Global girl group KATSEYE, a Korean-American collaboration, has spoken out about the disturbing harassment they have endured since their debut, including thousands of death threats and incidents of racist and sexist abuse.
In an interview published by the BBC on Tuesday, members of the group opened up about the psychological toll of online hate. Member Lara shared that she has received “thousands of death threats” since last year, admitting that the volume of abuse has been overwhelming.
“I try to tell myself not to care, but when 1,000 people send you death threats, it’s impossible not to be shaken. Even if nothing actually happens, it’s just too much to handle,” Lara said.
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The hostility hasn’t been limited to verbal attacks. Lara revealed that she was the victim of a false report to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), where someone maliciously claimed she was residing and working illegally in the country.
Adding to the trauma, members have also faced sexist remarks and objectification. “People see us as women to be judged,” Lara said. “They score our looks, singing, and dancing, then combine those into a percentage. It’s dystopian.”
Stepping Away from Social Media
The relentless negativity eventually pushed Lara to delete her social media accounts. “I realized I don’t need to live according to other people’s opinions,” she explained. Fellow member Manon likened the experience to a “psychological assault.”
Sophia also opened up about how fame has affected them personally. “Our career is still short, but so many harsh words have already been thrown at us and our families. We know it’s part of being in the public eye, but we’re still human,” she said.
Despite the ongoing harassment, AllKPop reported that KATSEYE continues to rise in the global music scene. The group recently earned two Grammy nominations — for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance — a remarkable achievement in only their second year together.
Manon expressed pride in the group’s multicultural roots, stating, “I’m so proud of our diversity. I hope every girl, regardless of her background or appearance, can feel proud of where she comes from.”
Lara concluded with an inspiring message for aspiring artists: “Don’t hesitate to go for it. Our skin and our culture are our strengths. Embrace them and make them your own.”
KATSEYE’s candid revelations highlight the dark reality of cyber abuse that many artists, particularly women and minorities, continue to face — even as they break barriers and achieve historic milestones in the global entertainment industry.
Watch KATSEYE’s interview with BBC here: