The “Eyekon” community received bittersweet news just one day before KATSEYE is set to take the stage at the Indigo, California festival. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, HYBE America officially confirmed the Manon KATSEYE Coachella 2026 absence, stating that the 23-year-old singer remains on a temporary hiatus. While the group composed of Daniela, Lara, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae will move forward with their scheduled performance on Friday, April 10, they will do so as a five-member unit.
The road to this announcement was filled with uncertainty for fans. Earlier this month, The Korea Herald initially reported that Manon would be participating in the festival, sparking a wave of excitement. However, the outlet later corrected its report, calling her status “unclear.”
Today’s statement from HYBE serves as the final word:
“Manon remains on hiatus. She will not be joining KATSEYE for their upcoming Coachella performance.” HYBE Official Statement
Manon’s absence from group activities began in February 2026, shortly after KATSEYE’s performance at the Grammys. At the time, HYBE and Geffen Records cited the need for the Swiss-born singer to “focus on her health and well-being.”
Since then, the hiatus has been the subject of intense fan speculation, especially after:
• Social Media Activity: Manon briefly removed “KATSEYE” from her Instagram bio earlier this month.
• Music Video Absence: The teaser for the group’s new single, “Pinky Up,” notably did not feature any new footage of Manon.
• Fan Advocacy: Discussions regarding her treatment and screen time during 2025 promotions have been a frequent topic on social media platforms like X and Reddit.
“I Feel Supported”: Manon Speaks Out
Despite the news that she will miss the desert festival, Manon recently took to Weverse to reassure fans of her current state. In her first direct message since February, she wrote:
“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.”
Her words have provided a glimmer of hope for fans who feared a permanent departure from the group. While “positive conversations” are ongoing, the focus remains on her full recovery before she returns to the spotlight.
Even with one member missing, KATSEYE’s debut at Coachella remains one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
• The Debut: They are set to perform on Friday, April 10, alongside headliner Sabrina Carpenter.
• The Setlist: Fans expect to hear their 2025 hits like “Gabriela” and “Gnarly,” as well as the live debut of their brand-new single, “Pinky Up,” which officially drops today.
• The “Pinky Up” Era: The group is expected to adapt the choreography of their new single for a five-person formation, a challenge they have reportedly been practicing for the past several weeks.
While the “Pinky Up” era will begin without its full lineup, the remaining five members are determined to deliver a performance that honors their global fanbase and the hard work they’ve put in since the Dream Academy days.
