KATSEYE has officially launched its next era. On March 31, the group confirmed the release of their new single “Pinky Up,” arriving April 9 alongside a music video, but the announcement has quickly shifted attention toward one key question: will Manon be part of the comeback?
The rollout began with a teaser featuring the Mona Lisa sipping coffee. Shortly after, the group unveiled a full comeback scheduler outlining a tightly coordinated promotional plan leading into release day. Teasers, concept photos, and multiple visual drops are set to build momentum across the week, culminating in the official video premiere.
Schedule
April 2 – Official MV Teaser 1 (9:00 AM PT)
April 3 – Photo Look 1 (9:00 AM PT)
April 6 – Official MV Teaser 2 (9:00 AM PT)
April 7 – Photo Look 2 (9:00 AM PT)
April 8 – Official MV Teaser 3 (9:00 AM PT)
April 8 – Photo Look 3 (12:00 PM PT)
April 9 – “Pinky Up” Official MV Release (9:00 AM PT)
April 9 – Photo Look 4 (12:00 PM PT)
April 10 & April 17 – Coachella Weekend 1 & 2
“Pinky Up” arrives less than 24 hours before KATSEYE’s scheduled Coachella debut, positioning the single as a launchpad for one of their highest-profile performances to date. That visibility follows a breakout run earlier this year, when “Internet Girl” debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 13 on Spotify’s Daily Global chart, marking a career high for the group.
Still, the conversation surrounding “Pinky Up” has been shaped as much by absence as anticipation. Manon Bannerman has been on hiatus since late February 2026, stepping back from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing. The decision was confirmed via a Weverse statement, with the group emphasizing support and leaving her return timeline open-ended. Manon later reassured fans directly, stating that she is “healthy” and “taking care” of herself.
Speculation intensified following the comeback announcement. On Instagram, Sophia, Yoonchae, Daniela, Lara, and Megan all shared or interacted with the “Pinky Up” reveal, while Manon remained silent—no repost, no visible engagement. That detail has led many fans to believe she may not be involved in the track or its accompanying video, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Context around her hiatus adds further complexity. In the hours after the initial announcement, online discussions pointed to broader concerns, including ongoing harassment faced by the group since their debut. KATSEYE previously acknowledged thousands of incidents of online abuse in late 2025, including racist attacks directed at members and their families. Manon, as the only Black member, has been at the center of those conversations, with some fans suggesting that external pressures may have contributed to her step back.
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