Everyone knows the global, fast-rising, six-member girl group formed by the vision of Hybe America and Geffen Records, KATSEYE. The group is a 5-time award winner since debuting in late 2024. You may know them as the main artists of some of the most-streamed songs, ‘Gabriela’ and ‘Gnarly’. The group was formed through the Dream Academy – a talent program with participants from all over the world. These beautiful, talented and diverse members were chosen from about 120,000 submissions, which were narrowed down to 20 contestants and finally resulted in 6 girls from different parts of the world. These fantastic members have grown close and treat each other like family while having a main role to play:
Sophia Laforteza: The Leader
Lara Raj: Main Vocalist
Daniela Avanzini: Main Dancer
Megan: All-rounder
Yoonchae: Maknae and All-Rounder
And last, Manon Bannerman, Centre/Visual… VISUALLY GONE from the face of KATSEYE.
So, where is Manon?
Manon Bannerman is currently on a long-term mental health hiatus. There has been so much controversy about their decisions and how Hybe x Geffen has been treating her. The controversy is debating whether Manon will be returning to KATSEYE as OT6 because of the signs and differences in how she’s getting treated on hiatus compared to other idols. There are many indicators that she is completely erased from the image of KATSEYE; on the other hand, people are saying that Manon is on a simple hiatus for her mental health.
What do YOU think is the truth?
Recently, Manon has seemed to have cut ties with KATSEYE and started to do her own things. She has been reappearing on social media and celebrity events, even spotted on stage with Pinkpantheress at Coachella in 2026. Manon also had KATSEYE removed from her social media descriptions. KATSEYE’s new song PINKY UP in their upcoming album ‘WILD’ has a 5-member choreography, excluding Manon. Unlike many other groups under HYBE ENTERTAINMENT, a group called ‘ILLT’ left space for Moka as she is on an injury hiatus. They still let her perform at a promotional event to support them. Fans had noticed that Manon had to stay quiet, along with the KATSEYE members, until very recently because of rumours spreading among the fandom, also known as Eyekons. ILLIT was able to show support and talk about Moka while she was on hiatus, as well as mentioning her through words, actions and clothes. For example, during their performance, the 4 ILLIT members had a letter on their outfits spelling out Moka’s name.
Eyekons are going crazy about the topic of whether Manon is coming back, and it has gotten to a point where people are genuinely believing that she isn’t coming back to KATSEYE. Without a doubt, although Manon is on a mental health hiatus, it’s meant to be long-term. Some of the fandom is saying to give her space, the other half is posting online about how she’s not coming back, and the others are still deciding where to stand in the current situation.
Especially after the Eyekons are seeing how ILLIT treated and supported her while she was on hiatus, noting that they both operate under the same company, it is very clear to them how they treat Manon very differently. Eyekons are speculating that it’s mainly GEFFEN who does not want Manon in the group and that HYBE does nothing about it. The fans really want the truth about what is going on with the growing international girl group. The KATSEYE members have recently been doing everything as a 5-member group, with no mention of her unless they get specific permission that they are allowed to, since they are under a restricted contract.
Eyekons are spiralling on the truths, rumours and speculations about the situation at hand. Although the fandom is divided on the topic, these are just rumours- let’s stick to facts in times like these. Manon is on hiatus with no guarantee that she will come back to join the group as the 6-member group they began the journey with.
Manon’s absence in KATSEYE has clearly been impacting the group overall; many things have been said about her mental health, return and current state. Especially in an interview with Apple Music, Sophia Laforteza states, “Manon has been on hiatus, and we love her so much! We know she’s been doing well, and she got to talk to the fans about it. We’re just really excited and rooting for all of us and each other… At the end of the day, we all just want each other to win, be okay and feel good.” At this point in the interview, everyone is already filled with mixed emotions, showing the amount of support, love & care they show for their fellow ‘sister’. If Manon is to return to KATSEYE, it is still highly uncertain; no one knows when she’s coming back. Recent signs on social media have fans on edge, wondering if she is to return to the group. No one knows what is going on with HYBE x Geffen, but they are responsible for anything that occurs or happens within the group.
Manon’s long-term hiatus could just be a hiatus, with no strings attached, but overall, the Eyekons decided that the only thing that truly matters is that she is okay and happy about her decision. She has received plenty of support from her fans, friends and family beside her during this time, and checking in to see if she is okay. It’s apparent that Manon really missed home back in Switzerland, saying good morning to her mum every time she woke up at home.
In fact, it looks like all the members need a break from working, stress, drama and hate. They are constantly working, physically and mentally. Manon may not be coming back or is just on a simple hiatus, but it’s crystal clear that these girls need a break from their lives and just to relax. Manon may have just truly needed the hiatus, and she wasn’t forced. It doesn’t matter what they choose in the end, we, as fans, have the job to respect the choices they make in the future because these girls deserve the respect after all they have been through, the hate, drama and more. Even though they say everything is fine and she just needs space, it is quite obvious how much the energy and vibes have shifted between the group, songs, fandom and its members.
In the end, Manon Bannerman’s recent hiatus has sent fans into speculation, impacting not only the fandom (Eyekons) but even the group itself. Many fans want Manon back, while respecting her boundaries and reasons for the hiatus. As Sophia states once again: ‘It doesn’t change the fact that we’re still six as KATSEYE. It’s going to be that way forever. Hopefully, this sparks hope in Manon’s return; however, the question remains: Is Manon truly coming back? Or not?
