Manon of KATSEYE to Take "Temporary Hiatus" from the Group

KATSEYE member Manon Bannerman is taking a temporary hiatus from the group. The announcement was made on their official WeVerse page, stating that the decision came after a thoughtful discussion with all six members.

According to the official statement, Manon is stepping back to focus on her “health and wellbeing.” The rest of her team, including Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung, are said to be fully supportive of Manon’s decision.

“KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us,” continued the statement. “The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”

Reactions from fans have been divided, from EYEKONs wishing Manon well to those skeptical about the sudden announcement. Some have even speculated that she breached her contract after appearing in a short film, although any allegations remain unfounded.

Manon soon went online to reassure her followers that she was indeed “healthy” and “okay.” She thanked fans for checking in on her, adding, “Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to see you again.”

Ever since she was introduced on the Netflix documentary The Debut: Dream Academy, Manon has come off as a divisive figure among viewers. Her frequent absences from practice caused tension between her and the other contestants, but any misunderstanding has since been resolved after KATSEYE’s formation, as explained by the members.

When asked about the criticism she gets regarding her work ethic, the performer explained that she was brought up in Switzerland’s culture where rest is prioritized. “America has a very different culture when it comes to work-life balance. You guys are all about grind and hustle. In Switzerland, if you’re sick, you take a day off. No one’s going to expect you to work,” Manon told The Cut.

She also admitted to the pressure put on her after being branded as “lazy” on the show, calling it unfair and admitting that she often feels the obligation to over perform. “Now I feel like I always need to put in extra work to prove something, even though I really don’t,” she said.

KATSEYE was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Fans can catch them next as a temporary five piece in Lollapalooza, Coachella, and The Governors Ball Music Festival.