KATSEYE have confirmed their new single Pinky Up, set for release on 9 April 2026, just one day before their debut performance at Coachella.
The announcement follows a week of cryptic teaser posts that built momentum online, marking the group’s first release of the year and the start of a new campaign cycle.
Teaser campaign builds intrigue ahead of release
KATSEYE rolled out a sequence of visual teasers across social media, prompting fans to decode the concept behind the track.
The first post, shared on 30 March, featured a reimagined Mona Lisa raising a teacup with her pinky finger extended. A second teaser followed, showing an arcade claw machine branded with the group’s name grabbing a sword from a mix of plush toys and a teacup.
A third post confirmed the single title and artwork, revealing a scene of a figure kneeling beside a teacup and toy cat, with bold pink typography spelling out Pinky Up.
Coachella debut set for 10 April
The single arrives just 24 hours before the group take to the stage at Coachella on 10 April, marking a major milestone in their international rollout.
The festival appearance is expected to introduce KATSEYE to a wider global audience, particularly across the US market.
First release since Manon Bannerman hiatus announcement
Pinky Up also marks the group’s first release since Manon Bannerman announced a temporary hiatus from group activities.
In a statement shared via Weverse, the group confirmed the decision:
“Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing.”
The remaining members, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung, will continue promotions during her absence.
The group added:
“KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us… we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
“Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
A key moment in KATSEYE’s global strategy
With a major US festival debut and a new single landing within the same week, Pinky Up positions KATSEYE at a critical point in their global expansion.
The timing suggests a coordinated push to capitalise on Coachella’s global visibility, using the release to drive both streaming and live audience engagement.
