Global pop sensation KATSEYE has taken center stage as the cover stars of Teen Vogue’s June 2025 issue, a vibrant celebration of their meteoric rise and unapologetic individuality. The six-member group—Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung—also announced their appearance at the Teen Vogue Summit on September 20, 2025, at NYA West in Los Angeles. This full-day event promises dynamic conversations, networking opportunities, and performances, with tickets available now at events.teenvogue.com.
Formed through the 2023 competition show The Debut: Dream Academy by HYBE and Geffen Records, KATSEYE has captivated fans, dubbed EYEKONS, with their infectious energy and genre-defying sound. Their latest single, “Gnarly,” a hyperpop anthem penned by Alice Longyu Gao, sparked polarized reactions but ultimately secured their first Billboard Hot 100 hit. “It’s sort of good when people so strongly dislike something,” Lara Raj told Teen Vogue. “It just shows that it makes people feel something strong, whether that’s dislike or they really like it.” Sophia Laforteza added that the group initially hesitated over the demo—“We screamed,” Yoonchae Jeung admitted—but embraced the challenge to make it their own through bold choreography and expressive visuals.
The Teen Vogue cover story, shot in a Malibu beach house, captures KATSEYE’s dynamic camaraderie, from Daniela’s shriek at a patio lizard to the group’s impromptu dance party to Britney Spears. Their authenticity shines through, both in their music and personal styles, which reflect their diverse cultural backgrounds. Sophia, the group’s leader, proudly celebrates her Filipino heritage: “I want to be loud about it … It means a lot when somebody embraces their culture.” Her glossy lips, inspired by childhood memories, are a fan favorite, though she candidly revealed using Aquaphor over any signature product. “It’s the confidence, you know?” she said.
Manon Bannerman, with Ghanaian, Swiss, and Italian roots, shared her journey of self-acceptance, particularly with her hair. Growing up as one of the only Black girls in her Swiss school, she faced mean comments but taught herself to braid, spending hours in front of the mirror. Now, she shares tips with fans and embraces cultural elements like waist beads, modernizing their traditional significance. “It’s a cute part of my culture that I like to share,” she said.
Daniela Avanzini, born in Georgia but deeply tied to her Cuban heritage, spoke of reclaiming her Latin identity despite online skepticism. “It’s in my blood, and it is a big, big part of who I am,” she asserted. Her Spanish vocals in KATSEYE’s upcoming single “Gabriela” mark a proud moment, with choreography highlighting her in a stunning group formation.
Lara Raj, who faced stereotypes growing up brown in America, uses her platform to make Indian cultural elements like bindis fashionable. She also discussed her queer identity, navigating a femme appearance while experimenting with masculine styles. “Some days I love to be super feminine … and some days I love to be more masculine, baggy clothes, and really have my tattoos out,” she shared, reflecting on her bold coming-out moment on Weverse.
Megan Skiendiel, at 19, is still discovering herself under the public eye, a process she finds both exciting and daunting. “I don’t even really know who I am yet,” she admitted, embracing her Hawaiian and Chinese roots with jade jewelry and red accents for luck. Yoonchae Jeung, the youngest at 17, credits her bandmates for broadening her worldview. “After I came here, I started to know about so many cultures,” she said, noting how they “hype me up” to build her confidence.
KATSEYE’s strength lies in their unity despite their distinct aesthetics. “You can clearly see that each of us has a different vibe going on,” Sophia said. “Yet, when you see us all collectively together, it makes sense.” Their current era, marked by “Gnarly” and the upcoming “Gabriela,” embraces an edgy, colorful grit, a shift from the feminine tones of their earlier work. Daniela described it as “this big mess” that evolves with each release, reflecting their versatility.
Despite online criticism questioning their talent or chemistry, KATSEYE remains unfazed. “We learned that’s going to be a part of the position that we’re in,” Sophia said, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity. Their playful dynamic—evident in stories of blanket forts, secret languages, and a front-seat Uber dispute—proves their bond is genuine. “We’re just honestly 100% who we actually are,” Manon said.
As KATSEYE prepares to take the Teen Vogue Summit stage, their cover story sets the tone for an event celebrating individuality and ambition. With performances, Q&As, and networking alongside Teen Vogue editors like Versha Sharma and Danielle Kwateng, the Summit promises to be a vibrant extension of KATSEYE’s mission to inspire and connect. Fans can stay updated by joining the text list at events.teenvogue.com, as more details unfold in the coming months.
Read the full cover story at teenvogue.com.
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