KATSEYE’s recent comeback with their new single “Pinky Up” has sparked considerable controversy, particularly regarding the absence of one of its members, Manon, who is currently on hiatus. The decision to exclude Manon from this comeback has stirred up a significant debate within the K-pop community. Although it is not uncommon for members to sit out new releases while on hiatus in the K-pop industry, many fans are convinced that the exclusion of Manon was a deliberate and intentional move. The controversy has only intensified as more details surrounding her situation have emerged, casting a shadow over the group’s comeback.

One of the main reasons behind this suspicion lies in the timing and the series of events leading up to the release of “Pinky Up.” Fans first became suspicious when it was revealed that Manon had posted updates from a recording studio in January. These posts suggested that she was working on new music with KATSEYE, leading many to believe that she was still actively involved in the comeback process. In addition to this, a leaked dance practice footage of the song “Pinky Up” showed Manon participating in rehearsals, further fueling the theory that she had originally been included in the comeback but was later excluded.

The controversy took a new turn when KATSEYE’s official YouTube channel released a behind-the-scenes video of the making of “Pinky Up.” In the video, a clip surfaced showing the music video being filmed on February 22, just two days after Manon’s sudden announcement of her hiatus. This timing struck many fans as odd and raised suspicions that the music video might have been re-shot to exclude Manon. Alternatively, some fans suggested that Manon’s hiatus was planned long before the official announcement, with the company having already decided to move forward with an OT5 version of the comeback, despite her initial involvement.

The fact that the filming of the music video took place only two days after Manon’s hiatus announcement led some fans to believe that the music video had originally been filmed with all six members of KATSEYE, including Manon. The fact that the hiatus announcement came so close to the filming of the video made it seem as though the group had to quickly adjust to the sudden change, removing Manon from the final version of the video. The idea that the company had planned to exclude Manon from the very beginning, even before she knew about her own hiatus, has left many fans questioning the intentions behind the decision.

Several fans expressed their disbelief at how quickly the group had adapted to the change, particularly in relation to the dance formations and choreography for “Pinky Up.” They pointed out that it is highly unlikely that the members could have rehearsed an entirely new dance formation in just two days, which made it seem as though the group was already rehearsing without Manon long before her hiatus was officially announced. This has led some to believe that the entire hiatus was a calculated move to push Manon out of the group, something that seemed to have been planned far in advance.

Moreover, the fact that Manon had previously teased the release of “Pinky Up” alongside the other members of KATSEYE during their appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon raised further questions. Fans were quick to point out that, if Manon had been included in the initial promotional plans for the song, her sudden exclusion could not have been a last-minute decision. This inconsistency between the earlier promotional material and the final version of the comeback has only deepened the suspicions surrounding her exclusion.

As the release of the “Pinky Up” video and other content unfolded, the K-pop community began to feel that the silence from KATSEYE’s company, HYBE X Geffen, was adding to the growing frustration. Many fans had hoped that the company would address the contradictions surrounding Manon’s hiatus, offering a clearer explanation of the situation. However, with little to no response from the company, fans have grown increasingly impatient and dissatisfied with the lack of transparency regarding her absence.

This mounting frustration has spilled over into the reception of KATSEYE’s subsequent releases, including their upcoming EP. Fans are expressing concerns not only about the exclusion of Manon from this particular comeback but also about the overall direction the group is taking. The growing sense of mistrust towards the management company and the lack of communication has left many feeling disillusioned with the group and its future projects.

In conclusion, KATSEYE’s comeback with “Pinky Up” has been overshadowed by the exclusion of Manon, sparking widespread speculation and frustration among fans. The combination of strange timing, leaked footage, and the silence from the company has fueled theories that her exclusion was not just a coincidence, but a deliberate decision made well in advance. As fans continue to demand answers, it remains to be seen how KATSEYE and their company will address the growing concerns and whether the group can regain the trust of its loyal fanbase.