• New single released January 2 tackles toxic online culture group has faced since 2024 debut
• Member Lara Raj revealed in November BBC interview that band received thousands of death threats and racist harassment
• Track first performed live during Beautiful Chaos tour, immediately became fan favorite before official release

LOS ANGELES, CA (TDR) — KATSEYE kicked off 2026 with a defiant New Year’s surprise, dropping their new single “Internet Girl” on January 2 — a bright, dance-pop anthem confronting the online harassment that has shadowed their meteoric rise to fame.

The track arrives with sharp timing, landing just weeks after member Lara Raj disclosed in a November BBC interview that the six-member group has received thousands of death threats and racist harassment since debuting in 2024.

“Internet Girl” bursts with infectious energy and an instantly catchy hook, but beneath the upbeat production lies a pointed message about the chaos of online attention. The playful lyrics explore differing opinions and internet culture with the sparkling confidence that’s become the group’s signature sound.

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From Tour Favorite to Official Release

Fans already knew this one was special. KATSEYE first debuted “Internet Girl” live during their Beautiful Chaos North American tour in November, where it immediately won over audiences. Despite being unreleased, crowds were soon singing along as the members lit up stages with expressive choreography, playful hand gestures, and emoji-inspired movements.

The group announced the surprise release on New Year’s Eve with sleek digital cover art and a message to fans known as EYEKONs: “We wanted to leave you with one more surprise before this year ends.”

Confronting the Dark Side of Fame

The song takes on new weight given what KATSEYE has endured. In her November interview with BBC’s Mark Savage, Lara Raj opened up about the psychological toll of constant negativity.

“I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter, but if 1,000 people are sending you death threats, it’s jarring,” Raj said. “Even if it’s not going to happen, it’s heavy.”

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The 20-year-old American citizen of Tamil Indian heritage revealed she was even falsely reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for “working and residing in the United States without legal authorization” — despite being a US citizen. The harassment extended beyond the members themselves, with families and friends also targeted by online hate.

Member Manon Bannerman described the experience as “very terrorizing on the mind,” while Sophia Laforteza noted that people “don’t see celebrities” as human.

Raj also addressed the sexist comparisons the group faces online, where fans rank members based on appearance, singing and dancing skills, then assign numerical scores. “It’s so dystopian,” she told BBC.

Breakout Year Despite Backlash

The online harassment hasn’t slowed KATSEYE’s momentum. The global girl group — formed through the competition series Dream Academy and chronicled in the Netflix docuseries “Popstar Academy: KATSEYE” — has racked up impressive achievements in less than two years.

Their hit “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” both landed on the Billboard Hot 100, while their second EP “Beautiful Chaos” peaked at No. 4. A Gap commercial featuring the group went viral in August, generating 400 million views.

In September, they won Push Performance of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards. Now they’re nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, making them only the third girl group in history to receive a Best New Artist Grammy nomination.

The six-member group also has Coachella on their 2026 calendar, signaling they’re far from finished conquering the music world.

Can KATSEYE’s tongue-in-cheek take on internet culture help shift conversations about online harassment in the music industry?

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