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KATSEYE is set to release a new single titled “Pinky Up” on April 9, marking their first comeback since Manon stepped back from group activities in February.

The global girl group, formed by HYBE and Geffen Records, began teasing the song on March 30 through a series of social media posts. The campaign started with a video of the Mona Lisa holding a teacup with her pinky raised, followed by a clip of an arcade claw machine with the group's name pulling a sword from plush toys and a teacup. A third post later confirmed the title, artwork, and release date, with the caption, “We're screaming from cloud nine!!”

A week before the release, the group dropped a 15-second teaser featuring only five members, with Manon Bannerman notably absent.

Following this, Manon shared a message with fans through Weverse DMs, saying, “Thank you so much for all the love and support you've been sending my way. I'm really grateful for the patience and kindness everyone has shown during this time. 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.”

Fans also noticed that she updated her Instagram bio, removing “katseye” and replacing it with “mademoiselle manzanita.”

“Pinky Up” will be released just a day before KATSEYE's debut performance at Coachella on April 10, with a second appearance scheduled on April 17. The group is also set to headline the 2026 Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival in Pasadena, California on August 8.

Manon has been on temporary hiatus since February 20. At the time, HYBE and Geffen announced on Weverse, “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.” The statement added that “KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us” and that the group looks forward to “being together again when the time is right.”

Shortly after, Manon also reassured fans with her own message: “Hi friends. I want you to hear this from me, I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can't wait to see you again.”

No timeline has been announced for Manon's return. Since her hiatus, KATSEYE has continued promoting as a five-member group, with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung performing at Lollapalooza Argentina, Lollapalooza Chile, and Estereo Picnic in Colombia.

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