Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE Docuseries – Trailer, Release date, & Everything we know
Published on August 7, 2024
This summer, Netflix is set to unveil Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, a docuseries that will reveal the intense process behind crafting a global music sensation. The show will follow the collaboration between K-pop powerhouse HYBE, renowned for its success with BTS, and major US label Geffen Records. Together, they’re creating a US-based girl group modeled after the rigorous K-pop training system.
Netflix released the first trailer for Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, offering a glimpse into the year-long journey of forming KATSEYE under the high-pressure K-pop trainee system. The series promises “unprecedented access” to the group’s path to global stardom.
Are you curious about the details? Read this article for a complete overview of the docuseries, including behind-the-scenes insights, plot details, a trailer, and the latest updates. Stay tuned as we continuously update this article with new information about the show!
Release Date & Where to Watch
The eight-episode docuseries, which blends documentary and music, will premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Plot
Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE will follow the 20 original contestants and the behind-the-scenes process of forming this unique girl group, expanding on what was seen in The Debut: Dream Academy. Originally titled The Debut: Dream Academy, the show features 20 girls competing for a spot in the group, culminating in their official debut in November.
Formed by HYBE, the company behind BTS and NewJeans, in partnership with Geffen Records, KATSEYE’s six members are Daniela Avanzini, Lara Rajagopalan, and Megan Skiendiel from the US; Jeong from South Korea; Sophia Laforteza from the Philippines; and Manon Bannerman from Switzerland. The concept of the show was to create a group based on K-pop methodology that was comprised of international artists.
Out of 120,000 auditioning women, only 20 were selected for the show. This group was then narrowed to 10 before the final six were chosen through a combination of viewer votes and evaluators’ scores following a live show. The series will offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsals, preparation, and elimination process.
Who are the Members of KATSEYE?
- Daniela (USA, 20): Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Daniela Avanzini has been dancing since age 4, following her mother's footsteps, a world ballroom champion. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she gained attention on America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation. She began uploading singing and ukulele videos at 11. During Dream Academy, she performed "Pink Venom," "Fearless," and "Buttons."
- Manon (Switzerland, 22): Manon Bannerman, fluent in English and Swiss German, has been writing songs since age 15. With a multicultural background—Swiss-Italian mother and Ghanaian father—she wrote a song about pursuing dreams in 2020. During Dream Academy, she performed "Dancing on My Own/Happier Than Ever," "Fearless," and "Buttons."
- Lara (USA, 18): First-generation Indian American Lara Raj has dreamed of pop stardom since age four. Despite the lack of Indian representation, she worked in TV and music, appearing in a campaign for Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance. She aims to inspire young Indian girls. During Dream Academy, she performed "Still Into You," "Antifragile," and "Confident."
- Megan (USA, 18): Megan Skiendiel from Honolulu started dancing at age four and loved modeling, acting, and playing the ukulele. She credits her mom as her biggest supporter. During Dream Academy, she performed "Pink Venom," "Antifragile," and "Confident."
- Sophia (Philippines, 21): Sophia Laforteza, from Manila, is fluent in English and Tagalog. Singing since age three, she calls it her "first love." Despite an ankle injury affecting her confidence during Dream Academy, she returned stronger. She performed "Still Into You," "Antifragile," and "Buttons."
- Yoonchae (South Korea, 16): Jeung Yoonchae, from South Korea, aspires to inspire audiences. She loves performing and is determined to fulfill her dreams. Her Dream Academy performances included "OMG," "Antifragile," and "Confident.”
Official Trailer
Who are the Trainees Competing for a spot in the girl group?
- Marquise (Thailand, 17)
- Emily (US, 17)
- Yoonchae (South Korea, 15)
- Sophia (Philippines, 20)
- Ua (Japan, 15)
- Mei (Japan, 17)
- Nayoung (South Korea, 21)
- Samara (Brazil, 17)
- Manon (Switzerland, 21)
- Megan (US, 17)
- Lara (US, 17)
- Ezrela (Australia, 20)
- Iliya (Belarus, 21)
- Celeste (Argentina, 19)
- Daniela (US, 19)
- Lexie (Sweden, 19)
- Brooklyn (US, 17)
- Hinari (Japan, 14)
- Adela (Slovakia, 19)
- Karlee (US, 19)
When is KATSEYE Releasing Music?
The group's debut single, "Debut," and its music video were released on Friday, June 28, 2024. Their first EP, “SIS (Soft Is Strong),” is set to drop on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, just days before the docuseries premiere.
Behind the Scenes
The series is directed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, who is known for the Emmy-nominated documentary Becoming about Michelle Obama. It is produced by HYBE, Interscope Films, and Boardwalk Pictures.
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