On April 9 KATSEYE released their new single titled ‘PINKY UP,’ another hyperpop comeback before their expected Coachella performance. This had the potential to be a smash hit that would bring the girls back into the well-deserved spotlight, but all the song got in return was backlash and stares at a potential member leaving the group.
The major backlash began on Feb. 20, when KATSEYE member Manon announced a health-related hiatus; meanwhile, the rest of the members continued their normal schedule. This garnered much unnecessary speculation from fans, creating the idea that somewhere behind the scenes, there might have been some foul play and even the potential of the temporary hiatus becoming a permanent one. But this was all speculation, with no real proof other than fan delusion and unnecessary debates on the internet.
That was until videos were leaked to the public a week before the ‘PINKY UP’ music video was set to release, and these leaks included a snippet of the choreography, song, and even the storyboard of the music video. All of these leaks show all 6 members present, causing fans to speculate that ‘PINKY UP’ was the comeback for Manon before their Coachella performance, bringing the backlash into high expectations and hopes for the upcoming comeback.
However, as the teasers started to be released one by one, highlighting the concept and new looks of members, it was obvious that Manon wasn’t planned to appear in the music video. This caused an uproar by fans, which pulled the situation back into the theory that Manon cut the ties with the other girls, this idea further got pushed by small coincidences that came out during the height of this controversy.
The music video in itself was nothing more but a blast of a new chaotic and EYE-KONIC concept, it was perfect through and through for a 2-minute video and highlighted a new era of hyper pop under their discography. The dance and the verses were entirely addicting like many songs and made quick waves on social media just one day after release. However, my only issues are the fact that it is 2 minutes long, since I believe that adding at least one more verse would’ve made it the difference.
Overall, I believe that the song in itself is a definitely a must hear on anyone’s playlist but should beware of the potential drama arising from the single. The drama in itself is just an argument with no actual evidence other than speculation and shouldn’t be taken seriously under any circumcise. Many members from K-pop and American related groups have taken health related hiatus in the past, so Manon shouldn’t be taken any different than the rest and instead should just be supported.
