HYBE and Geffen Records' collaborative girl group KATSEYE captivated global music fans. Not only K-pop artists but also pop stars consider the largest music festival in the U.S., Lollapalooza Chicago, as one of their 'dream stages.'
KATSEYE (Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sofia, Yoonchae) took to the Lollapalooza stage on the 3rd (local time) at Grant Park in Chicago. This marks a rapid entry just over a year after their debut. Nonetheless, tens of thousands of audience members gathered in front of them. The crowd, packed with fans, sang along to KATSEYE's songs. Many audience members were seen wearing T-shirts emblazoned with 'Gnarly.' Fans holding recently released lightsticks ahead of their first solo tour were also spotted all around. This was streamed live on Weverse and YouTube, with the number of simultaneous connected devices reaching 256,262 (Weverse) and 117,029 (YouTube) respectively. Including the audience on site, it is estimated that over 420,000 people watched KATSEYE's performance.
KATSEYE responded to this intense interest with an overwhelming performance and distinctive musical abilities. The six members kicked off the show with their title track 'Gameboy' from their second EP, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, and delivered a total of nine songs, including 'Gabriela,' which broke into the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and 'Gnarly' over approximately 40 minutes. Their outstanding skills, passion, and explosive energy stood out. KATSEYE freely moved between the main and protruding stages, connecting closely with the audience and instantly elevating the festival's atmosphere. The performance of 'Mean Girls,' where the members filmed each other in real-time with handheld cameras, was also impressive, vividly conveying KATSEYE's passion. There was a sense of intimacy and immersion that provided viewers with a unique enjoyment, as if they were alongside the members on stage.
Another climax of the performance was the 'Gabriela' dance break. Featuring the joyful rhythms and movements characteristic of Latin music, this stage reimagined the original song, creating a show-like experience with various elements such as dancers, costumes, and props. KATSEYE showcased performances where the concept, direction, and execution of each song were organically intertwined, clearly expressing their identity. Even as newcomers, their skillful pacing and narrative-driven stage configurations left a profound impression on the audience. It was a new dimension of performance where music, message, style, and presentation perfectly harmonized. The costumes specially created for KATSEYE for Lollapalooza featured intense red colors, asymmetrical cuts, string decorations, and incision points, maximizing not only each member's individuality but also the synergy of the entire group. The design accentuated their dynamic movements and energy.
At the end of the performance, the members expressed their overwhelming feelings, saying, "This was a stage I've dreamed of since childhood. I won't forget this moment." They also hinted at their upcoming North American tour concert starting in November, raising fans' expectations. Prior to that, KATSEYE is scheduled to perform at the Summer Sonic 2025 stage in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, on August 16-17. The global music scene is focusing attention on their true potential, having taken major charts by storm.
[Photo] Provided by Lollapalooza Chicago.
[OSEN]