Background: Who Are KATSEYE?
KATSEYE is a Los Angeles-based global girl group formed through a unique partnership between HYBE and Geffen Records. The group was formed after the 2023 reality competition series “Dream Academy,” with Manon, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeung, and Filipino leader Sophia Laforteza making the cut.
The group quickly built a passionate international fanbase — known as “Eyekons” — through their distinct blend of hyperpop, electronic pop, and confident girl-group energy. Some of KATSEYE’s best-known songs include “Gnarly,” “Touch,” “Gabriela,” “Debut,” “Gameboy,” and “Internet Girl.”
Now in 2026, KATSEYE are entering one of the biggest chapters of their careers — with new music, a festival debut, and a major conversation surrounding one of their members.
KATSEYE New Song: “Pinky Up” Release Date Confirmed
The KATSEYE new song “Pinky Up” release date was officially announced on March 31, 2026, sending the fanbase into a frenzy. KATSEYE revealed the track through a series of social media posts and teasers, with the first teaser showing the Mona Lisa lifting a cup of tea with her pinky raised, and a second clip featuring an arcade claw machine pulling out a sword among sparkling stuffed animals and a teacup.
“Pinky Up” is the sixth single by KATSEYE and was released on April 9, 2026.It was released by HYBE and Geffen Records, written by David Wilson, Justin Tranter, Magsy, Sorana, and Skyler Stonestreet, and produced by “Hitman” Bang, Dwilly, and Frants.
The Pinky Up KATSEYE release date timing was no accident. “Pinky Up” arrived just in time for KATSEYE’s Coachella debut on Friday, April 10.
What Is “Pinky Up” About? Sound and Music Video
The new KATSEYE song is a bold and energetic statement from the group. With a quick tempo and a playful “pinky up” refrain, the song is a crash course in KATSEYE’s typical hyperpop-laced style, finding the girl group at their most confident.
The music video is just as bold as the song itself. It features elaborate sets filled with stuffed animals, a claw machine with member Daniela inside, Sophia riding a motorcycle indoors, and more.
The visuals mix elegance, playfulness, and chaotic fun — perfectly capturing the KATSEYE songs style that fans have come to love. The Pinky Up KATSEYE release has been praised by fans and music media alike for its high energy and polished production.
KATSEYE Members: Who Is in the Group Right Now?
As of the Pinky Up release and Coachella 2026, the active KATSEYE members performing are five of the original six. Five members performed at Coachella: Sophia Laforteza, Yoonchae Jeung, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, and Megan Skiendiel.
Each member brings something distinct to the group. Sophia Laforteza, the Filipino leader, is widely recognized as the group’s center and lead performer. Lara Raj is known for her powerful stage presence, while Yoonchae Jeung brings K-pop precision. Daniela Avanzini and Megan Skiendiel round out the group’s vocal and dance lineup. Together, the five-piece performed at Coachella’s iconic Sahara stage — a massive milestone for new KATSEYE.
Manon’s Hiatus: What Happened?
The most discussed topic surrounding the KATSEYE new song and Coachella debut has been the absence of member Manon Bannerman.
Manon has been on a temporary hiatus since February to “focus on her health and well-being,” according to a February 5 statement from HYBE and Geffen Records.
Speculation intensified on April 3 when she removed the group’s name from her social media profile, prompting rumors about a possible departure.
HYBE and the group stated: “The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
Manon did not participate in the Pinky Up comeback as she remains on a temporary hiatus to focus on her health and wellbeing since February 20, 2026.
KATSEYE Members Speak Out About Manon
Despite the uncertainty, the five active KATSEYE members have been openly supportive of Manon. Ahead of Coachella, the group spoke with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe.
Sophia said: “Manon has been on hiatus, and we love her so much! We know she’s doing well… we’re just really excited and rooting for all of us and each other.”
Lara added: “I also want to say that she’s our sister forever, and we love her so much!”
The statements reflect a group trying to hold together publicly while navigating a complicated situation with one of their founding members.
KATSEYE at Coachella 2026: A Historic Debut
KATSEYE performed at the Sahara stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 10 and 17, just hours before festival headliner Sabrina Carpenter stepped onstage.
Member Lara Raj had previewed the performance earlier in the year, saying: “Just know we’re working really, really hard for Coachella. We have something really, really exciting planned.”
The Coachella performance marked a defining moment for KATSEYE as a group — debuting their KATSEYE new song “Pinky Up” live to a massive global audience, even as conversations about Manon’s future continued to swirl online.
Future Plans: New Album and Festivals Ahead
The KATSEYE new album remains a topic of great excitement among the fanbase. While no official KATSEYE new album release date has been confirmed yet, the steady rollout of singles — including Pinky Up — suggests major music is on the way.
On March 24, KATSEYE was announced as the headliner for the 2026 Head in the Clouds Music and Arts Festival, scheduled for August.After Coachella, KATSEYE will bring their live show to Governors Ball in New York, Hinterland Festival in Iowa, and 88 Rising’s Head in the Clouds festival in Los Angeles.
The KATSEYE songs catalog continues to grow, and the group is clearly positioned for a massive 2026.
Impact: Global K-Pop and Pop Crossover
KATSEYE represents a new wave of global pop — blending K-pop precision with Western pop production under the HYBE and Geffen Records partnership. Their Coachella debut and the Pinky Up KATSEYE release date announcement generated millions of impressions online, trending across multiple platforms.
Fan speculation and calls for transparency regarding Manon’s hiatus have also reignited broader discussions about the treatment of Black women in the music industry — a conversation that has added significant cultural weight to the KATSEYE news cycle in 2026.
Conclusion: What’s Next for KATSEYE?
KATSEYE are at a pivotal moment. The KATSEYE new song “Pinky Up” is out, Coachella is done, and the group is heading into a packed summer festival schedule. A new KATSEYE album feels increasingly likely as the year progresses.
The biggest open question remains Manon’s return. Fans remain hopeful that Manon will eventually return, pointing to the word “temporary” in official statements — yet the growing distance suggests the situation is more complicated than a simple health break.
Whether as a five-piece or back to six, KATSEYE’s momentum in 2026 is undeniable. The new KATSEYE era has only just begun.
FAQs
What is KATSEYE’s latest song?
KATSEYE’s latest song is “Pinky Up,” released on April 9, 2026, via HYBE and Geffen Records. It is the group’s sixth single and was released just ahead of their Coachella 2026 debut. The Pinky Up KATSEYE release date was April 9 at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.
What is the #1 trending song right now?
Trending songs shift daily across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Billboard. As of April 2026, KATSEYE’s new song “Pinky Up” has been among the most talked-about releases of the week, boosted by their Coachella debut and Manon’s hiatus story dominating pop culture headlines. For real-time charts, check Spotify Charts or Billboard Hot 100.
Is Manon leaving KATSEYE?
As of now, Manon has not officially left KATSEYE. HYBE and Geffen Records have consistently described her absence as a “temporary hiatus” for health and wellbeing reasons since February 20, 2026. She did not appear in the “Pinky Up” music video or at Coachella 2026. Her return date has not been announced, and her future with the group remains officially uncertain.
