Lara and Sophia of KATSEYE
Raul Bhatt
KATSEYE's members have addressed Manon's temporary hiatus, hopefully quelling some of the speculation that's boomed around her status in the group in the past month. In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music's The Zane Lowe Show ahead of the group's appearance at Coachella this weekend, members Lara and Sophia reaffirmed their relationship with Manon, emphasizing that they support her and want the group to be the best it can be.
Manon has been on hiatus and we love her so much and we know that she's doing well. You know, she got to talk to the fans about it and we're just really excited and we're really just rooting for all of us, like each other. You know, we've gone through so much with each other," Sophia said. "At the end of the day, we just all want each other to win. And to be good. And to feel good and to be happy and just, you know, just keep showing up for what we want.
Lara added: "I think we also want to say like she's our sister forever. You know what I mean? Like we love her so much and we built this together. So we just want to give her all the space and love she needs right now."
On Thursday, the group also released "PINKY UP," their latest, techno-inspired single produced by dwilly, HYBE's "Hitman" Bang, and FRANTS. The accompanying music video — which doesn't feature Manon — takes Western aesthetics and mixes it with maximalist, fever-dream glam. Vivian Wilson, Elon Musk's daughter, musician Mel 4Ever, drag queen Vhex, and DJ Saturn Risin9 make cameos in the video.
KATSEYE make their Coachella debut on Friday, April 10, where they'll play the Sahara stage. Manon is not expected to participate, per statements from HYBE to The Korea Herald.
Manon's "temporary hiatus" from KATSEYE was announced on February 20. HYBE's official statement cited the need for Manon to "focus on her health and wellbeing." Since then, speculation around the reason for her hiatus has run rampant with fans hypothesizing racial discrimination, inter-group feuds, and more.
On Thursday, April 2, fans noticed that Manon had removed the girl group from her Instagram bio. Later, Manon shared a new statement to fans on WeVerse, writing, "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 wrote.
