KATSEYE’s Manon Bannerman has been on a temporary hiatus from the group since Feb. 20.HYBE has seemingly confirmed that Manon will not be performing with the rest of the girls at Coachella on April 10.The update comes after sources claimed she wouldn’t be returning to KATSEYE after her hiatus.
Ever since Manon Bannerman took a temporary hiatus from KATSEYE on February 20, Eyekons’ heads have been swirling with a bunch of questions. Like, when is she coming back to the group? Is she even coming back? Will she join Yoonchae, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Sophia Laforteza, and Megan Skiendiel for Coachella next week?
After it was seemingly confirmed earlier this month that Manon would be performing at Coachella, fans just got a disappointing update. On April 9, HYBE told The Korea Herald, “Manon remains on hiatus” ahead of the Grammy nominees’ desert debut.
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This contradicts the update HYBE gave the outlet just a week ago on April 3, when they claimed she was set to perform with the other girls. HYBE also “declined to comment on the more recent speculation” after Manon removed the group’s name from her Instagram bio on April 2.
And what has Manon said about all this? Not much, unfortunately. The same day she removed KATSEYE from her bio, Manon shared an update with fans on Weverse, writing, “[HYBE x Geffen Records] and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I’m happy and I’m healthy. I’ll share more soon. Thank you for always being there for me.”
And, according to fan-captured footage, Manon was also spotted chatting with fans and posing for photos at Malcolm Todd’s concert in L.A. later that night.
KATSEYE raised eyebrows during their rollout for their next single, “Pinky Up,” since Manon has also been noticeably absent from video teasers and photos leading up to the song’s release on April 9.
It’s important to note that ^^^ all this comes after a source told Us Weekly that Manon is “not planning to return to the girl group” after her hiatus.
HYBE and Geffen Records have not confirmed or denied whether Manon will rejoin KATSEYE, so I’m taking this with a grain of salt for now.