In a sudden and unfortunate development, Manon, a member of rising global girl group KATSEYE, has officially withdrawn from the group’s highly anticipated performance at Summer Sonic Tokyo, citing health reasons.
The announcement was made on August 17, 2025 KST, just hours before KATSEYE was scheduled to take the stage at one of Japan’s most iconic music festivals.
Summer Sonic, which spans across Osaka and Tokyo, is a premier event featuring global and domestic artists.
For KATSEYE, a rookie group making waves both in Korea and internationally, this was meant to be a major milestone.
The performance would have marked a significant moment in their journey toward global recognition.
However, due to last-minute health concerns involving Manon, the group will now appear in Tokyo without her.
Background: Osaka Show Cancelled Due to Illness
The situation surrounding KATSEYE’s Summer Sonic appearances began developing a day prior.
On August 16, the group was scheduled to perform at Summer Sonic Osaka, but that performance was canceled after two members reported feeling unwell.
Although the agency did not name the affected members at the time, it emphasized that the cancellation was a precautionary measure and that the health of the members is a top priority.
Later that same day, KATSEYE’s agency reassured fans that the members had recovered and would proceed with their Tokyo performance as planned.
This news came as a relief to many fans—known as EYEKONS—who had traveled or tuned in with high expectations to see all members back in action.
Manon’s Condition Declines Upon Arrival in Tokyo
However, on the morning of August 17, the situation took an unexpected turn. KATSEYE’s management shared an official update stating that Manon’s health had worsened upon landing in Tokyo.
After medical consultation, the decision was made for Manon to rest and focus on recovery, foregoing her participation in the Tokyo performance.
According to the official statement released via KATSEYE’s community manager:
“We are very sorry to share that Manon will not be able to perform at Summer Sonic Tokyo…nnShe has since made the decision after consulting her doctor to rest in order to recover as soon as possible.”
The agency also offered a sincere apology to fans and emphasized that the health and safety of the artists come before all else.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions of Concern and Support
As the news broke, fans flooded social media with messages of support for Manon, using hashtags like #GetWellSoonManon and #WeLoveYouManon.
While there was some visible disappointment at the unexpected lineup change, most fans expressed understanding and prioritization of Manon’s well-being.
The global fanbase, known for its strong emotional connection to each member, has shown remarkable empathy.
Many praised the agency for not pushing the artist to perform despite the significance of the event, while others sent well-wishes in multiple languages, underscoring KATSEYE’s international appeal.
Posts like:
“Health comes first! Rest well, Manon. We’ll always wait for you.”
“Tokyo stage won’t be the same without you, but we want you to get better soon”
“Take care of yourself, queen. EYEKONS love you!”
…have been trending across platforms such as Twitter (X), TikTok, and Instagram.
KATSEYE’s Continued Performance and Resilience
Despite the setback, the remaining five members of KATSEYE are still expected to take the stage at Summer Sonic Tokyo as scheduled.
This marks a critical moment for the group to showcase their adaptability and commitment to fans, even under challenging circumstances.
Their ability to pivot under pressure is already being seen as a testament to their professionalism and teamwork.
Industry watchers believe that while Manon’s absence will certainly be felt, the performance will still serve as a significant opportunity for the group to shine on an international stage.
Health First: A Growing Trend in K-Pop
Manon’s decision to sit out the performance also reflects a growing and necessary shift in the K-pop industry—where idol health and mental well-being are increasingly prioritized over performance obligations.
Gone are the days when artists were expected to power through illness for the sake of appearances.
Fans and agencies alike are becoming more vocal in their support for artist welfare, and KATSEYE’s management is being commended for their transparent and empathetic response.
This aligns with recent industry practices, where idols across major groups like BTS, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN have taken breaks to recover, with fans standing firmly behind them.
