Updated

Updated · Koreaboo · Jun 25

KATSEYE Interview Comments Ignite Manon Hiatus Debate as 3 Members Face Fan Scrutiny

Updated

Updated · Koreaboo · Jun 25

KATSEYE Interview Comments Ignite Manon Hiatus Debate as 3 Members Face Fan Scrutiny

Q: If Manon is still a member, why does Katseye's new tour merchandise completely exclude her?

Manon’s absence from the new tour merchandise appears to reflect her current hiatus, not a formal departure from Katseye. Sophia has said Manon is still a member and that the group is prioritizing her well-being, with no timetable for her return. But Katseye is actively promoting as five members, and the upcoming *WILDWORLD Tour* is being staged around the lineup that is currently performing. The tour announcement and recent *WILD* era materials have centered on Daniela, Lara, Megan, Sophia and Yoonchae, which aligns with Manon not taking part in present activities. That makes the merchandise decision more practical than symbolic. Tour merch is usually tied to the artists appearing onstage and participating in the promotional cycle. Since Manon has been on temporary hiatus since February 20 due to health concerns, and has not been included in recent performances or releases, her image and name were likely left off products connected specifically to this tour. At the same time, the exclusion has fueled fan concern because Katseye continues to describe itself publicly as a six-member group. That creates a visible gap between the group’s official message — that Manon remains part of Katseye — and the commercial rollout for a five-member tour. So, based on what has been publicly confirmed, the merchandise likely excludes Manon because she is not participating in the current tour cycle, even though she remains an official member.

3 articles · Updated · Koreaboo · Jun 25

Allure interview clips and print remarks from Lara, Daniela and Sophia reignited online scrutiny of Manon’s hiatus, with fans dissecting their words for signs of tension inside KATSEYE.
A video segment drew the sharpest reaction after Lara said an inside joke meant “kindness and good vibes” and Daniela added it “doesn’t” mean anything, prompting some fans to link the exchange to Manon.
Sophia’s print comment that “we did announce” the hiatus was for Manon’s well-being and that “the door is always open” split fans between those alleging member involvement and those saying she was repeating agency messaging.
The backlash again centered on HYBE and Geffen, with supporters accusing the companies of leaving 3 members to answer questions while offering no fuller explanation of Manon’s health-related break announced on February 20.