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Can KATSEYE continue their success overseas? We debate!

K-pop girl group KATSEYE are aiming to continue their success overseas with their recently sold out concert in Manila and continued Asia tour in Japan! We take a look at whether they'll be able to continue their success in other markets.


KATSEYE in Manila (@Katseyeworld Twitter)
KATSEYE in Manila (@Katseyeworld Twitter)


After K-pop's global success in recent years, many K-pop artists have been grappling with the question of how to sustain the momentum, and take advantage in becoming recognized overseas.


Of course being successful in their home market is number one, however with many countries discovering K-pop and falling in love with the style of dance and vocals, how can artists adapt?


SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man introduced the concept in 2016 with a new boy band initiative that sought to expand and open up K-pop. His plans included groups based in cities around the world to which members could be recruited freely, with no restrictions on the number of members, to me I find some K-pop groups too big. I think having more than four members, the individuals lose their identity and as a result they do not gain as much success as a smaller group, as they merge into being just a number, and therefore their value is less.


A great thing about the K-pop band KATSEYE is that it is a multiracial group. Up until now, ethnic diversity hasn’t exactly been the strongest trait of K-pop, with many of its efforts to incorporate international members stopping within the bounds of the Asian continent. Regardless of its commercial success, girl group Katseye has taken the idea of being global to the next level for K-pop — and the members love it, but will the fans?


Let's take a look at their smashing single "Touch"!




Rather than simply taking a homegrown K-pop group abroad with an English track or world tour, the BTS agency teamed up with Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, to cast talented youngsters from all over the world and make them compete for a spot in a new girl group to debut in the United States, similar to that with the "Dear Alice" boy group in the UK.


Katseye members were shocked at how many fans showed up to their Manila showcase!




The Katseye members highlighted the group’s international makeup as a strength when interviewed by reporters during “The Debut: Dream Academy” audition process in November 2023. The very same diversity was highlighted once again more recently. I do wish the group the best of luck, however I think regardless of race the band will be successful due to their catchy tunes and style.


Katseye recently finished their Manila showcase from September 17 - 19 and continued their Asia tour in Japan from September 20 -23, 2024, with great reception from fans! Take a look at their performance photos!





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