Katseye in London: A showcase of real talent deserving of the deafening screams
KATSEYE performed at The O2 in London (Getty Images)
KATSEYE kicked off their two-night run at The O2 in London on 3 September – and I’ve never heard a louder crowd.
The global girl group, formed in collaboration between K-Pop mega-label HYBE and US label Geffen, are in Europe with their WILDWORLD Tour, which started in Dublin, Ireland on 1 September.
It’s not their first time performing in London. The group – all six of them – invited a select group of lucky fans to an intimate showcase, hosted by Spice Girls icon Mel C, last year. I say “all six”, because just four of the members are taking part in the WILDWORLD Tour – Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Daniala Avanzini and Yoonchae Jeung. Manon Bannerman has been on an indefinite hiatus since February 2026, while Sophia Laforteza has been on a temporary hiatus since early August. Both Manon and Sophia got huge cheers whenever they appeared on-screen in the pre-show music videos, showing just how loved they are despite, with the case of Manon, not being active with the group for months.
Before the show had even started, the screams from inside The O2 were louder than I’ve ever heard – and I’ve been to plenty of gigs with very passionate fans.
Slight warning if you’re an adult fan – you will feel incredibly old. The crowd was filled with very young fans doing every bit of choreo as their parents (many of them in KATSEYE merch too) excitedly filmed them. It did mean the queues for the bars were easy to handle, even if they shut at 9.30pm despite the desperate pleas from one woman: “My husband just needs a beer this isn’t his thing!”
After quickly getting over the fact that I AM NOW OLD, the group hit the stage, starting things off with their latest single “Hootie Frutti”.
I should say, KATSEYE are my (current) favourite group, were my top artist on Spotify last year and I’d be surprised if they weren’t this year too. I’ve been a fan since “Debut” and was lucky enough to see their London showcase last year – but I quickly realised seeing them in an arena setting would be like seeing them in their natural habitat.
The girls have an unexplainable stage presence, hitting every move of their choreo, singing with their mics ON, and just looking like stars. Bear in mind they’re only a few years into their career. The response from the crowd would make you think they’re decades in, with countless hits under their belts.
They went through a training process more commonly found in South Korea, with K-Pop groups. They’re immaculate on stage, but it’s clear they love being pop stars, too. Their energy filled the arena, with even reluctant parents dancing along with their kids.
The group performed all of their biggest tracks – also including “Internet Girl”, “Touch”, “Mean Girls”, “Gabriela”, “Pinky Up”, “Animal”, “Gameboy”, “Debut” and closing with “Gnarly”. But they also sprinkled in their lesser known tracks, including my personal favourites “My Way” and “That Way”.
Despite social media criticism claiming that the girls were miming during their Dublin opener, it sounded like their mics were on all night at The O2. The ad libs really showing off the girls’ voices were stunning. Lara, especially, is just incredible. I had to keep turning to my friend to make sure she too was hearing it. Lara’s voice is powerful with a beautiful tone, which she really got to show off with her solo performance of “Unloveu”, which she also co-wrote. But all of the members truly shone. Daniela’s pre-“Gabriela” dance break, Megan’s post-“Pinky Up” solo and Yoonchae singing in her native Korean in “Time Lapse”, taken from the soundtrack of K-Drama Good Boy, were among the highlights.
But it’s clear KATSEYE have not hit their peak yet. They’ve got a lot left to give, and I’m excited as a fan for what’s to come. Whether it’s high energy dance tracks like “Pinky Up” or beautiful ballads like “My Way”, I’m certain fans will eat up everything they do.
I just feel sorry for the kids who were there at their first concert. It will take a lot for their next to live up to KATSEYE.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
