The K-pop girl group Katseye has faced multiple online death threats since their debut last year. The six-piece band, recently nominated for best new artist at the Grammy Awards, told BBC News that the threatening messages targeting them and their families have been “really heavy.”
Katseye’s members, aged between 17 and 22, come from diverse international backgrounds, including the US, Venezuela, Cuba, India, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Italy, China, Singapore, the Philippines, and South Korea. They were formed on The Debut: Dream Academy, a reality show created by Hybe and Geffen Records.
Online Harassment and Negativity
The band members have been subjected to not only death threats but also racist and sexist comments. Lara Raj, a US citizen with Tamil Indian heritage, reported being falsely accused of residing in the US without legal authorization and has since deleted her Twitter account to avoid negative comments.
Sophia Laforteza noted that such online harassment can be very distressing, stating that despite knowing they signed up for a public life, “it doesn’t change the fact that we are human.” The band’s experience is not isolated, as other artists like Chappell Roan, Muna, and Doja Cat have also faced inappropriate behavior from their fanbase.
Rise to Fame Despite Adversity
Despite the negativity, Katseye has achieved significant success. Their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, peaked at number two in the US album charts, and their Gap advert garnered 400 million views and 8 billion social media impressions. The band has been praised for their diversity and has been compared to iconic girl groups like the Spice Girls.
Melanie C, who hosted a showcase for Katseye in London, noted that the band’s diversity allows more people to identify with them. Manon Bannerman emphasized that their priority is to show pride in their diverse backgrounds, encouraging young fans to do the same.
Building a Supportive Community
Lara Raj encourages musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, stating that their unique culture and skin color are their power. The band’s lead single, Gnarly, released in April, has been streamed over half a billion times and has been described as “the future of K-pop” by The New York Times.
As Katseye continues their journey, they are expected to release new music and perform at various events. The Grammy Awards nomination is a significant milestone, and their next steps will be watched closely by fans and the music industry.
