KATSEYE draws backlash over ‘Golden’ Coachella 2026 set with HUNTRIX amid Manon’s hiatus

INDIO, CALIFORNIA: The Coachella crowd was left surprised when KATSEYE brought out HUNTRIX onstage to perform the hit track 'Golden' from Netflix's 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' The performance featured Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami from HUNTRIX alongside all members of KATSEYE, except Manon Bannerman, who is on hiatus.

The appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the set. However, attention soon moved to Manon's absence from KATSEYE’s Coachella debut.

Despite Manon's hiatus, many fans had expected her to join the stage performance, only to be left disappointed.

The situation soon turned into an online discourse. While some praised the K-Pop group for their debut performance, others expressed frustration over Manon's absence, with posts even calling the group to “disband”.

KATSEYE performed on the first day of Coachella 2026 on Friday, April 10 and is set to reprise their set on Friday, April 17 (weekend two).

Manon’s absence felt during KATSEYE’s Coachella set 

The all-girl group opened their set with their new single 'Pinky Up,' performing it live for the first time after the music video dropped just ahead of the festival. The group performed as a 5-member lineup, with Lara Raj, Sophia Laforteza, Yoonchae Jeung, Daniela Avanzini and Megan Skiendiel taking the stage.

Member Manon did not participate in the set, continuing her hiatus that began on February 20. HYBE had confirmed her ongoing absence shortly before the performance, without giving further details. The debut set featured songs including 'Internet Girl,' 'Pinky Up', and 'Mean Girls.'

A surprise moment came when performers from HUNTRIX joined KATSEYE on stage to perform 'Golden,' adding extra buzz to an already high-profile festival debut following 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' recent Oscar win for best original song.

Despite the strong reception, the online conversation after the performance continued to focus on Manon’s absence from the special moment.

Social media reacts to KATSEYE performing HUNTRIX’s ‘Golden’ without Manon

Netizens were largely unhappy with the group’s performance, with many EYEKONS heartbroken about Manon’s absence from the stage.

Someone said, "Katseye bringing out huntrix and not manon im sick let’s disband"

Another added, "Katseye brought out huntrix but not Manon? Oh ok

A third wrote, "i didnt watch it but wdym we got huntrix in the katseye coachella set and not manon bro"

One user shared, "i wanted to be a fan like a normal human being, but i'm obsessed and way too involved, so everything i see from katseye without manon just destroys me bc it's so unfair that she's missing out on so many great moments, like lolla and coachella i can't help but think about how she must feel :("

"Are Manon fans going to watch Katseye's Coachella show via livestream?" one user questioned. 

One more user said, "Katseye’s coachella performance was so underwhelming, why does the group feel so flat and empty without manon #coachella #katseye"

Another added, "Manon you always will be missed! That performance was lose without you!!! #Coachella #Katseye"

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