Is Manon Leaving KATSEYE? The Pinky Up Music Video Drama Explained

Where is Manon? Everything We Know About the KATSEYE Hiatus and Coachella 2026

INDIO, CA — KATSEYE just stormed the Sahara stage at Coachella 2026 as a five-piece powerhouse, but the glaring absence of Manon Bannerman has fans convinced that a permanent lineup shift is already underway.

The global girl group delivered an electric eleven-song set on Friday night, April 10, 2026, officially kicking off their newest era while one of their biggest stars remained conspicuously in the wings.

The Pinky Up Problem and the Missing Music Video

The drama reached a fever pitch just hours before the desert sun rose, when KATSEYE dropped their highly anticipated single, Pinky, Up.

While the track is a certified chart-topper in the making, the accompanying music video was a massive shock to the system: Manon was nowhere to be found. This marks the first major group release to exclude the Swiss-born singer since the group was formed on The Debut: Dream Academy in 2024.

This wasn’t just a scheduling conflict. This was a statement. Fans on Stan Twitter immediately went into overdrive, pointing out that Manon has been absent from group promotions for nearly two months.

While HYBE and Geffen Records previously announced her hiatus in February to focus on health and well-being, the total erasure of her image from the Pinky Up campaign feels like a calculated PR move to prepare the fandom for a five-member future.

Social Media Sleuthing and the Bio Change Heard ‘Round the World

The digital paper trail is getting messy. Just days ago, eagle-eyed fans noticed Manon scrubbed KATSEYE from her Instagram bio, a move that usually signals a looming departure in the world of global pop. She eventually broke her silence on Weverse, telling followers she is happy and healthy and currently engaged in positive conversations with the label.

But is it actually positive?

The vibes are definitely off. While Manon claims to feel supported, the fact that she has been liking Instagram reels about label mistreatment and racism in girl groups suggests there is a much deeper rift than the official statements let on. It is the classic it’s not you, it’s the industry trope, and the Eyekons are not buying the corporate narrative for a second.

Damage Control or Sisterly Love?

During a sit-down with Zane Lowe ahead of their Coachella set, members Sophia Laforteza and Lara Raj tried to settle the dust.

Sophia called Manon their sister forever and insisted the group is rooting for her, but the internet labelled the interview a masterclass in PR damage control.

Netizens are calling the timing dark-sided, questioning why the group was only allowed to properly acknowledge the hiatus after the Pinky Up music video confirmed she was cut from the song.

The Coachella performance itself was a bittersweet milestone.

The group hit the stage at 8:00 PM, ripping through hits like Debut and Touch before bringing out surprise guests Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami. It was the performance of a lifetime for the remaining five members, yet the shadow of the missing sixth member loomed large over the Sahara tent.

As of now, Manon remains on hiatus with no confirmed return date.

Whether she rejoins for Weekend 2 or follows through with a permanent exit remains the biggest cliffhanger in pop music right now. One thing is for sure: the desert heat isn’t the only thing sizzling in Indio this weekend.