Manon Bannerman takes 'temporary hiatus' from KATSEYE for 'health and wellbeing'

Katseye says Manon Bannerman will take a temporary hiatus to focus on her health as the Grammy-nominated girl group continues to break records

Katseye said member Manon Bannerman is stepping away from the group, while the Grammy-nominated act continues its activities as a five-member pop group.

The global girl group announced the move in a statement, telling fans the decision followed talks among the members and was made with Bannerman’s well-being as the priority.

"After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing," reads the statement. "Katseye remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right."

The group said the members collectively discussed the pause and "fully support this decision," stressing that Bannerman’s step back is temporary and that they intend to regroup when she is ready to return.

Katseye has risen quickly in the global pop scene.

The act, which includes Bannerman alongside Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung, first came together as K-pop trainees on the 2023 reality competition series Dream Academy.

Their visibility grew again with the Netflix docuseries Popstar Academy: Katseye, which chronicled the group’s formation and early career.

The series arrived around the time of their aptly titled first single, Debut, signaling the start of their official activities as a full unit the-mirror-icon_entertainment_music_pop-music.

Since then, Katseye has kept a steady release schedule.

The group has released two EPs, 2024’s SIS (Soft Is Strong) and last year’s Beautiful Chaos, along with a string of singles that helped them their international fan base.

Gnarly, co-written by Alice Longyu Gao, became their first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 last year and marked a commercial turning point for the act.

They followed with Gabriela, Gameboy, and Internet Girl. Internet Girl opened at Number 29 on the Hot 100 last month, underscoring the group’s growing foothold in the pop market and cementing their status as one of the most closely watched new acts in the space.

Katseye performed Gnarly at the Grammy Awards earlier this month, taking the stage as nominees for best new artist. Gabriela also earned a nomination for best pop duo or group performance, adding to the momentum around the group’s breakthrough year.

The remaining five members plan to stay active while leaving the door open for Bannerman’s return when "the time is right."