KATSEYE Faces Backlash Over Manon's Exclusion From 'Pinky Up' Comeback
Following KATSEYE's recent 'Pinky Up' release, fans are questioning whether member Manon's exclusion was intentional, pointing to suspicious timing and evidence suggesting she was originally part of the project.
KATSEYE is facing renewed scrutiny over how member Manon was handled during their recent "Pinky Up" comeback. While the group initially attributed her absence to a hiatus, fan investigations have uncovered details that suggest the exclusion may have been planned well in advance—or worse, executed without her knowledge.
The controversy centers on a critical timeline: Manon's hiatus was announced on February 20, yet KATSEYE filmed the "Pinky Up" music video just two days later on February 22. Fans discovered this detail through a behind-the-scenes video the group posted on YouTube, and the math doesn't add up.
"How did you remove her two days before filming? Was this premeditated?" one fan questioned on social media, pointing out that reshuffling choreography, re-recording parts, and reshooting an entire music video in 48 hours would be nearly impossible.
Fans also noted other suspicious evidence. Manon had posted studio updates in January, suggesting she was actively recording new material with the group. She even appeared in leaked dance practice footage and teased "Pinky Up" alongside her bandmates during a Tonight Show appearance—clear signs she was originally included in the comeback plan.
Some fans have theorized that the company knew about Manon's hiatus long before the public announcement, making her exclusion part of a calculated decision rather than a last-minute adjustment. Others worry that Manon herself may have learned about being cut from the project through the same leaked content as fans, rather than through direct communication.
The timing raises uncomfortable questions about whether proper communication happened between KATSEYE, management, and the affected member. While hiatus-related absences are standard in K-pop, the speed and circumstances of Manon's removal have left many supporters frustrated.
HYBE and Geffen Records have not addressed the fan concerns publicly. As KATSEYE prepares for their third EP "WILD" dropping August 14, this controversy serves as a reminder of how crucial transparency is when managing group dynamics during lineup changes.