KATSEYE fan division intensifies after Manon hiatus and alleged parent comments

Global girl group KATSEYE is facing growing fan division after member Manon announced a temporary hiatus, while comments attributed to a fellow member’s parent sparked online backlash.

According to a statement shared on Weverse, the group confirmed that Manon, 23, will step back from activities to focus on her health and well-being. The agency added that the remaining members—Yoonchae, Megan, Lara Raj, Sophia and Daniela—will continue scheduled promotions while supporting her recovery.

While temporary hiatuses are common in the K-pop industry, the situation escalated after remarks widely attributed to the father of member Daniela circulated on social media. Screenshots of the alleged comments, including statements suggesting the group could continue “with or without a member,” spread rapidly across platforms before being deleted. The posts drew criticism from fans who viewed them as dismissive of Manon’s absence.

The controversy intensified as hashtags such as #StandWithManon trended within fan communities, with many calling for unity around the full six-member lineup.

The issue expanded further when Manon appeared to engage with an Instagram post referencing racism and alleged mistreatment of Black members in girl groups. Although she did not publicly connect the post to her hiatus, the move fueled broader discussions among fans about diversity and representation in global pop acts. Neither HYBE Labels nor Geffen Records has publicly addressed those claims.

Industry observers say the episode highlights the complexities of applying the K-pop training and management system to multinational groups. While KATSEYE was formed through the 2023 audition project “The Debut: Dream Academy,” its structure reflects traditional K-pop models, including tightly coordinated branding and communication strategies.

Experts note that such systems can sometimes clash with expectations in Western markets, where artists’ individuality and personal expression are often more prominent. Cultural differences—ranging from work-life balance to family involvement in public discourse—may also complicate efforts to maintain a consistent group narrative.

As global entertainment companies continue investing in multinational acts built on K-pop infrastructure, KATSEYE’s current situation is being viewed as an early test of how the model adapts to a broader cultural landscape.