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“I Was a Wreck”: KATSEYE’s ‘Wild Hearts’ Film Reveals the Reality of Stardom

Katseye opens up about the pressures of global pop stardom in Wild Hearts, as Megan says, “I was a wreck most of the time.”

KATSEYE is pulling back the curtain on the intense reality of global pop stardom in its new concert film, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS.

The film, released in cinemas worldwide on Wednesday, chronicles the multinational girl group’s journey from finalists on HYBE and Geffen Records’ Netflix competition series The Debut: Dream Academy to one of pop’s fastest-rising acts. It arrives alongside KATSEYE’s new WILD EP and ahead of the group’s Wild World Tour, set to begin in Ireland on Sept. .

The Los Angeles-based group formed in and quickly found a global audience by combining the demanding performance discipline associated with K-pop with Western pop influences. KATSEYE’s growing catalogue includes breakout tracks “Touch,” “Gnarly” and the Grammy-nominated “Gabriela.”

For Megan Skiendiel, revisiting the Dream Academy period in KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS was a reminder of just how difficult the group’s formative years were.

“Looking back, I was a wreck most of the time,” Megan said, laughing.

“I think it really prepared me for now, to this coming day, being an artist, to being in front of the public eye,” the Hawaiian native added, reflecting on the criticism faced by contestants from Hybe experts during the show.

KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS gives fans a closer look at the pressure behind the polished performances, following the members through the uncertainty, criticism and public scrutiny that came with competing for a place in the group.

KATSEYE continues as four members

KATSEYE is currently promoting as four members while Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman remain on temporary hiatus.

Manon’s hiatus was announced on Feb. . Sophia became the second KATSEYE member to take a break for mental health and wellness reasons on Aug. . In a joint social-media statement, HYBE and Geffen said Sophia’s condition will be reassessed in September.

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Lara Raj stressed that Manon remains an important part of the group’s story, particularly as she appears in the new film.

“(Manon), no matter what, will always be a part of KATSEYE. I think it’s a lovely thing for us and the fans to see the true, full journey,” Indian American singer Lara Raj said, referring to Manon’s appearance in the documentary.

Before Sophia’s hiatus was announced, Lara described the Filipino American singer as KATSEYE’s natural leader.

“I think she has always been meant to be the leader, and she feels like the roots of the tree, and we’re like the branches that branch out,” she said.

New Wild EP and world tour

KATSEYE’s new WILD EP was released on Aug. , giving fans more music from Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung as the group prepares for its next live era.

“We have a lot more songs, Lara’s song that she wrote,” Megan said, highlighting new music including “Unloveu,” which Lara co-wrote and co-produced for the group’s “Wild” EP, released Aug. 14.

The group’s latest releases also include “Pinky Up,” which went viral across TikTok, YouTube Shorts and other short-form platforms thanks to its playful choreography and unconventional hook.

Romanian singer-songwriter Sorana, one of the song’s co-writers, recalled drawing inspiration from the overly refined style of people who extend their pinky fingers while sipping from a tea cup.

KATSEYE’s Wild World Tour is scheduled to kick off in Ireland on Sept. $1$ . Meanwhile, fans in Tokyo can visit the KATSEYE “Wild” Pop-Up at the Universal Music Store in Harajuku through Aug. $3$ .

With KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS, KATSEYE is giving fans a more candid account of the hard work and emotional strain behind its rise — while looking ahead to a new era of music, live shows and global ambition.