KATSEYE recently addressed concerns about member Manon Bannerman’s ongoing hiatus during an interview on NPR’s All Things Considered. Speaking with Ailsa Chang, the group opened up about the realities of being part of one of the music industry’s newest global acts and shared their continued support for their fellow girl group member.
Manon has been on hiatus since February after HYBE and Geffen Records announced through Weverse that the she would be stepping back temporarily “to focus on her health and wellbeing.” Since then, fans have continued to express concern over her condition while speculating about her future with the group.
During the interview, KATSEYE appeared without both Manon and member Megan Skiendiel, who was reportedly sick at the time. Amid growing curiosity from fans, KATSEYE leader Sophia Laforteza directly addressed questions regarding Manon and whether supporters should expect her eventual return.
READ: KATSEYE’s Manon reassures fans after removing group name from her Instagram bio
Sophia emphasized that despite Manon’s absence, the group remains fully supportive of her journey toward recovery.
“We continue to support her and make sure that she's continuing to work on her well-being. It is difficult, you know, to continue something that you've built with all the six girls. We really have been through a lot,” she said.
When asked if fans could expect Manon to eventually return to the group, Sophia stopped short of giving a definite answer but reassured supporters that Manon remains deeply connected to her fans.
“I can definitely say that she still is currently on that hiatus, and we want the fans to know that Manon does love you guys so much,” she assured.
KATSEYE debuted in 2024 after emerging from the reality competition The Debut: Dream Academy and has since been recognized as a groundbreaking global girl group composed of members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
READ: Manon Bannerman makes surprise Coachella stage appearance, but not with KATSEYE
Speaking further during the interview, Sophia reflected on the unique challenge and responsibility of representing multiple cultures while navigating the group’s international identity.
“It does start with a lot of us coming from different places and having different cultures... And taking the best parts of how they do it in the K-pop system but also out here in the West. And, you know, it's really exciting to have that shared dream and shared goal,” she said.
The KATSEYE leader also acknowledged the pressure that comes with serving as representatives of their respective cultures, saying the experience has not come without challenges.
“We're taking a lot of bullets from this experience...we really are. It is a lot of pressure to represent your culture. And it comes with a lot of responsibility that we take very seriously”.
READ: Manon Bannerman makes surprise Coachella stage appearance, but not with KATSEYE
Months before KATSEYE’s recent comments, Manon herself had directly addressed worried fans after news of her hiatus first broke in February, assuring them that she was prioritizing her health.
“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 said at the time.
Speculation surrounding Manon intensified in April after fans noticed she had removed KATSEYE’s name from her Instagram bio, prompting renewed concern over whether she was still connected to the group.
Shortly after, Manon broke her silence through a message on Weverse, reassuring fans that discussions with management remained positive.
“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,” she wrote.
The singer further addressed concerns about her professional standing, emphasizing that communication with both HYBE and Geffen Records remained ‘positive’.
“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,” she added.
READ: Sophia Laforteza on KATSEYE members: ‘We cannot leave anybody behind’
Since Manon stepped away from group activities, KATSEYE has continued promoting as a five-member act, with Sophia, Megan, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, and Yoonchae Jeung releasing their techno-pop single “Pinky Up” in April while Manon remained absent from promotions.
The group has also continued appearing at major music events, including performances at Lollapalooza and Coachella, both of which they attended without Manon.
Still, fans were surprised when Manon unexpectedly appeared on the Coachella stage not alongside KATSEYE, but as part of British singer-producer PinkPantheress’ set. Although she did not sing or officially perform, her brief appearance left many fans both excited and puzzled about what it could mean for her future.
Meanwhile, KATSEYE is preparing for their upcoming Wildworld Tour beginning this September.
As of this writing, no official timeline has been announced for Manon’s return, and it remains unclear whether she will be joining KATSEYE for the highly anticipated world tour.