Was Manon Kicked Out of Katseye? Unverified Internal Document Causes Panic Among Fans

Fans of the global girl group Katseye are sounding the alarm after an unverified internal document has been going around on social media and cryptic messages from Manon suggest a major shakeup is brewing behind the scenes. The files in question have been fuelling fears that Hybe and Geffen Records might be looking to move forward without her.

While the timing lines up with Manon's announced break for health reasons, her own words suggest she might not have much say in what happens next. As the group carries on with promotions, the community is left wondering if they are watching a permanent exit play out in real time.

Leaked Document Points to a 'Termination Review'

A supposedly internal document from Hybe and Geffen has surfaced, and it doesn't paint a pretty picture for Manon's future in the group. The file highlights several 'concerns' under review, ranging from her limited participation in recent activities to long-term plans for restructuring the group entirely.

If the plan moves forward, the document outlines a very specific roadmap. From final contract talks, a 'quiet' internal exit, and a carefully managed public announcement to transition Katseye into a five-member unit.

This feels like a familiar story for those who follow Hybe. We saw similar shifts with Le Sserafim, which pivoted from six members to five early on. Given the group's history, these rumors feel a lot more like a reality than just gossip. It doesn't help that Manon's entry into the group was already an outlier, being the only one scouted via DM instead of going through the usual audition grind.

Manon's Statements Hint at the Bigger Picture

Manon recently addressed the growing concern from fans, but her response was more 'wait and see' than a flat-out denial. 'Thank you for checking in,' she told fans. 'Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture.'

She also made a pointed reference to pop history that didn't go unnoticed. 'When One Direction split, that was hard. I don't want our fans to go through that.' While she emphasized her health in a Weverse post, many fans feel her tone sounds more resigned to a corporate decision than focused on a recovery. So far, neither Hybe nor Geffen has commented on whether the leaked files are the real deal.

Exclusion from Key Promotions

The 'phasing out' theory gained more traction after fans noticed Manon was missing from several high-profile campaigns. The red flags really started popping up during the Glossier billboard shoot.

She apparently missed the first day because she wasn't feeling well, but even after showing up the next day, she was completely left out of the final cut. We saw that same pattern repeat with the Gabriella dance shoot, which only fueled the fire.

Despite an injury, there seemed to be no effort to work around it, which stands in stark contrast to how the label handled Lara's injury during the Gameboy video. When Hypebae's group interview dropped without a solo photo of Manon, and staff allegedly deleted comments asking why, fans took it as a clear sign of a deliberate move to erase her presence.

A Pattern of 'Streamlining' at Hybe

Hybe has a bit of a track record when it comes to trimming lineups. We've seen it with Le Sserafim, NewJeans, and Illit at various stages of their development. Since Katseye was born from The Debut: Dream Academy in 2024, they are now under that same intense microscope.

Manon was always the outlier as the 'recruited face' of the group, while Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae all came through the standard audition process. Because of that unique backstory, her leaving would be a massive shock to the group's original identity. Fan reactions are currently split: some think Katseye's image will take a permanent hit, while others think the label is trying to pivot toward a more vocal-centric sound with a smaller lineup.

Doubts Over the Hiatus Announcement

On 20 February 2026, Hybe and Geffen put out an official statement saying Manon was taking a hiatus for her health. While it sounds standard, many fans aren't buying it. While the group promised to support her, many EYEKONS are skeptical about the wording. They pointed out that promotional materials have been five-member focused for months now.

Some think the timing is tied to the upcoming World Scout: The Final Piece auditions. While Manon has tried to reassure fans that she is doing okay, the leaked strategy files suggest there is a much deeper corporate move happening in the background.

What This Means for Katseye's Future

There's a segment of the fandom that thinks the choreography actually looks tighter with five people, but you can't deny that Manon has a specific 'it factor.' As the standout recruit, she isn't exactly someone you can just swap out.

Critics worry about a backlash similar to other high-profile girl group splits, while the label remains silent on the restructuring rumors. For now, EYEKONS are demanding transparency. The future of Katseye likely depends on how honestly Hybe and Geffen handle the next few weeks of fallout.