Katseye Member Manon Takes Break for Health on February 20, 2026

Katseye member Manon Bannerman is taking a temporary break for health reasons, starting February 20, 2026. This is a change for the group after their Grammy nomination.
By Newsroom | Music, Entertainment |

Manon Bannerman, a member of the global girl group Katseye, has begun a temporary hiatus from group activities. The announcement, made via the Weverse platform by HYBE and Geffen Records, states the decision was reached after "open and thoughtful conversations" and is intended for Manon to "focus on her health and wellbeing." The group has confirmed that scheduled activities will continue with the remaining members.

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BACKGROUND OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT

The statement regarding Manon's hiatus was released on February 20, 2026. It followed discussions among the group members and their management.

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  • Official Statement: "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."

  • Management Support: HYBE and Geffen Records "fully support this decision."

  • Group Commitment: Katseye "remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us."

  • Ongoing Activities: The group stated they "will continue scheduled activities during this time."

  • Future Outlook: The announcement included, "we look forward to being together again when the time is right."

KATSEYE'S ESTABLISHMENT AND RECENT ACTIVITIES

Katseye, a six-member group formed through HYBE's "The Debut: Dream Academy" reality competition series, made their U.S. debut in June 2024. The group has since achieved recognition, including a nomination for Best New Artist at the recent Grammy Awards. Their songs "Gnarly" and "Gabriela" have charted on the U.S. Billboard's Hot 100.

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CONTEXT OF MANON'S STATEMENTS ON WELL-BEING

Prior public statements by Manon offer insight into her perspective on managing the pressures of public life and artistic expression.

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  • Authenticity in Art: In June 2024, Manon described their second EP, "Beautiful Chaos," as feeling "so authentic to who we are right now" in its lyrics and artistry.

  • Coping Mechanisms: The group has previously spoken about receiving online harassment and death threats since their debut. To manage these challenges, they hired a group therapist. Manon described the experience of such pressures as "very terrorizing on the mind."

  • Personal Health Focus: In other contexts, Manon has discussed her focus on mental health and its impact on her understanding of self, mentioning personal choices like stopping birth control as contributing to a more "expansive" sense of gender. She has also emphasized that mental health work is an ongoing process with ups and downs.

  • Dealing with Criticism: Manon has also shared strategies for handling negativity, suggesting that "if you kill them with kindness, they can’t say anything" and that haters are a natural consequence of success.

EVIDENCE OF PUBLIC SUPPORT

Following the announcement, fans, identified as "EYEKONS," have expressed widespread support for Manon's decision on social media. Messages highlight well-wishes for recovery and affirm the importance of prioritizing personal health. The group's commitment to mutual support has also been noted and appreciated by fans.

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE DATA

  • Consistent Messaging: The core message regarding Manon's hiatus—focus on health and well-being, group support, and continuation of activities—is consistent across all reports.

  • Timeline: The announcements were published around the same time on February 20, 2026, indicating a coordinated release of information.

  • Emphasis on "Temporary": The term "temporary hiatus" is used uniformly, suggesting an intention for Manon to return to group activities at a later, unspecified date.

  • Potential Underlying Factors: While the official statement cites "health and wellbeing," past comments from Manon and the group about dealing with "death threats," "online harassment," and the "terrorizing" nature of public scrutiny could suggest potential contributing factors to the need for a break. Is the stated reason the sole or primary driver for the hiatus?

EXPERT ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

  • Industry Norms: The approach taken by HYBE and Geffen Records aligns with common practices in the K-pop industry where mental and physical well-being of artists is increasingly being addressed publicly, often through announced breaks. This can be viewed as a signal of evolving industry standards that acknowledge the demanding nature of idol careers.

  • Fan Engagement: The consistent use of platforms like Weverse for direct communication with fans is a strategic element in managing public perception and fostering a sense of community and transparency, which appears to have been leveraged effectively in this instance, leading to fan support.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The temporary hiatus of Manon Bannerman from Katseye is officially attributed to a need to focus on her "health and wellbeing." This decision, supported by her management and fellow group members, comes after a period of significant activity and public attention for the group, including a Grammy nomination. While the stated reason is clear, past statements from Manon and the group hint at the intense pressures of their career. The group's commitment to continuing scheduled activities indicates a plan to maintain momentum during Manon's absence. The situation highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding artist welfare within the entertainment industry and the mechanisms employed to address it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Katseye member Manon Bannerman start a hiatus on February 20, 2026?
Manon Bannerman started a temporary hiatus on February 20, 2026, to focus on her health and wellbeing. This decision was made after talks with her management and group members.
Q: What did HYBE and Geffen Records say about Manon's break from Katseye?
HYBE and Geffen Records fully support Manon's decision to take a temporary break for her health. They stated this after open and thoughtful conversations.
Q: Will Katseye stop performing because Manon is on hiatus?
No, Katseye will continue with their scheduled activities with the remaining members. The group is committed to supporting each other and their fans during this time.
Q: When will Manon return to Katseye after her health break?
The announcement stated that Manon is taking a 'temporary hiatus' and that the group looks forward to being together again when the time is right. A specific return date has not been shared.
Q: What has Manon said about dealing with pressure in the past?
Manon has previously spoken about the difficult pressures of public life, including online harassment and death threats. She and the group have used a group therapist to help manage these challenges.