KATSEYE will take the Sahara stage at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this Friday without one of its members. According to The Korea Herald, Manon will not participate in the group’s 2026 Coachella debut, as her hiatus remains in effect.
HYBE confirmed the update on Thursday, stating, “Manon remains on hiatus,” in response to an inquiry about her involvement. The announcement arrives at a critical moment for the group, which is preparing to perform at one of the world’s most visible festival stages while simultaneously rolling out new music.
The absence follows weeks of mounting speculation. Earlier this week, a pre-hiatus interview with Nylon resurfaced, offering new insight into group dynamics. “There’s six of us, so obviously not everyone’s always going to be on the same page about everything,” Manon said, reflecting on internal differences. She continued, “I think we all are at, or have been learning and are finally coming to, a point where for the group’s sake, you give and you take. You pick your battles.” Those remarks have since taken on added significance as fans search for clarity around her status.
Visual cues throughout the current rollout have reinforced her absence. Teasers for KATSEYE’s new single “Pinky Up,” announced March 31 and set for release on April 9, feature Daniela, Yoonchae, Lara, Sophia, and Megan, with no appearance from Manon. Hours after the first teaser dropped, she removed the group’s name from her Instagram bio, intensifying online discussion.
Fan response has been swift and divided. Calls for transparency from HYBE and Geffen Records have grown louder, while others have pointed to her recent message on Weverse for reassurance. “I’m happy and I’m healthy. I’ll share more soon,” she wrote, weeks after the late-February announcement confirming she would step back from activities to focus on her wellbeing.
Photo: Manon/Instagram
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