The unprecedented girl group is a result of the two companies’ global audition program

Hybe and Geffen Records have revealed the final six members of the unprecedented global girl group as a result of The Debut: Dream Academy audition program. The members are Daniela, Lara and Megan from the US, Yoonchae from South Korea, Sophia from the Philippines, and Manon from Switzerland. The group name, Katseye, was also unveiled. The announcement took place at a live event in Los Angeles and was live-streamed simultaneously on Hybe’s YouTube channel, Weverse, and Abema. During the finale, viewers watched the top ten contestants’ final group performances where they each debuted an original and exclusive song: “Dirty Water,” “Girls Don’t Like,” and “All The Same.”

For “Dirty Water” and “Girls Don’t Like,” the finalists were split into two groups of five. They showcased not only their dancing and singing abilities but also how they have grown as artists from their experience in The Dream Academy. These were the last performances that the remaining contestants were evaluated on.

“All The Same” was performed by all ten finalists. Set against a dream-like and ethereal backdrop that compliments the song’s overall feel, the contestants exhibited unity and sisterhood, vocally supporting one another and through intricate and contemporary choreography. This song marks both the beginning and the end of their Dream Academy journey, as “All The Same” originally debuted in the art film presented at the press event where The Debut: Dream Academy was announced.

The name of the group, Katseye, was revealed at the finale as well. Feminine, powerful, and unique, Katseye perfectly encompasses each member of this unprecedented girl group. A semiprecious stone, the cat’s eye shows off a variety of colors depending on its direction, much like the final members who are all different in their cultural backgrounds but united as one under Katseye, glowing powerfully together. Cat’s eye gemstones are also used as a “lucky charm” bringing peace, success, and good fortune for a lifetime.

The final lineup of contestants was determined by a combination of early votes and real-time votes during the live finale, as well as evaluators’ scores. The early voting period began on November 10th and ended on November 17th. Fans cast their votes on Weverse and were able to vote for up to three contestants per day.

Music industry powerhouses Hybe and Geffen Records recently revealed the 20 contestants from around the world who competed for a spot in the first-ever Hybe x Geffen Records global girl group. The one-of-a-kind joint venture marks the first time a major US record label and a K-pop entertainment leader have combined their expertise in artist discovery and music production to assemble, develop, and introduce an international girl group unlike any other. This also notably represents the first time a US-based, truly global girl group will be created and modeled based on the world-renowned K-pop training and development system, under which the contestants have been quietly training over the last year in Los Angeles. The aspiring artists participated in a world-class audition program titled The Debut: Dream Academy, and fans have been following the contestants on their journey. The years-long process of creating this one-of-a-kind girl group will be the subject of an upcoming untitled Netflix documentary series, directed by Nadia Hallgren (Becoming). The series produced by Hybe, Interscope Films and Boardwalk Pictures is set to premiere in summer of 2024.

The global girl group audition program comprised three missions where the contestants were split into groups to showcase their vocal and dance abilities. The performance videos aired on Hybe’s YouTube and Abema allowed fans to follow the journey and familiarize themselves with the contestants and their talents. After each mission, fans voted via Weverse and YouTube for their favorite contestants. Alongside fan voting, a panel of experienced evaluators offers valuable feedback and guidance to the contestants, playing an essential role in shaping the growth and development of these talented young women.

Katseye will begin working on their forthcoming album, which will be released in 2024.