KATSEYE just performed at Coachella on April 10 without Manon Bannerman, marking the girl group’s festival debut even as one member remains on hiatus. For a band building global momentum, keeping the stage date was a calculated move to preserve visibility—and it also underscores how K-pop acts juggle high-profile commitments when a member steps back.
The five remaining members—Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung—opened with their new single “Pinky Up,” then ran through “Debut” and “Touch” for the Coachella crowd in Indio, California. Later in the set, HUNTR/X vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami joined the group for a surprise performance of “Golden,” a track from the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack.
Manon’s absence was not unexpected. On Feb. 20, the group posted a statement via Weverse announcing that she would take a temporary hiatus “to focus on her health and well-being,” and the band said it would continue scheduled activities during the break. Manon herself posted to Weverse that she is “healthy,” “OK” and “taking care” of herself—adding she’s grateful for fans’ patience and that she and management are having “positive conversations.”
Still, signs of uncertainty have circulated: Manon removed “Katseye” from her Instagram bio in recent weeks, and some reports have suggested she may not return. The group has declined to offer additional public details beyond the Weverse updates, leaving the timing of any comeback unclear.
Fans reacted quickly on social platforms. Clips of the five-member set racked up views within hours—many praising the choreography and the surprise guest singers—while others asked the same question: where was Manon? Supporters posted screenshots of the group’s Weverse statement and Manon’s personal messages to underscore that her hiatus is health-focused and not a disappearance.
From an industry perspective, this is familiar terrain: K-pop groups increasingly balance member wellness with international festival obligations. Performing with a reduced lineup can mean reworked choreography, redistributed vocal parts and a different stage dynamic—but it also keeps touring and promotional windows intact (and preserves lucrative festival exposure). That trade-off has become a recurring playbook for agencies managing global launches.
What’s next: Katseye has said it will continue planned activities while supporting Manon’s recovery, and Manon wrote she will “share more soon.” For now, the group’s Coachella set — trimmed but spirited — closes one chapter and keeps fans watching for the next update on her status.