K-pop girl group KATSEYE has officially entered a new era with the release of their hyper-pop single "Pinky Up", but fans quickly noticed a major absence-member Manon Bannerman did not appear in the comeback, sparking renewed questions about her ongoing hiatus.
The HYBE-backed group dropped "Pinky Up" on April 9, featuring members Yoonchae, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, and Megan. The track leans into a bold hyper-pop sound, paired with a colorful, high-energy music video that showcases the group's evolving identity ahead of their Coachella debut.
However, Manon's absence is not new. The singer has been on a temporary hiatus since February 2026, initially announced as a step back to focus on her health and well-being. Since then, she has not participated in recent promotions, teasers, or group content, including this latest release.
Adding to speculation, HYBE has confirmed that Manon will also not be performing with KATSEYE at Coachella 2026, marking the group's first major festival stage without her. Despite the uncertainty, the remaining members have consistently shown support, emphasizing unity during a difficult transition.
In a recent interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the members addressed the situation directly, saying, "Manon has been on hiatus and we love her so much... she's our sister forever." They added that they are "rooting for her" and want her to have the space she needs.
Online discussions have continued to grow as fans analyze updates, social media changes, and conflicting reports about her long-term status in the group. However, neither HYBE nor Geffen Records has confirmed any permanent departure.
For now, "Pinky Up" represents both a musical shift and a moment of adjustment for KATSEYE as they navigate change while staying active on one of their biggest global stages yet.
While questions remain, one thing is clear: the group is moving forward together-even in the absence of one of its original members.
