The controversy surrounding KATSEYE member Manon has intensified after a series of events surrounding her 24th birthday reignited tensions within the group’s fandom.

Manon, who has been on hiatus since February, became the center of another online debate after KATSEYE’s official social media account posted a birthday message celebrating her special day.

Fans quickly noticed that the group’s other members—Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae—all liked the birthday post, a gesture many interpreted as a sign that they continue to support their bandmate despite months of speculation surrounding her absence.

However, the situation escalated shortly afterward when Manon’s boyfriend and several of her friends reportedly left comments under the birthday post that some fans interpreted as mocking or insensitive.

Although the comments themselves sparked differing interpretations, they quickly became a flashpoint within the fandom.

According to fans, the controversy led some of Manon’s supporters to flood the Instagram accounts of the other KATSEYE members with negative and hateful comments. Many fans claimed this type of harassment has been occurring for months, dating back to the announcement of Manon’s hiatus earlier this year.

At the same time, Manon has continued to make public appearances at parties and social gatherings during her break from group activities, prompting criticism from some fans who believe the remaining members have continued carrying the group’s schedules while also receiving much of the online backlash.

The situation has divided the fandom, with some defending Manon’s right to enjoy her personal life during her hiatus, while others questioned the public nature of her activities amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding her absence from KATSEYE.

Many fans expressed sympathy for Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae, arguing that they have continued promoting and performing despite becoming targets of online criticism.

Others directed their frustration toward HYBE and Geffen Records, criticizing the companies’ handling of the situation and suggesting that clearer communication could have prevented much of the speculation and fan conflict.

As discussions spread across Korean online communities and social media platforms, the controversy once again highlighted the growing divide within KATSEYE’s fanbase.

Neither Manon nor her agency has publicly addressed the latest controversy surrounding the birthday post or the online reactions that followed. As a result, much of the ongoing discussion continues to be driven by fan interpretations rather than official statements.