KATSEYE Brings Girl Groups Back to the Forefront at WAMU Theater
KATSEYE’s Seattle stop at WAMU Theater this past Tuesday was a clear sign that this group is ready to take over pop culture. Words by Jenny Shackleton. Photos by Rahul Bhatt.
Formed just over a year ago, they have carved out a unique space as a K-pop-adjacent girl group, blending global pop sensibilities with the precision and charisma fans love about Korean acts. They could have easily sold out a much larger venue, but choosing smaller theaters for their first tour felt smart, much like Olivia Rodrigo’s debut run, giving them room to find their footing while keeping the experience intimate.
The crowd was as diverse as it gets. Fans of all ages and backgrounds filled the venue, with plenty of parents happily buying armfuls of merch for kids who were glowing with excitement. There was no opener, just a playlist of KATSEYE’s music videos playing on the big screens, which turned into an impromptu karaoke session as fans sang along to every word. It set the tone perfectly for what was to come, a high-energy and deeply connected performance.
One member, Manon, was sick and could not perform, but the remaining five adapted flawlessly. They reworked choreography on the fly and encouraged fans to sing Manon’s parts, creating a sense of unity that felt genuine and heartfelt. Their dancing was electrifying, and the fact that they delivered such strong vocals while executing intense routines was nothing short of impressive. Interludes during outfit changes featured touching videos of their journey so far, reminding everyone how far they have come in just a year.
The setlist included fan favorites like “Touch,” “Gameboy,” and “M.I.A,” but the loudest singalongs came during “Gnarly” and “Gabriela,” which turned the theater into a full-on chorus. Even with a discography that is still growing, the group kept the energy high for nearly 90 minutes, leaving fans exhilarated and wanting more. By the end, it was clear this was more than a concert, it was a celebration of a group on the rise. Watching KATSEYE in a venue this size felt like a rare privilege because next time, it is hard to imagine them playing anywhere but arenas. I left feeling lucky to have witnessed this moment in their story.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.