KATSEYE x Monster High Fright Song: The Inside Story Behind This Haunting Remake

FRIGHT SONG - KATSEYE x MONSTER HIGH brings a haunting new twist to the iconic Monster High anthem as the global girl group KATSEYE reimagines the franchise's original theme song. Released on streaming platforms on July 17, 2025, alongside an accompanying music video, this collaboration showcases each KATSEYE member embodying monsters inspired by their unique cultural backgrounds.

The remake features fresh monster high theme song lyrics that capture the spooky essence fans love while adding KATSEYE's signature pop sound. Each member transformed into culturally significant creatures for the video – Megan became the shape-shifting Huli Jing from Chinese mythology, Lara embodied a Rakshasa from Hindu lore, Yoonchae portrayed the Jangsan Beom from Korean folklore, Sophia became the Filipino Manananggal, Manon took on the role of a sea monster, and Daniela transformed into a werewolf. Following the success of their second EP "Beautiful Chaos," which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, this monster high song lyrics collaboration strengthens KATSEYE's growing influence, with three of their tracks currently ranking on the Philippines Hot 100 chart.

The KATSEYE x Monster High Collaboration

Mattel unveiled a groundbreaking partnership between Monster High and global girl group KATSEYE in July 2025, marking a significant cultural moment for both brands. This collaboration stems from their shared commitment to celebrating uniqueness and authenticity in today's media landscape.

How the partnership came to life

The partnership materialized as both entities recognized their aligned missions of empowering young audiences. For KATSEYE, recreating the iconic "Fright Song" and designing their own monster identities fulfilled a childhood dream. Notably, several members shared throwback photos of themselves as children unwrapping Monster High dolls, highlighting the full-circle nature of this collaboration. This authentic connection formed the foundation for their creative partnership.

Why KATSEYE was chosen for the remake

KATSEYE's selection for this high-profile remake was deliberate and strategic. "KATSEYE embodies our core values of Monster High – bold creativity, fearless self-expression, and a commitment to lifting up others," explained Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel. Furthermore, the group's multicultural background provided a perfect opportunity to infuse diverse folklore into Monster High's universe, creating a fresh interpretation of the brand's established characters.

Monster High's message of self-expression

Since its 2010 launch, Monster High has championed diversity and inclusivity in the toy industry. The brand consistently promotes celebrating differences and challenging conventional beauty standards. Indeed, this ethos perfectly complements KATSEYE's own "Beautiful Chaos" era, where authenticity and cultural pride take center stage. Through this collaboration, both brands reinforce that embracing uniqueness is not just acceptable—it's something to celebrate proudly.

Reimagining the Fright Song

The reimagined 'Fright Song' transforms the beloved Monster High anthem with contemporary sounds and fresh lyrics while preserving its haunting essence. Released on July 18, 2025, this modern take brings a new energy to the cult classic that first debuted in 2010.

Modernizing the Monster High theme song lyrics

KATSEYE's version introduces several notable changes to the monster high lyrics, maintaining the spooky core while adding their unique flair. The remake opens with Daniela's sinister laugh followed by the line "Ew, you give me the chills," immediately setting a darker tone. Additionally, the chorus evolves from "freaky chic 'n' fly" to "creepy, chic and fly" and "where student bodies lie" to "the party never dies." Most impressively, KATSEYE adds an entirely new verse featuring a bold rap section performed by Manon and Megan with lines like "Listen up, this class is in session" and "All fangs are drippy in red."

Blending pop with spooky aesthetics

The musical production takes a minimalist approach, starting with a slower tempo intro that builds to a contemporary dark-pop and trap-pop style. Gone is the heavy guitar riff from the original, replaced by minimalist bass and drums that create a more modern soundscape. Throughout the track, haunting ad-libs—including sinister laughs and breathy echoes—perfectly complement the group's ethereal harmonies. The video showcases the girls strutting through hallways of a Monster High-like school, dropping choreography that emphasizes the song's catchy chorus.

Fright Song Monster High karaoke appeal

The reimagined track maintains the karaoke-friendly quality of the original, ensuring fans can still enjoy singing along. The updated version preserves the iconic "M-O-N-S-T-E-R" spelling section and the cheerleader-style "We've got spirits" chant that made the original a fan favorite. Currently available on all major streaming and digital download platforms, the song offers both nostalgic appeal for longtime Monster High enthusiasts and fresh elements for KATSEYE's growing fanbase.

Meet the Monsters: KATSEYE’s Cultural Personas

In the FRIGHT SONG - KATSEYE x MONSTER HIGH music video, each member embodies a mythical creature with deep connections to their cultural heritage, creating a unique twist on the monster high theme song lyrics.

Megan as the Huli Jing (Chinese folklore)

Megan transforms into the Huli Jing, a fox spirit from Chinese mythology known for shapeshifting abilities. Her character features distinctive fox ears, nine flowing tails, and glowing red eyes that showcase the creature's mischievous yet powerful nature.

Lara as the Rakshasa (South Asian mythology)

Lara portrays the Rakshasa, a shape-shifting entity from Hindu tradition. Her interpretation includes reversed hands, sharp fangs, and ornate South Asian-inspired jewelry that reflects her cultural background while maintaining the monster high lyrics' spooky essence.

Yoonchae as the Jangsan Beom (Korean legend)

Yoonchae embodies the Jangsan Beom, a mythical tiger from Korean folklore. Her character sports striped markings, piercing yellow eyes, and traditional Korean accessories, bringing this lesser-known creature to global audiences.

Sophia as the Manananggal (Filipino vampire)

Sophia depicts the Manananggal, a Filipino vampire that separates its upper body from its lower half. Her portrayal features bat-like wings, glowing veins, and the ability to float – perfect for the monster high song lyrics' supernatural themes.

Manon as a Sea Monster (African lore)

Manon represents an aquatic deity inspired by West African mythology. Her character displays iridescent scales, webbed hands, and glowing patterns that pulse with the rhythm of the fright song monster high karaoke beat.

Daniela as a Werewolf with dance powers

Daniela takes on a werewolf persona with a unique twist – her transformations are triggered by dancing. Her character features amber eyes, retractable claws, and fur patterns that pay homage to her Latin American heritage.

The Impact: Dolls, Fans, and Representation

The collaboration extends beyond music with exclusive custom dolls that embody each member's cultural identity and personal style.

Custom Monster High dolls with cultural details

As a highlight of this partnership, each KATSEYE member received one-of-a-kind Monster High dolls reflecting their unique monster personas. "They look exactly like us, so it's pretty insane," remarked Daniela about her werewolf doll featuring her signature curls. These collectibles incorporate meaningful cultural elements—Sophia's Manananggal features her exact skin tone and facial moles, Lara's Rakshasa displays a traditional Bindi and precise skin color, Megan's Huli Jing includes her jade bracelet, Yoonchae's Jangsanbeom captures Korean folklore elements, and Manon's sea monster sports her distinctive waist beads.

Fan reactions and nostalgic moments

The collaboration triggered powerful nostalgic responses, particularly from longtime Monster High enthusiasts. "All I asked for were Monster High dolls when I was a kid," confessed Sophia, who even searched through her parents' Facebook to find childhood photos unwrapping Monster High gifts. Across social media, reactions ranged from enthusiastic ("I hope if we beg Monster High enough... they might release them") to critical assessments of the music video's production value.

Representation and identity in kids' media

Through this partnership, both brands reinforce their commitment to authentic representation. "A lot of us growing up felt unrepresented, especially in media, entertainment and music," explained Lara. This mirrors Monster High's longstanding mission to embrace "freaky flaws" and celebrate individuality. The cultural specificity of each monster persona creates meaningful connections—Manon notes that young fans have shared, "I saw you do that and now I wear my hair curly to school".