KATSEYE fans question Manon's status amid Sophia's January 2027 return announcement

KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza is set to return to group activities in the first week of January 2027, according to an announcement from HYBE x Geffen.

However, the confirmation has prompted fans to ask for an update on fellow member Manon Bannerman, whose hiatus began in February.

In a notice published on Weverse, HxG said Sophia had been prioritising her health and wellbeing with the company’s support.

She will miss the North American leg of THE WILWORLD TOUR and promotional activities for the remainder of 2026.

Sophia had previously missed the group’s European and UK tour dates in September.

Her January return date provides a clearer timeline for her comeback, although the announcement offered no further details about her treatment.

Following the news, some fans celebrated Sophia’s expected return, while others called on HxG to clarify Manon’s status. 

Manon’s hiatus was announced in February, with HxG describing the decision as temporary and saying it followed “open and thoughtful conversations together”.

Manon subsequently reassured fans, saying, “I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself.”

Speculation surrounding her absence has also raised questions about representation in the music industry.

However, Sophia rejected suggestions that race was behind the situation in a Vanity Fair interview published on June 30.

“We can definitely say that in our situation, in no way was it about race,” Sophia said.

Meanwhile, fellow member Daniela also spoke about Manon recently, during a fan interaction at Paris Fashion Week, offering a brief comment about her groupmate.

Daniela was asked about Manon while attending the fashion event. She responded, “I miss her so much! And I wish her the best, I miss her!”

When another fan asked why Manon is “not in KATSEYE anymore,” Daniela replied, “I’m not sure.”

For now, Sophia’s return is scheduled for January 2027, while HxG has yet to announce a timeline for Manon’s return to KATSEYE.