Manon Bannerman has spoken directly to fans after announcing she would be stepping back from KATSEYE.
The 23-year-old star reassured fans that she is “happy and healthy” after it was revealed she was pausing her time in the K-pop girl group to focus on her “well-being”.
In a message reportedly posted on Weverse, she 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 message arrived just as fans noticed she had quietly removed all mention of KATSEYE from her Instagram bio, which now simply reads: “mademoiselle manzanita.”
The change sparked immediate speculation about her future with the group, though Manon’s statement emphasised that she is doing well and remains in communication with the team.
KATSEYE had previously confirmed her temporary hiatus, explaining the decision in a post on Weverse.
The group wrote: “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.”
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 Manon returns, the group will continue activities with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung. They closed their message with a note to fans: “Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
And they’ve done just that, KATSEYE kicked off a new era with the reveal of their upcoming single, Pinky Up.
The girls 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.
