Photo Credits: NYLON + HYBE + Geffen Records + Lacoste clothing + BOSS + Cou Cou + Moschino + Intimissimi + Brooks Brothers + Issey Miyake + Another tomorrow + Tie Bar + Polo Ralph Lauren + Hanro + Brooks Brothers
As the world’s most talked-about girl group lights up the Coachella Valley, they also reign over the April 2026 Music Issue of NYLON, where artistic vision meets global ambition. Katseye, the multicultural six-member ensemble born from the groundbreaking collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, has emerged as a defining force in the K-pop era of 2026—a sonic powerhouse and visual maverick captivating fans across Los Angeles and the Pacific.
From YouTube to the Main Stage
The group’s journey began in late 2021 with the launch of “The Debut: Dream Academy,” a YouTube competition that drew 120,000 applicants worldwide, culminating in the formation of Katseye in 2023. Members Sophia Laforteza, Megan Skiendiel, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Manon Bannerman, and Yoonchae Jeung emerged as the top six, each bringing a decade of training and diverse cultural roots—from New York City to Manila, Dallas to Atlanta, and Honolulu to Seoul—into a global pop phenomenon.
In late 2025, their hard-hitting single “Gnarly,” produced by hyperpop visionary Alice Longyu Gao, became their first Billboard Hot 100 entry, propelling them to the Grammys Best New Artist stage.
The infectious track, with its TikTok-ready lyrics about mainlining internet culture, introduced a new generation to the group’s unapologetically raw energy. Their sophomore EP, Beautiful Chaos, followed with the hypnotic Latin-pop fusion “Gabriela,” which sparked a viral dance challenge on platforms like X and TikTok, amassing over 100,000 views.
The Coachella Crucible
Katseye’s Coachella 2026 debut marks their pinnacle as global pop icons, performing on the Sahara Stage during the April 10 and 17 weekends alongside luminaries like Sabrina Carpenter. The performance, as captured in NYLON’s cover story, is a cinematic homage to Beyoncé’s “Beychella” and BLACKPINK’s landmark set, with intricate choreography and vibrant visuals that echo their EDM-inspired single “Pinky Up,” released on April 9. The set blends high-energy electropop with fan-favorite hits “Gabriela” and “Gnarly,” as the group’s five-member configuration—post-Manon’s hiatus—demonstrates resilience and unity.
The festival’s attendance spike, with over 85,000 daytime attendees at Lollapalooza Chicago and 100,000+ livestream viewers, underscores their meteoric rise.
Their Coachella appearance solidifies their status as heirs to the girl-group legacy, echoing the Spice Girls’ empowerment anthems and BLACKPINK’s boundary-pushing aesthetics.
Fashion, Art, and Identity
Styling by Katie Qian for NYLON transforms the members into fashion avatars: Sophia in Saint Laurent’s edgy glam, Lara in Ferragamo’s sleek power, Daniela in McQueen’s avant-garde, and Yoonchae in MM6’s rebellious edge. The photoshoot, shot by Daria Kobayashi Ritch, captures Katseye’s rawness—bare, unfiltered, and unapologetically true to their roots. This visual narrative extends to their music videos, where collaborations with designers like Gentle Monster and Pandora elevate their aesthetic to a storytelling canvas.
Their artistry confronts the internet’s toxicity head-on. Tracks like “Mean Girls” and “Internet Girl” dissect the gossip and hate they’ve faced, while “Pinky Up” celebrates their unyielding spirit. The group’s social media, led by fanbase Eyekons, thrives on candid, off-duty content, fostering a community that feels like family.
The Human Side: Manon’s Hiatus and Resilience
Manon Bannerman’s temporary hiatus in February 2026, due to health concerns, sparked fan speculation and emotional turmoil. As the eldest member, her boundary-setting and vulnerability were laid bare in the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: Katseye, where sleepless rehearsals and emotional breakdowns revealed the toll of their journey. The group’s statement emphasized support and ongoing dialogue, with Manon’s Weverse update affirming her well-being and positive relationship with HYBE.
Manon’s resilience shines through in NYLON’s interview, where she emphasizes the importance of therapy and boundaries in a group dynamic. His words, “There’s six of us, so obviously not everyone’s always going to be on the same page,” resonate as a testament to their collective growth.
The Eyekon Empire
Eyekons, Katseye’s fanbase, have transformed into a global movement, driving viral campaigns like #KATSCHELLA and #LEEKNOWNYLON. Their dedication extends to voting campaigns and protection drives, ensuring the group’s visibility. Social media platforms like X and TikTok buzz with fan edits, live streams, and heartfelt messages, as Eyekons from Japan to the U.S. unite in their support.
The NYLON cover story concludes with a poignant moment: Yoonchae’s habit of searching “Katseye” weekly to reignite her fire, reminding fans that their passion fuels the group’s journey. This symbiotic relationship—where fans and artists grow together—defines the 2026 K-pop landscape.
Article written by Brittany Spanos for Nylon
The Production Team
Photographer: Daria Kobayashi Ritch
Stylist: Katie Qian
Writer: Brittany Spanos
Editor-in-Chief: Lauren McCarthy
Creative Director: Karen Hibbert
Creative Movement Director: Charissa Kroeger
Set Designer: Kelly Fondry
Hair: Evanie Frausto for Matrix
Makeup: Loftjet
Manicurist: Juan Alvear
Video: Kristina Grosspietsch, Tiki
Photo Director: Jackie Ladner
Production: Danielle Smit, Kiara Brown
Fashion Market Director: Jennifer Yee
Fashion: Stephanie Sanchez, Ashirah Curry, Noelia Rojas-West
Features Director: Nolan Feeney
Social Director: Charlie Mock
Talent Bookings: Special Projects
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