alone every day, too. I was incredibly lonely,” Yoonchae recalled quietly.

In one episode of The Debut: Dream Academy, Lara was told by a mentor that she needed to tone down her strong personality.

After receiving that feedback, she said she felt she had to become a completely different person in order to debut.

“Contestants who did not naturally fit the identity of KATSEYE struggled in ways similar to me,” she said. “But I had a goal I absolutely had to achieve, so I held myself back. It was definitely worth it, but even so, it felt as though the process was eating away at my soul.”

The gap between KATSEYE’s original identity and the members they were becoming marked a major turning point, both for the group and for each individual member.

“If we had not sworn during our first livestream or spoken openly about what we believed, we would not be who we are today,” Megan said firmly.

“To have an impact in any field, you have to be willing to break the rules. The same is true in the music industry. People who only follow the rules never make history. If there is something you want, you have to speak up.”

Their self-expression, of course, is not limited to music or creative work.

After their debut, Megan and Lara came out as members of the LGBTQ+ community during a livestream and spoke proudly about their queer identities.

During a live performance of “PINKY UP,” Lara wore a T-shirt printed with the phrase “Protect the Dolls,” a message of support for transgender women.

The shirt was created by American designer Conner Ives, who donates all proceeds from its sales to an LGBTQ+ organization in the United Kingdom.

The music video also featured cameo appearances by several transgender artists, including Vivian Jenna Wilson, Mel 4Ever, Saturn Risin9, Vhex, and Katalina.

“I can love anyone,” Lara said calmly. “People often try to define someone’s sexuality based on the partners they have seen them with publicly.”

“I have never spoken about this openly before, but I have dated many women. Being in a relationship with a woman is a beautiful experience, and it is a very important part of my life and my identity.”

Megan agreed with Lara.

“I came out as bisexual, but dating a man does not change that identity,” she said. “Fans may not know this, but my first partner was a woman.”

“Whether it is your race, your identity, or anything else, if that is who you are, then you should simply be yourself. No one has the right to deny you that.”

All five members appeared noticeably stronger as they adjusted to life as pop stars. Whenever the conversation turned to wardrobe or makeup, they expressed their opinions without hesitation. Perhaps because of the rigorous training they had undergone, they carried themselves with remarkable professionalism on set.

Once they stepped offstage, however, they returned to being ordinary young women in their twenties. Their laughter never stopped as they chatted, made video calls to friends and family, took selfies in quiet corners, and turned up the volume to sing along when Beyoncé’s studio album RENAISSANCE began playing through the speakers.

Megan and Daniela, who had bleached their eyebrows for the first time for the shoot, screamed the moment they saw the results. The other members turned toward the waiting room with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Fortunately, the sound was closer to a cheer than a cry of alarm.

“It completely brings the look to life!” Megan said, clearly delighted with her new appearance. Daniela also called her father on video to show off her new style.

Watching their playful interactions reminded me of my university years, when I lived closely alongside six friends. But their lives are very different from ours, when we would struggle through statistics classes before heading out for Thursday evening happy hour.

They are key figures within a vast global entertainment system, and each member carries a significant responsibility in keeping that system in motion.

Sophia currently serves as the group’s leader. Lara had originally been chosen through a vote by the members, but she stepped aside after realizing that the role of mediator between the group and the company did not suit her.

“I think the members chose me because I am not afraid to voice my opinions,” Lara explained. “But I realized that being a leader requires many qualities beyond simply speaking up. You also have to be able to understand and consider the company’s perspective.”

The members’ roles within the group are now relatively clear. Lara actively contributes to the group’s creative direction, Megan lifts the team’s energy, and Yoonchae serves as a bridge between K-pop and the group’s global members.

Daniela paused to consider what her own role might be. Then she adjusted her posture, looked around at the others, and said, “I’m not really sure. I want to hear what role the members think I have in the group.”

Sophia described Daniela as someone who brings a fierce, commanding energy to the stage. The others agreed that her absence would leave an enormous void.

It is a sensitive subject, but there is indeed one member missing from the group. That member is Manon, KATSEYE’s sixth member.

The last time all six members officially performed together was on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on February 4. On February 20, HYBE and Geffen Records announced that Manon would be temporarily stepping away from group activities for health reasons.

In April, Manon shared an update saying that she was having positive conversations with the company and was doing well. However, no official statement has yet been released regarding her future activities. Both HYBE and Geffen Records also politely declined interview requests for this article.

Although there has still been no news of Manon’s return, the members referred to KATSEYE as a six-member group throughout the interview.

When asked about plans for her return, Sophia responded cautiously.

“As we have already said, the most important thing is Manon’s health and well-being. I do not think that we, or anyone else, have the right to rush her when it comes to that. We want to give Manon as much time as she needs.”

“That is why we do not want to speculate or jump to any conclusions. But we will always keep her place open for her. Both the members and the fans love Manon. We love KATSEYE as a complete group.”

She continued, “I would be incredibly curious too if I were a fan, so I understand how they feel. But if there is one thing we would ask, it is that they continue to support us with love, encouragement, and patience.”

Since February, questions surrounding Manon have continued to circulate on social media, and some of the speculation has been particularly harsh.

The members appeared to have developed their own ways of dealing with such online commentary. All of them maintained a certain distance from social media and, when necessary, shut it out completely. Lara said that she had deleted TikTok from her phone for the past three weeks.

KATSEYE is currently busy preparing for a world tour celebrating the release of their new album, WILD, which is set to arrive this August.

The members agreed that both its musical direction and visual concept would be completely different from those of their first EP, SIS.

“We did not feel like ourselves at all back then,” Sophia said.

Does that mean WILD is a closer reflection of the “real” KATSEYE?

“With every new release, we become more honest,” Megan replied. “We are showing a more unfiltered side of ourselves and gradually revealing who we truly are.”

Although their music does not conform to the typical sound or image associated with K-pop, K-pop remains deeply embedded in KATSEYE’s DNA.

“Our music is not K-pop, but it is true that we have been heavily influenced by it,” Daniela explained.

Yoonchae, the group’s only Korean member, added, “The most K-pop aspect of our group is probably our training system.”

Sophia is from the Philippines, while Lara, Daniela, and Megan all grew up in the United States. At the same time, they actively embrace their Indian, Latin, and Chinese cultural backgrounds whenever the opportunity arises.

Just as their music moves freely across cultural boundaries, the members describe their identities as feeling like “a constant tug-of-war between two worlds.”

Daniela is one of them.

“Among Americans and white people, I am not considered white enough. But to Latino people, I do not always seem fully Latina either,” she said.

“There are so many people like me who feel caught in the middle, as though they do not completely belong anywhere. I want to give strength to people who feel that way.”

Megan shared a similar experience.

“Growing up mixed-race in the United States, it was difficult to find a place where I felt a true sense of belonging. I think I was experiencing the intense identity confusion that often comes with being mixed in America.”

“Even after becoming a member of KATSEYE, I was afraid at first because I was not sure which race I was supposed to represent. But I eventually realized that being mixed does not make my roots any less real. The fact that I am Chinese does not simply disappear.”

Although every member except Lara now lives independently, Yoonchae appeared to be undergoing the greatest transformation. She was only 15 years old when she joined the KATSEYE debut project.

“When I came to the United States to become a member of KATSEYE, life here felt incredibly confusing,” she admitted. “I had to create a new version of Yoonchae in order to live in America. It is still difficult, but emotionally, I struggled much more back then.”

As she continued, Yoonchae brought up the story of a fan.

“I once came across a post from an EYEKON on Twitter. They were an international student who had moved to the United States and, like me, were struggling to adjust to American culture. They had also been going through difficult experiences, including being bullied.”

“They said that watching me join KATSEYE, grow, and learn a new language had given them strength. When I read the post, it felt as though I were looking at myself.”

“Just as that person had gained strength from watching me, I also found comfort in hearing an EYEKON share their story so honestly.”

By the end of the story, Yoonchae could no longer hold back her tears. As though they had silently agreed, all the members turned toward her with warm, almost maternal expressions and handed her tissues.

Their affection for the youngest member has been particularly evident, not only during this interview but in many others as well. Whenever Yoonchae struggled to find the English words she wanted, the others would complete her sentence or ask first whether she needed help.

“Our friendship is never for show,” Sophia said with complete confidence.

The fact that fans believe their friendship is genuine may have contributed in some way to KATSEYE’s success. Having observed them in person, however, it was clear that their relationship was genuinely special.

Their bond seemed closer to that of a family than a group of friends.

“We are each other’s best friends. The members know everything about me, and because we are always together, we do not think of one another as simple coworkers.”

“We are a real family. We are sisters who spend time together even on our days off. One day, they will even be my bridesmaids!” she said with a playful laugh.

Fueled by sugary snacks and high spirits, the conversation took an unexpected turn as soon as the word “wedding” came up.

“By then, some of us will probably already have children, right? Then the kids can be in the wedding party!” Megan said, letting her imagination run wild.

Sophia enthusiastically agreed, while Megan herself looked as though she could barely imagine it.

After making a lively fuss about the future, the members returned to reflecting on what they had learned through their time as KATSEYE.

“I grew up as an only child, so there were many things I did not understand about myself,” Daniela said. “I had my parents and my friends, but without siblings close to my age, I did not have anyone who could offer advice from the same perspective as me.”

All the members agreed when Daniela said that the experience of working together had changed them. They added, however, that they were still discovering exactly what those changes meant.

“To be honest, when I was younger, I did not enjoy working in teams,” Lara said. “I hated group projects at school. I always preferred doing things by myself.”

“But now I understand the value of collaboration. Teamwork is an incredibly valuable skill, and I do not think there is a better way to learn it than by being part of a group.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Through grueling training and an overwhelming surge of attention, each member has been growing in her own way. Some have come to understand their identities more deeply, while others have learned how to work alongside people different from themselves.

What they have all come to realize, however, is that KATSEYE is far more than the sum of its individual members.

They are still dreaming of something greater, and they are ready to keep moving forward.