The goal of the bingeable reality competition show Dream Academy was to form a global girl group that had the potential to mirror the success of K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK. But has KATSEYE – consisting of the winning six girls – managed to do it?
Just three months after releasing their debut track Debut, KATSEYE already boast one million followers on Instagram. In fact, their masses of fans already have a name: EYEKONS. So far, so good.
But when it comes to the success of their music, it’s a different story – with neither their two singles Debut and Touch nor their EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) managing to chart in the top 20 in any country.
Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae are just getting started as KATSEYE – which was named by Teen Vogue as one of 12 Girl Groups To Watch in 2024 – so ahead of their inevitable global success, we’re introducing you to the winners of Dream Academy.
Who are the members of KATSEYE?
Sophia Laforteza
Born in Manila in the Phillippines, Sophia speaks both English and Tagalog (the standardised language of the Philippines). She is the daughter of singer and actress, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, and executive chef of Resort World, Godfrey Laforteza.
How old is Sophia from KATSEYE?
Sophia is 21 years old and a Capricorn – celebrating her birthday on 31 December.
How tall is Sophia from KATSEYE?
Sophia stands at 5’6”.
What is Sophia from KATSEYE’s Instagram?
You can follow Sophia on Instagram @sophia_laforteza.
Manon Bannerman
Hailing from Switzerland, Manon – who can speak both English and Spanish – worked as a model before finding fame with KATSEYE.
How old is Manon from KATSEYE?
One of the older members of KATSEYE (although she’s still very young!), Manon is 22 years old. Born 26 June 2006, she’s a Cancer.
How tall is Manon from KATSEYE?
Manon comes in at 5’5”.
What is Manon from KATSEYE’s Instagram?
You can follow Manon on Instagram @meretmanon.
Daniela Avanzini
Before taking part in Dream Academy and becoming a member of KATSEYE_,_ Daniela was a dancer and competed in both America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation.
How old is Daniela from KATSEYE?
It seems incredible that USA-based Daniela has found such fame and success at just 20 years old. Her birthday is 1 July 2004 making her a Cancer.
How tall is Daniela from KATSEYE?
One of the shorter members of KATSEYE, Daniela stands at 5’4”.
What is Daniela from KATSEYE’s Instagram?
You can follow Daniela @daniela_avanzini.
Lara Raj
As well as being a member of KATSEYE, US-based Lara also works as a DJ, and prior to finding fame with the girl group she pursued a career as an actress - playing the role of Sara on The Blacklist. A triple threat if there ever was one!
How old is Lara from KATSEYE?
One of the youngest members of KATSEYE, Lara is just 18 years old. Born 3 November 2005, she’s a Scorpio.
How tall is Lara from KATSEYE?
Lara comes in at 5’6”.
What is Lara from KATSEYE’s Instagram?
You can follow Lara on Instagram @lararajj.
Megan Skiendiel
Having begun dancing aged four, Megan always wanted to pursue a career in the spotlight and in 2021 she appeared on an episode of Sydney to the Max on Disney Channel.
How old is Megan from KATSEYE?
Born on 10 February 2006 in Honolulu, Megan is 17 years old and an Aquarius.
How tall is Megan from KATSEYE?
Megan stands at 5’6”.
What is Megan from KATSEYE’s Instagram?
You can follow Megan on Instagram @meganskiendiel.
Yoonchae Jeong
Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Yoonchae wanted to become a K-pop star due to her love of the genre. She has cited both BTS and BLACKPINK’S Jennie Kim as her role models.
How old is Yoonchae from KATSEYE?
The youngest member of KATSEYE, Yoonchae is just 16 years old. Born, 6 December 2007 she is a Sagittarius.
How tall is Yoonchae from KATSEYE?
She’s also one of the shortest members of the girl group standing at just 5’5”.
What is Yoonchae from KATSEYE’s Instagram?
You can follow Yoonchae on Instagram @y0on_cha3.
Who is the leader of KATSEYE?
Having won Dance Academy, Sophia Laforteza is named as the lead singer of KATSEYE.
Which members of KATSEYE have fallen out?
Following the release of Netflix’s Pop Star Academy, there were rumours that Lara and Manon from KATSEYE had fallen out after it appeared that the pair didn’t seem to get on during rehearsals.
However, earlier this week the pair shared a hilarious reel to Instagram with the caption, ‘We’re literally fine lol’. An iconic way to squash any rumours of a feud honestly.
What is the name of KATSEYE’s album?
KATSEYE are yet to release an album, but their EP called SIS (Soft Is Strong) was released on 16 August 2024.
Sadly, the EP didn’t have quite the cultural impact that producers hoped, only landing at number 27 on the Korean charts and 119 in the USA. There’s still time though!
What tracks have KATSEYE released?
KATSEYE debut single – ironically titled Debut - was released on 28 June 2024.
Their second single, Touch, was released on 26 July.
Daisy Hall is a News and Entertainment writer on Grazia, specialising in TV and film meaning that you can count on Daisy for the latest (and best) recommendations.