Is Manon Quitting KATSEYE Permanently? Singer Likes Cryptic Post Fuelling More Speculations

Speculation is mounting that Manon may be leaving KATSEYE for good after the 23-year-old Swiss singer announced a hiatus this past week with no explanation given. Fans were further unsettled after she reportedly liked a social media post centred on the historical racism faced by Black women in girl groups, with many now convinced her break is not temporary.

The group has been one of pop music's breakout acts since forming in 2024 through a rigorous, Netflix-documented audition process inspired by South Korean K-pop. KATSEYE has since released hit tracks including 'Gabriela', 'Touch', and 'Gameboy', claimed the MTV Music Video Award for Push Performance of the Year, and won New Artist of the Year at the Grammys. All six members have performed across the globe and appeared on multiple television programmes.

Is Manon Quitting KATSEYE for Good?

No official reason accompanied Manon's hiatus announcement, leaving room for competing theories. Some fans believe she is stepping back to focus on her health. Others are convinced the decision is tied to the group's creative direction.

The racism theory gained traction after Manon's social media activity was scrutinised. Eagle-eyed fans read her 'like' on the post about Black women in girl groups as a signal — suggesting she may have experienced racism within KATSEYE's environment. A growing number now expect HYBE to announce that Manon will not return at all.

Some of those same fans fear the hiatus is permanent and are bracing for a formal announcement from HYBE confirming Manon will not rejoin Sofia, Daniela, Lara, Yoonchae, and Megan. The hashtags 'KATSEYE IS SIX' and 'MANON IS KATSEYE' began trending on social media shortly after the hiatus was confirmed.

Daniela's Dad's Cryptic Comment

The trending hashtags were partly fuelled by a comment left by Daniela's father on a post about Manon's hiatus — a remark fans found difficult to ignore.

'The show must go on. With or without a member. KATSEYE is bigger than one girl,' he wrote.

Fans calling themselves EYEKONS pushed back sharply, demanding he delete the post and calling the remark an attack on Manon at a vulnerable time. The comment drew widespread condemnation, with many describing it as dismissive of whatever Manon may be going through. Manon has not responded directly to the post, but she released a statement saying she is doing well and focusing on her well-being.

Manon's Past Issue

Those who followed the group's formation on Netflix will remember that questions about Manon's commitment surfaced during training. She was asked directly whether she could dedicate herself fully to the group — she said yes and went on to be named one of its six members.

That history has resurfaced in fan discussions, with some arguing it adds weight to the speculation about a permanent exit. Others maintain that the two situations are unrelated and that Manon deserves the benefit of the doubt.

As of writing, the other five members of KATSEYE have not commented publicly on Manon's decision. No announcement has been made by HYBE regarding her long-term status with the group. Manon has not confirmed she is quitting.