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Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- transformative /trans-FAWR-muh-tiv/
[adjective] – causing a major change to someone or something, especially in a way that improves it
The internet had a transformative effect on global communication. - emblematic /em-bluh-MAT-ik/
[adjective] – representing a particular person, group, or idea
The dove is emblematic of peace. - resonance /REZ-uh-nuhns/
[noun] – the quality of being loud, clear, and continuing for a long time; the power to bring strong feelings or memories
The singer’s voice had resonance in the big hall. - tenacity /tuh-NAS-i-tee/
[noun] – the determination to continue what you are doing
His tenacity helped him finish the race. - zeitgeist /ZAHYT-gahyst/
[noun] – the general set of ideas, beliefs, feelings, etc., that is typical of a particular period in history
The fashion of the 1990s captured the zeitgeist of that decade.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In 2023, Hybe Corporation from South Korea and Geffen Records from the United States initiated a project to establish an international girl group with broad cultural appeal. The process was recorded in the Netflix series Popstar Academy: Katseye, which aired in 2024. By June of that year, the six-member ensemble Katseye officially debuted. The group consists of Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung, representing diverse nationalities including South Korea, the Philippines, Cuba, India, and the United States. Their background contributed to a distinctive identity that captured global attention. Within twelve months, Katseye performed at Lollapalooza, released the EP Beautiful Chaos that reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, starred in a viral Gap campaign, and secured an MTV Video Music Award. A world tour scheduled for November 2025 was immediately sold out, showing the intensity of their growing influence.
The group emphasized that diversity and inclusion formed the essence of their artistry, noting that representation in media was essential for global audiences. Analysts observed that Katseye’s rapid ascent reflected a new model of entertainment in which multilingual and multicultural acts achieve mainstream prominence. Industry experts described the phenomenon as both transformative and emblematic of wider shifts in popular culture. However, challenges remain, including maintaining creative authenticity under immense public expectation. Members expressed interest in exploring artistic concepts that reveal more authentic emotion, a vision described as raw and experimental. Future ambitions include performing in home countries and reaching prestigious events such as Coachella. Specialists have argued that Katseye’s trajectory demonstrates the resonance of inclusive entertainment, the tenacity required to navigate global fame, and the zeitgeist of modern music culture. Their success is viewed as a signal that collaborative innovation can redefine global pop dynamics.
The group emphasized that diversity and inclusion formed the essence of their artistry, noting that representation in media was essential for global audiences. Analysts observed that Katseye’s rapid ascent reflected a new model of entertainment in which multilingual and multicultural acts achieve mainstream prominence. Industry experts described the phenomenon as both transformative and emblematic of wider shifts in popular culture. However, challenges remain, including maintaining creative authenticity under immense public expectation. Members expressed interest in exploring artistic concepts that reveal more authentic emotion, a vision described as raw and experimental. Future ambitions include performing in home countries and reaching prestigious events such as Coachella. Specialists have argued that Katseye’s trajectory demonstrates the resonance of inclusive entertainment, the tenacity required to navigate global fame, and the zeitgeist of modern music culture. Their success is viewed as a signal that collaborative innovation can redefine global pop dynamics.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever followed a music group from their debut until they became popular? If so, which group was it? If not, which group would you like to follow?
- Have you ever watched a music documentary or series about artists? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you like to watch one?
- Do you think international groups can be more successful?
- How can international groups like Katseye change the future of global entertainment?
- What challenges might artists face when trying to keep their music authentic?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- officially
- nationality
- influence
- authenticity
- global