MANILA, Philippines — Manon Bannerman removed Katseye from her Instagram bio prompting speculation about her status in the group just as the five-member lineup began teasing its upcoming single.
The group has been rolling out teasers for the release of “Pinky Up,” their new track due April 9, across social media since late March, including a series of stylized clips and images hinting at the concept. A short video released ahead of the single notably featured only five members, with Bannerman absent.
Fans quickly pointed to the timing of her Instagram update, which came shortly after the teaser dropped. Her bio now reads “mademoiselle manzanita,” with no mention of Katseye.
Bannerman addressed the speculation in a message to fans on Weverse, thanking them for their support while offering limited details about her status.
“Thank you so much for all the love and support you've been sending my way. I'm really grateful for the patience and kindness everyone has shown during this time. HxG 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,” Bannerman wrote.
Her hiatus was announced Feb. 20 by HYBE and Geffen Records, which said she would temporarily pause group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing. Bannerman later reassured fans directly that she was “healthy” and “taking care” of herself, though no timeline for her return has been given.
Since then, Katseye has continued promoting as a five-member group, performing at major festivals in South America, including Lollapalooza Argentina, Lollapalooza Chile and Estéreo Picnic in Colombia.
The release of “Pinky Up” comes just ahead of a major milestone for the group. Katseye — also composed of Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeung and Philippines’ Sophia Laforteza — is set to make its Coachella debut on April 10, with a second performance scheduled for April 17, as well as headline the Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival in Pasadena in August.
