Mixed Reactions to Netflix’s Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE Docuseries

The highly-anticipated docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, which highlights the development of KATSEYE, an international girl group trained by HYBE and Geffen Records in the K-Pop style, finally premiered on August 21 on Netflix. This series was created to provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the group’s formation and has sparked a variety of responses from its audience.

it’s not in this clip but when missy said let her speak it felt so micro aggressive im sorry like manon was literally trying to defend herself https://t.co/QERtOrMLHW

— ki ᓚᘏᗢ⁶ (@manonful) August 21, 2024

Despite some controversy surrounding the introduction of member Manon, many fans have passionately defended her against perceived mistreatment. As a result, there are concerns that the docuseries may not be portraying the group in a positive manner and could potentially sabotage KATSEYE’s success.

@nugusended
it literally made some of the members seem mean when it was unnecessary, like we understood the situation with manon well enough. This will literally start fandom wars and pit the girls against eachother and will be a controversy they’ll never overcome. #fyp #katseye #hybexgeffen #hybe #bts #kpop #manon #sophia #lara #yoonchae #megan #daniela #girlgroup #netflix

♬ original sound – nuguender

Ever since its debut, the show has been met with criticism for its depiction of the group, leading many netizens to believe that it promotes discord among fans rather than fostering a sense of unity. As a result, numerous KATSEYE members have been subject to negative scrutiny, raising concerns about the show’s potential to encourage individual fanbases instead of a united one.

@lilysdefender
you can see how much theyve grown 🥲 #manon #lara #katseye #kpop #kpopfyp #stantwitter #viral #kpopers #blackkpopstan

♬ Touch – KATSEYE

Despite facing criticism, the KATSEYE members took the opportunity to address the situation during a live broadcast. Lara openly acknowledged the intense competition they faced while filming, but also mentioned that their emotions have changed since then. The members confessed that they became more open and at ease in front of the cameras, which may have influenced their behavior. The resurfacing of a clip from their past has sparked reactions from netizens, who have taken into account that the girls were younger at the time and have since grown and matured. It is common for any group of young friends to encounter conflicts and reconcile over time.