Recently, Manon and Lara, members of the rookie K-pop group KATSEYE, addressed and dismissed rumors of discord between them. The speculation gained traction following the release of Netflix's new docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, which debuted on August 21, 2024.
The series tracks the formation of KATSEYE—a global girl group created by HYBE and Geffen Records through the survival show The Debut: Dream Academy. The series sparked mixed reactions from fans, especially concerning Manon's mistreatment by the other members, like talking behind her back.
Amid the buzz, some fans believed Manon had been treated unfairly, and Lara was mistakenly identified as a potential source of tension. In response, the duo took to the group's official TikTok and Instagram accounts to clear the air.
They participated in a popular social media trend, posting a humorous video that featured a playful image of dolphins and text that cheekily addressed the rumors. Accompanied by Zara Larsson's Symphony, the overlay read,
"we're literally fine lol,"
The duo received praise from netizens for their witty approach to addressing recent rumors about their relationship. Some social media users also highlighted that Lara and Manon have consistently shown support for each other, even before their official debut.
Responding to this in a recent interview with MUCHMUSIC, Lara also clarified that the documentary was filmed two to three years ago and assured fans that the group members have since formed strong, supportive relationships.
More about the global girl group KATSEYE and its members
In July 2024, KATSEYE, the newly formed global girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records, made their live debut during the third-night event of KCON L.A. They captivated the audience with their performance of their latest track, Touch. This marked a significant milestone in their journey, which began with the survival show The Debut: Dream Academy.
Out of 120,000 auditioning hopefuls, only 20 girls were selected to compete, and after intense eliminations, six members were chosen to form the group. However, the show faced criticism from viewers who felt that its format encouraged unhealthy competition among the contestants.
The final six-member lineup of KATSEYE included:
- Manon from Switzerland
- Sophia from the Philippines
- Yoonchae from South Korea
- Meghan from the United States
- Daniela from the United States
- Lara from the United States
They officially debuted on June 28, 2024, with their single Debut, followed by the release of their first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), on August 16, 2024. The EP featured the following tracks:
- Debut
- Touch
- My Way
- I'm Pretty
- Tonight I Might
- SIS (Soft Is Strong)
The EP achieved commercial success, debuting at No. 119 on the Billboard 200 and No. 27 on the South Korean Circle Chart.
As of the time of writing this article, the Touch music video on YouTube gained more than 13 million views within a month of its release.