The K-pop world is navigating another moment of uncertainty as Manon Bannerman, a member of the rising global girl group KATSEYE, is taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her health, and wellbeing. The announcement, made Friday by the group’s label, has sparked both an outpouring of support for Bannerman and a wave of speculation among fans regarding the group’s future.
In a statement released to fans, the label emphasized its commitment to Bannerman’s wellbeing and the continued operation of KATSEYE. “After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing,” the statement read. “We fully support this decision. KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right. Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
Bannerman herself addressed her devoted fanbase, known as EYEKONS, shortly after the announcement, reassuring them of her condition. “Hi friends ��. I want you to hear this from me, I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in! 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,” she posted.
KATSEYE, formed in 2023 through a joint survival project between HYBE and Geffen Records, quickly gained prominence following their appearance on the Netflix docuseries “Popstar Academy: Katseye.” The six-member group – consisting of Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung – rose to prominence after competing as K-pop trainees on the 2023 reality competition series “Dream Academy.” Their debut single, aptly titled “Debut,” further solidified their position as a breakout act.
Despite the label’s assurances and Bannerman’s positive message, the hiatus has ignited a fervent debate within the EYEKONS community. Some fans are expressing concern that the hiatus could signal a more permanent shift in the group’s dynamic, pointing to recent promotional materials and appearances where Bannerman was notably absent. One fan voiced their concerns online, noting a perceived pattern of exclusion: “They’ve been soft-launching them as 5 for months, and the fans ate it up. When they saw the poster without her… and covered her face… Call me weird or delusional if you want, but the way the company treats her is odd.”
This sentiment is echoed by other fans who question the motivations behind the hiatus. “To me it sounds like she doesn’t want a hiatus, so what’s really going on?” one fan wrote. Another expressed frustration with what they perceive as a lack of adequate protection for Bannerman, stating, “It’s sad knowing no one’s protected her. HXG didn’t hesitate to pull down a video for another member, but Manon has been dealing with racism for two years, and she was still hurt by the narratives they created, and she still isn’t protected, yet they keep setting her up.”
The timing of the hiatus also raises questions. KATSEYE is scheduled to participate in Lollapalooza Argentina, but Bannerman will not be present. The group was also recently nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys, a significant achievement that highlighted their rapid ascent in the music industry. Manon spoke to E! News at the 2026 Grammys about the importance of mutual support within the group, stating, “The biggest thing is we’re constantly supporting each other…That’s the one thing. Just constantly making sure that we’re all coming up on this crazy journey together and that we’re not leaving anybody behind.”
The situation underscores the complex pressures faced by members of globally successful K-pop groups, where intense schedules, public scrutiny, and the demands of maintaining a carefully curated image can take a toll on personal wellbeing. While the label has emphasized its support for Bannerman, the online speculation highlights the anxieties of a dedicated fanbase grappling with the uncertainty surrounding their favorite group’s future.
As of now, neither the label nor Bannerman have provided further details regarding the duration of the hiatus or the circumstances surrounding it. The industry and EYEKONS alike await further information, hoping for Bannerman’s swift return to full health and a continued chapter for KATSEYE as a complete ensemble.
