KATSEYE have kicked off a new era with the reveal of their upcoming single, Pinky Up.
The K-pop girl group rolled out a series of cryptic social posts that sent fans into full-blown detective mode.
The first teaser, shared on March 30, showed the Mona Lisa delicately lifting a steaming cup of tea with her pinky raised, while the second clip — posted the following morning — featured an arcade claw machine branded with the group’s name snatching a sword from a pile of glittering plush toys and a lone teacup. Adding to the mystery, the caption read: “We’re screaming from cloud nine!!”
Their third post finally confirmed the track and its artwork, showing someone kneeling on a carpet beside a teacup and toy cat, with the title splashed across the image in bold hot-pink lettering. The group also revealed the release date of April 9.
Pinky Up is due just one day before KATSEYE take the stage at Coachella on April 10, marking their debut at the festival.
It also serves as their first release since HYBE and Geffen announced that member Manon Bannerman would be stepping back temporarily for her “health and well-being.”
On Weverse, they said: “Hello. 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.”
The group said they “fully support this decision,” adding: “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 her return, the group will continue activities with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung.
They concluded: “Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
