The six members Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae were meticulously chosen through a rigorous survival show competition.
Suddenly making headlines, but not for the right reasons, is the all-set-to-debut new girl group KATSEYE. The six-member group, formed through the reality show 'The Debut: Dream Academy', a collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, released their fandom name 'EYEKONS', which has caused controversy.
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Their fandom name is a play on their name KATSEYE and the word 'icon'. However, several netizens noted that EYEKON sounds suspiciously similar to the K-pop boy group iKON. While there has been no response from the set to the debut girl group, many have stated that since they won't be a K-pop group in particular, it should not be a problem. Amid all the drama, let's take a look at who KATSEYE is, their debut date, and more.
The international girl group features a diverse lineup hailing from four different countries: the Philippines, the USA, South Korea, and Switzerland. The six members Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae were meticulously chosen through a rigorous survival show competition.
Birth Name: Meret Manon Bannerman
This girl, of Swiss, Italian, and Ghanaian descent, was born on June 26, 2002, and finished sixth in the final round. She is a photography model and was born in Zürich, Switzerland. Although she likes Billie Eilish, Beyoncé is her role model. Since she was five years old, she has been a songwriter.
Birth Name: Sophia Elizabeth G. Laforteza
This Filipino girl, born on December 31, 2002, clinched first place in the final announcement. She adores BTS, with V, also known as Kim Taehyung, as her bias and role model. She mentioned applying for the audition because of her admiration for BTS. Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM is her second role model, and she's also fond of Jungwon and ENHYPEN."
Birth Name: Daniela Avanzini
The American girl of Venezuelan and Cuban descent was born on July 1st, 2004, and secured third place in the final round. Hailing from Los Angeles, Georgia, and Atlanta, she is a multi-talented individual, excelling as an actress, model, and ballroom dancer. Her notable appearances include shows such as So You Think You Can Dance?, Super Kids Europe, and America's Got Talent.
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Birth Name: Lara Rajagopalan
The American girl of Indian descent, born on November 3rd, 2005, secured second place in the final round. She notably appeared in the Global Girls Alliance promotional film directed by Michelle Obama. Her role models include Jimin from BTS and NI-KI from ENHYPEN as she loves their dancing and elegance.
Birth Name: Megan Meiyok Skiendiel
This girl from Honolulu, Hawaii, of Chinese, Singaporean, and American descent, was born on February 10, 2006, and secured fifth place overall. She has participated as a runway and fashion model in fashion weeks in Paris and Los Angeles. Her role models include Jimin of BTS and Jennie of BLACKPINK.
Birth Name: Jeong Yoonchae
The girl of Korean descent, born on December 6, 2007, secured fourth place overall. As role models, she looks up to BTS and Jennie of BLACKPINK. She mentioned being drawn to K-pop and inspired to pursue it because of BTS.
After Dream Academy concluded, the group continued to prepare for the release of their first studio album in 2024 with many stating could take place in June.
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