KATSEYE Announces Five-Member Comeback, Leaving Manon On Hiatus

One of the famous global K-pop girl groups, KATSEYE, has represented itself from the very beginning as a six-member group. Recently, one of its members, Manon, officially announced a temporary break for her health and well-being. This news has taken aback many fans and ignited discourse online, especially since she didn’t end up performing at Coachella 2026 with her groupmates. Now KATSEYE has officially confirmed their comeback as a 5-member lineup, announcing their upcoming EP, WILD. Manon is also excluded from promotions, performances, and the group’s new releases, making it a more complex narrative for the audience. Let’s break down this unfolding situation and review everything that has happened.

Confirmed Comeback: KATSEYE Moves Forward As Five

On April 15 (KST), the group announced their new EP WILD, scheduled for release in August. However, fans quickly spotted something odd. The official website included only five members in the “Member Version” of the album, leaving out Manon’s name. She was also missing from the photocards, prompting many to wonder if she would be part of this upcoming release. The discovery quickly sparked backlash online. Many fans began to question the group’s creative direction and how they were handling Manon’s hiatus. Reactions varied from disappointment to anger. 

One fan wrote, “KATSEYE announcing ‘Wild’ with only 5-member versions… #HELLNAH.” Another expressed their feelings by saying they were “disgusted.” Some fans also claimed that Manon had been involved in the project during its earlier stages. This led to speculation that she might have been removed from the comeback later, which only increased the confusion and concern among supporters.

While Manon decided to leave, leader Sophia Laforteza told us, “Despite having some interviews or performances with a missing member, what’s important is that at the end of the day, we’re still going to be six as KATSEYE; it’s forever going to be that way.” This is not the first time the group has operated as a quintet, such as

For You: IU Slammed For ‘Bad Acting’ In New K-Drama Perfect Crown

• The group recently performed on the Sahara Stage of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, performing the songs “Gnarly,” “Gameboy,” and “Gabriela.”

• “Pinky Up,” released on April 9, also accumulated 18.1 million streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music within four days, but only featured 5 members.

• Music videos, teasers, and promotional images are currently featuring only 5 members.

Why is Manon on hiatus?

Fans already noticed the reduced visibility of Manon in much of the promotional content and social media accounts of KATSEYE. Later, in February, news broke out, occupying a major space on social media platforms that highlighted the agency’s comments on Manon. No negative comments were passed; in fact, HBYE and Geffen posted on the Weverse and Twitter accounts of KATSEYE, supporting Manon’s decision for a temporary break from the pop group.

As the company and group assured the fans, EYEKONS, about Manon taking a temporary rest from the pop groups, fans still craved an official statement from Manon herself. On Weverse, she came forward to have direct communication with EYEKONS from her personal Weverse profile (Peanutbutterlover02).

She said, “Hi, friends. I want you to hear this from me. I am healthy, I am okay, and I am taking care of myself. Thank you for checking in! Sometimes things can unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I am trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to see you again.”

Many posts were shared from various sources, which calmed the fans, believing in their hope for Maon’s comeback in the pop group after a while. But as of April 2026, Manon removed KATSEYE from her bio; many speculations began, surprising the fans. Fans were expecting Manon to join KATSEYE’s next performance at Coachella after missing recent performances in Brazil and Colombia, but unfortunately, Manon was absent there as well.

For You: All The Celebrities Spotted At BTS ARIRANG Day 3

Despite her absence, Manon has reassured fans that she is in contact with the agency and focusing on her recovery. After their latest release, “Pink Up,” it was assured that Manon would join the group in its comeback. Fans were desperately waiting for her to rejoin the group activities, but the group’s latest comeback has sparked a major online debate. 

No further official announcements have been made by the group or Manon herself on the ongoing debate. Many have claimed that the five-member comeback surely confirms Manon’s permanent exit from the group.

Complete Timeline: From Hiatus to Five-member Comeback

• Feb 20: KATSEYE’s agency officially announced that Manon is temporarily stepping back for health reasons; there is no timeline for her return. 

• Feb 20 (later): Manon assured the fans on Weverse that she is okay and looking after herself. 

• Feb 26: Manon thanked fans for their support in an Instagram post, posting that she is doing great and looking good. She also assured the agency members that others are supporting her a lot.

• April 2: Manon removed KATSEYE from her bio and shares that discussions with the label are ongoing. 

• April 9: The group released “Pinky Up” without Manon. 

• April 10: KATSEYE performed at Coachella 2026 with five members; Manon was absent, but the members expressed their support for her. 

• Mid-April: A livestream slip at Coachella hinted at a new project called WILD, generating excitement as fans expected Manon’s return.

• April 15-16: KATSEYE officially announced the new “EP WILD,” scheduled for release on August 14, 2026. The claims state that this is Manon’s permanent exit news.

For You: SuperM Dismantled as Half of Members Leave: The Fall of K-pop’s “Avengers” Era

Conclusion

KATEYE’s five-member comeback is a crucial moment for the group’s career, making it difficult for them to balance growth, internal changes, and ongoing controversial debates. The group continues to rise internationally, but Manon’s absence is a source of uncertainty. The speculations and news related to Manon permanently leaving KATSEYE show how, in this modern digital world, limited information can transform itself into a widespread concern within just a few moments. For now, the five-member lineup comeback has taken its place, while the future of the sixth member remains a mystery. Fans are watching closely for what comes next, as they were desperately waiting for Manon to come back and join the group in their latest releases.

Frequently Asked Questions