Girl group KATSEYE has achieved its most significant chart success to date with its latest single, "Animal." The track, released on July 24, debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Global 200, marking the group's first top-10 entry on the chart. It also landed at number 12 on the Streaming Songs, Digital Song Sales, and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, setting new personal bests for the group.
This milestone occurs while two of the six members are on hiatus. Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung are currently active with the group, while Manon Bannerman, 24, and Sophia Laforteza, 23, are taking time away to focus on their well-being.
Last week, KATSEYE announced that lead singer Laforteza would be temporarily stepping back from group activities due to mental health concerns. This announcement followed a similar hiatus declared by Bannerman six months prior, who also cited health and well-being as reasons for her temporary departure. Both members' record labels, HYBE and Geffen Records, issued statements emphasizing that the health and safety of their artists are paramount. Laforteza's condition will be reassessed in September, with an update to be shared with fans afterward.
Laforteza addressed her hiatus in a personal message, stating, "Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm learning that health has to come first." She expressed her love for performing and assured fans she would work hard to heal and return stronger. Bannerman's hiatus earlier in the year had previously caused concern among fans, particularly after she posted on social media stating she was healthy and taking care of herself, seemingly in contrast to the label's statement about focusing on health.
The group, formed in 2023 through the reality competition series Dream Academy, is scheduled to release its upcoming EP, "Wild," on August 14. They are also preparing for a sold-out world tour commencing in September and the release of their documentary film, "KATSEYE: Wild Hearts." Despite the members' absences, KATSEYE has continued to see chart success with previous singles like "Pinky Up" and "Iconic By Mistake." The group has also been selected to perform at Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields music festival.
KATSEYE's prior notable achievements include their single "Gabriela," which reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The group also received a Best New Artist nomination at the awards. In November, the members disclosed that they had hired a therapist to help them cope with the pressures of the spotlight and threats they had received, highlighting the challenges of navigating public life in the music industry.