KATSEYE fans, also known as Eyekons, have been asking one big question for months: Is Manon Bannerman still part of the group? The Swiss member has been on a break since February 2026, and her absence from recent major events like the American Music Awards and Coachella has only made people more curious.
Manon stepped away from the global girl group to focus on her health. But her name is not in her Instagram bio anymore. She did not perform with the group at Coachella. She was also missing from the 2026 AMAs where KATSEYE won big. So what is really going on?
Let us break down everything you need to know about Manon Bannerman’s current status with KATSEYE.
Manon’s Hiatus Started in February 2026
On February 20, 2026, HYBE and Geffen Records (together called HxG) announced that Manon would take a temporary break from group activities. The label said the decision came after “open and thoughtful conversations” and that Manon needed time to focus on her “health and well-being”.
The statement on KATSEYE’s official X account said the group fully supports her decision. It also confirmed that KATSEYE would continue with their planned schedule as five members.
Many fans were surprised because this news came right after KATSEYE performed at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where they were nominated for Best New Artist.
Manon Cleared KATSEYE From Her Instagram Bio
In early April 2026, eagle-eyed fans noticed something big. Manon removed all mentions of KATSEYE from her Instagram profile. Her bio now simply reads “mademoiselle manzanita”.
This change was a major deal because her five bandmates—Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung—all still have “KATSEYE” in their bios.
Fans started to worry. Was this a sign she was leaving for good?
Manon Spoke Directly to Fans on Weverse
Right after changing her Instagram bio, Manon sent a message to fans on the platform Weverse. She wanted to clear things up.
“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.” – Manon Bannerman on Weverse
This message gave fans some relief. She confirmed she is doing well and that talks with the label are going in a good direction.
KATSEYE Released ‘Pinky Up’ Without Manon
On April 9, 2026, KATSEYE dropped their new single called “Pinky Up” along with a music video. The teaser for the song came out in March, and fans quickly noticed that Manon was not in any of the clips.
The final music video also did not include Manon. This marked the group’s first release without her since she started her break.
The song still did well. “Pinky Up” reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Manon Did Not Join KATSEYE at Coachella 2026
Many fans hoped Manon would return for KATSEYE’s Coachella debut. The group performed at the famous music festival in Indio, California, on April 10 and April 17, 2026.
But HYBE confirmed that Manon would not be there. “Manon remains on hiatus,” the label told The Korea Herald.
Even more surprising? Some fans thought they spotted Manon in the crowd at Coachella watching Sabrina Carpenter’s performance while KATSEYE was on stage without her. A blurry photo spread on social media showing who fans believed was Manon with Chappell Roan and Ice Spice.
This sighting made some people question the “health” reason for her break. If she was well enough to attend the festival, why was she not performing with her group?
KATSEYE Won AMAs Without Manon
On May 25, 2026, KATSEYE attended the American Music Awards as five members. Manon was not there.
The group won New Artist of the Year, beating out Alex Warren, Ella Langley, Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, and sombr. They became the first girl group to win this category since it was created in 2004.
During their acceptance speech, Sophia Laforteza gave a shout-out to BTS.
“We want to give a special shout-out to BTS tonight for inspiring us to represent our culture at a global scale.” – Sophia Laforteza at 2026 AMAs
Lara Raj also spoke about the group’s mission. “We’ve always been on a mission to celebrate diversity and represent our people and our cultures,” she said.
But some fans were upset that Manon was not mentioned in the speech.
One fan wrote online: “Give us a break without Manon this is just boring.”
Another said: “Don’t forget about MANON, she helped you reach here.”
Lara Raj Addressed the Situation in May 2026
On May 14, 2026, KATSEYE member Lara Raj talked about the false stories spreading online. During a Weverse livestream, she made a point to say “all six of us”.
“I did want to talk to you guys, though, because I mean… there’s obviously been so much chatter and so many things getting twisted. Things all six of us have done or things we haven’t done – that apparently gets twisted into something we did do, so many false narratives and very harmful false narratives.” – Lara Raj
Fans noticed she said “all six of us.” This small detail gave people hope that Manon is still considered a member of KATSEYE.
One fan reacted: “I cried. I have never been happier to hear ‘six’ in my life, omg.”
What About the Group’s Future Plans?
KATSEYE has a busy schedule ahead. Their new EP called WILD is set to release on August 14, 2026.
The group will also go on The Wildworld Tour. This is a 31-date arena tour across Europe and North America. It starts on September 1, 2026 in Dublin and ends on November 28, 2026 in Mexico City.
There is no official word yet on whether Manon will rejoin for the tour or the new music.
Also Read:
So Is Manon Still Part of KATSEYE?
As of now, Manon Bannerman is officially still a member of KATSEYE. Her break is described as “temporary” by the label.
She is not performing with the group. She is not in their new music video. She was not at the AMAs. But she has told fans directly that she feels supported by the label and that conversations are positive.
Her bandmate Lara Raj also referred to the group as “all six of us” in May 2026.
For now, Eyekons are waiting. Manon has not officially left. But she has not officially returned either. The only thing fans can do is wait for her to share more, just like she promised on Weverse.
Also Read: Josh Heuston Confirms Exit From ‘Off Campus’ Season 2 As Showrunner Explains Justin’s Departure
For more updates on K-Pop and global girl groups, keep reading VvipTimes for the latest news.
