KATSEYE member Manon is stepping away from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing — but in the hours following the announcement, online speculation quickly shifted the narrative.
The hiatus was confirmed in a statement shared via Weverse. “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 wrote. The message emphasized unity and support, assuring fans that scheduled activities would continue and that the members look forward to reuniting “when the time is right.”
Manon later addressed fans directly. “I want you to hear this from me, I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself,” she wrote. “Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture.” No timeline for her return was provided.
Still, the conversation online has been more layered. Shortly after the announcement, fans noticed that Manon had reportedly liked an Instagram post suggesting her hiatus may not be solely health-related. The post implied that ongoing racist harassment — particularly as the only Black member of the group — and alleged lack of protection from the label could have contributed to accumulated stress.
KATSEYE has faced intense scrutiny since debut. In late 2025, the group publicly acknowledged thousands of incidents of online harassment, including racist abuse and threats directed not only at members but also their families.
The hiatus arrives during a pivotal period. Earlier this year, KATSEYE’s single “Internet Girl” debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 13 on Spotify’s Daily Global chart, marking their highest debut yet. The group also performed at the Grammy Awards and teased a bold new era during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
At the same time, Manon unveiled “NOT BAD,” a quiet two-minute short film shared via Instagram.
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