Key facts
- Girl group Katseye performed their first full UK concert in London with two members on health hiatus.
- Despite the reduced lineup, fans showed overwhelming support, indicating the group's significant popularity.
- The concert featured impressive choreography and vocal performances, highlighting the band's resilience.
- Katseye was formed in 2023 by Hybe and Geffen Records through the reality competition show The Debut: Dream Academy.
- Members Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman are currently on health-related hiatuses.
Despite being two members short, the multinational girl group Katseye received a fervent reception at their first full UK concert in London. The audience's enthusiasm was palpable throughout the three-hour show, demonstrating the band's significant popularity as the most-streamed act on YouTube UK, even with singers Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza on health-related hiatuses.
The concert, held at the O2 Arena, featured a succession of bass-heavy pop anthems and intricate dance routines. Band members Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong, and Lara Raj expressed their amazement at the crowd's energy, with Yoonchae noting it was their loudest audience yet. Daniela Avanzini successfully navigated a complex lift during the routine for 'Gabriela', recovering from a previous fall in Dublin.
Katseye, formed in 2023 through the reality competition show 'The Debut: Dream Academy' by Hybe and Geffen Records, has quickly gained a substantial following. Their breakout year in 2025 with singles like 'Gnarly' and 'Gabriela' has set the stage for their current world tour. The audience, noted for its youth, demonstrated deep familiarity with the band's music and choreography, often singing along and mirroring the dance moves.
The hiatuses of Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman are attributed to the demanding nature of the K-Pop industry, with Sophia's mother assuring fans of the temporary nature of her break. This aligns with industry precedents, such as Lia from Itzy and Moka from Illit taking time off for mental health reasons. Katseye honored Sophia's presence by retaining her pre-recorded vocals, while Manon's parts were covered by other members.
While accusations of miming arose after the tour's opening night in Dublin, the London performance suggested live vocals were used, with backing tracks reinforcing key moments. The band showcased their live performing capabilities on slower songs and highlighted individual talents, such as Daniela's dance break and Megan's energetic performance. Lara's solo song 'unloveu', co-written by a member, was noted for its emotional depth. Yoonchae's solo performance of 'Time Lapse' in Korean was a particular highlight.
The concert concluded with powerful renditions of 'Iconic By Mistake', a response to online hate campaigns, and 'Gnarly' with a rock remix. The show demonstrated a confident and self-assured performance from a band navigating personnel challenges, with a promise from Yoonchae that they would return.