KATSEYE have released their new single “Pinky Up” on April 9, 2026, just hours before stepping onto one of the biggest stages of their career. The track arrives less than a day ahead of their scheduled debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, amplifying both anticipation and scrutiny around the group.
Dropped at 12 p.m. EDT (9 a.m. PT), “Pinky Up” continues KATSEYE’s polished, globally-minded pop direction, pairing K-pop precision with a playful, high-fashion edge. The accompanying music video, directed by Bardia Zeinali with creative direction from Humberto Leon and visual direction by João Moraes, leans into a “fancy but rebellious” aesthetic. Stylized choreography and bold set pieces frame performances from Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae, presenting a cohesive five-member lineup.
That lineup has become the focal point of the release. Manon is not featured on “Pinky Up,” neither in the track nor in the visual, confirming what fans had feared following weeks of speculation. Earlier on April 9, HYBE stated that “Manon remains on hiatus” in response to inquiries about her participation in upcoming activities, including the group’s Coachella set.
Fan reaction has been immediate and sharply divided. On X, one user wrote, “U GUYS CAN KEEP THIS MESS, KATSEYE IS 6!”, while others echoed similar frustration with posts like “WE WANT MANON,” “ok let’s get the ot6 version,” and “this is not my Katseye..my Katseye that i know is 6.” The absence has reframed the comeback narrative, shifting focus from the music itself to the group’s evolving identity at a pivotal moment.
Timing adds further weight to the release. “Pinky Up” lands within 24 hours of KATSEYE’s Sahara stage debut at Coachella, a performance positioned as a breakout opportunity on a global scale. The group enters the festival cycle with measurable momentum: earlier this year, “Internet Girl” debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 13 on Spotify’s Daily Global chart, marking a new commercial high.
Despite the controversy, “Pinky Up” reinforces the group’s commitment to a bold, character-driven pop identity. The track’s glossy production and confident tone align with their recent output, even as external narratives threaten to overshadow its rollout. Coachella will now serve as the first real-time test of how this five-member configuration translates on stage—and how audiences respond in a live setting.
Meanwhile, fans can stream “Pinky Up” on all streaming platforms:
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