Several called it a “soft launch” of her solo era.
Koreaboo
Manon surprised fans on May 3 with an unexpected Instagram Live, her first since going on hiatus from KATSEYE back in February.
It only lasted a couple of minutes, but that was more than enough to send fans into a frenzy.
Manon has been on a “temporary hiatus” from the group since February 20, when HYBE x Geffen announced she would be stepping back to focus on her health. She’s been largely quiet online since then, and when she has posted, it’s been through Weverse (the platform KATSEYE officially uses to communicate with fans).
As such, the Instagram live stream — though very brief — felt like a “confirmation” and “statement” to many fans.
MANON JIST WENT LIVE AND THEN QUICKLY ENDED IT???? OMG pic.twitter.com/zAdDroJP25
— rin 𐙚 (@mycatzeye) May 3, 2026
During the stream, she talked about having fun at the F1 Miami Grand Prix, where she appeared alongside Tommy Hilfiger, and expressed how much she loves her fans. Nothing bombshell on the surface. But fans weren’t focused on what she said, they were focused on where she said it.
manon realizing they locked her out of that weverse account pic.twitter.com/yAQsWcY3Xn https://t.co/ZCJLppTyvu
— jolt (@meltborne) May 3, 2026
is this her first ig live?? if so she really is free omg.. https://t.co/645Mb8UAma
— ericeffiorg (@ericeffiorg) May 3, 2026
Her going live on Instagram instead of Weverse???
Ohh that contract is really up.
— J🪩 (@Obviousphantoms) May 3, 2026
The live comes on the heels of several other breadcrumbs fans have been tracking: Manon quietly removing KATSEYE from her Instagram bio, The Cut recently referring to her as “formerly of KATSEYE,” and her growing list of solo projects and brand appearances.
In new The Cut article Manon is mentioned as a former member of KATSEYE despite no official statement about her departure from their label HYBE x Geffen. 🤔 #MERETMANON pic.twitter.com/1MpXxy5u8h
— KATSEYE News (@NewsKatseye) May 3, 2026
Fans on X were quick to point out the pattern, with many saying the move is a deliberate way of softening the blow before an official announcement drops. Several called it a “soft launch” of her solo era.
her removing katseye from her bio, the cut’s ‘manon, formerly of katseye’, and now her going live on ig instead of weverse all are ways of softening the blow before the official announcement, i’ve finally accepted it 🤧 https://t.co/6lzlZwlfSz
— ashly (@swiftmewies) May 3, 2026
Manon going live on instagram says a lot😭. She’s officially left that group and is solo now
Soft launching pic.twitter.com/01rOilPY89— Bardibardi ⁷ (@Bardibardi66341) May 3, 2026
No official word has come yet, but at this point, the writing feels like it’s been on the wall for a while. Fans are just waiting for KATSEYE and HYBE to say it out loud.