K-pop
KATSEYE’s Manon Bannerman reassures fans she's 'happy and healthy' after stepping back from the group
Manon Bannerman reassured fans she is “happy and healthy” after stepping back from KATSEYE, after the group confirmed she will temporarily halt activities.
Manon Bannerman has reached out to fans after confirming she’s taking a break from KATSEYE, reassuring supporters that she’s doing well despite stepping away to focus on her well-being.
In a message reportedly shared on Weverse, the 23‑year‑old wrote: “Thank you so much for all the love and support you've been sending my way. I'm really grateful for the patience and kindness everyone has shown during this time. HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I'm happy and I'm healthy. I'll share more soon. Thank you for always being there for me.”
Her update landed just as fans spotted a quiet change on her Instagram profile — all references to KATSEYE had disappeared, replaced with the simple line: “mademoiselle manzanita.”
The switch immediately set off speculation about her future in the group, though Manon’s message made it clear she’s in good spirits and still communicating with the team.
KATSEYE previously addressed her hiatus in their own Weverse post, explaining: “After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing.”
They added that they “fully support this decision,” telling fans:“KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us… we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
Until she returns, the group will continue with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung. Their message ended with a note of gratitude: “Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
Despite the lineup shift, KATSEYE have already kicked off their next chapter with the reveal of their new single Pinky Up.
The rollout began with a cryptic teaser on March 30 showing the Mona Lisa raising a teacup with her pinky lifted.
A second clip followed the next morning, featuring a claw machine branded with the group’s name plucking a sword from a pile of plush toys and a lone teacup, alongside the caption: “We’re screaming from cloud nine!!”
The third post finally confirmed the track title and artwork — a hot‑pink splash across an image of someone kneeling beside a teacup and a toy cat. Pinky Up arrives on April 9.
KATSEYE will make their Coachella debut the very next day, performing at the festival on April 10.
