Is Manon Still in KATSEYE?
The short answer is this: unlikely.
KATSEYE is the latest girl group to capture huge public interest in the United States and skyrocket with popularity around the globe. The group initially struck success with the soft-spoken and romantic “Touch,” gaining even more attention with their follow-up single, the bombastic but controversial “Gnarly.” The six-member girl group has been on quite the hot streak, but the circumstances surrounding the absence of member Manon has left fans pessimistic about her coming back at all.
This saga started when Manon went on a hiatus from the group’s activities starting February 20. Because of KATSEYE’s recently busy schedule—with 16 concerts in the span of a month, TV appearances, and constant filming for their YouTube channel and other social platforms (among other things)—along with Manon’s tendency fall ill, people initially thought nothing of it.
In early April, Manon removed any mention of KATSEYE from her Instagram bio, leading to intense speculation that she’d left the group. Rumors circulated that Manon would rejoin KATSEYE for their Coachella performance this April, though they turned out to be untrue, and the group went on to perform as a five-piece without her. Although, allegedly, some fans saw Manon among the large crowd of festival goers.
No statements have been made by KATSEYE’s agency regarding Manon’s member status. The group is set to release their third EP, Wild, in mid-August, and previews of what’s included with physical copies show a set of five photo cards, one for each member—except Manon. Whether or not the panic around her leaving the group is an overreaction or simply seeing the writing on the wall, only time will tell.
With largely negative reactions to KATSEYE’s latest singles “Internet Girl” and “PINKY UP,” not only is Manon’s return precarious, but the group’s direction as a whole is being put into question.
