Megan Skiendiel is not stepping away from KATSEYE. But her latest comments show how close the group's remaining members have come to a breaking point. Speaking to People, she admitted therapy has become essential for coping with fears of being 'too much' and being judged, all while performing in a four-member lineup following the hiatuses of Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman.
The admission comes from a group built through the relentless competition format Pop Star Academy, later documented in Wild Hearts. Megan is speaking plainly about the anxiety of constant scrutiny, crediting her bandmates and a therapist for keeping her steady while two of her closest friends take extended time off.
Why Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman are on Hiatus
Manon announced her hiatus on 20 February to focus on her health and well-being. Sophia followed roughly six months later, with HYBE and Geffen confirming her break was advised by medical professionals after consultations, and that her condition will be reassessed in September.
Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Yoonchae Jeong and Megan are now carrying the group's festival dates and promotion for EP Wild without two of the original six.
The Idol System Behind the Insecurity
Megan's comments cannot be separated from the machine that built her. KATSEYE came up through a format engineered around elimination and constant evaluation.
She identified judgement from others as her 'biggest insecurity', explaining that she has learned to surround herself with people who do not make her feel 'too much'. This phrase is particularly revealing coming from a performer whose career began with strangers voting on her talent.
Physical Break Then, Mental Health Break Now
Megan went on hiatus in 2024 to recover from a back injury, and has spoken about how hard it was watching the group continue without her. That history is shaping how the band responds to Sophia and Manon's absences now.
Instead of quietly managing the breaks, the group has openly expressed their support, with Lara Raj telling Today's Craig Melvin they will 'ride for them' no matter how long it takes.
Fan Scrutiny Adds to the Pressure
Speculation about Manon's future had been growing among fans since the summer of 2025, well before her hiatus was officially announced. This led the band to publicly address and dismiss the rumours then.
This scrutiny is what Megan meant when she identified judgment from others as her greatest insecurity, amplified by thousands of strangers online rather than limited to the rehearsal room.
The group also had to address claims that race played a role in Manon's absence, with Sophia previously telling Allure it was not her place to rush her bandmate back, adding that Manon deserved 'all the time that she need[s]'. The public defence highlights the scrutiny members face when they step back, regardless of mental health explanations.
Where This Leaves the Idol Model
Girl groups have historically dealt with this pressure until someone quietly leaves for good. Fifth Harmony and Little Mix both exemplify this pattern.
KATSEYE's members are openly discussing therapy and burnout. Meanwhile, HYBE and Geffen are releasing formal statements about health. This shows a new approach that puts health before scheduling.
As the world tour kicks off later this year, it will be fascinating to see how the modern idol system adapts, especially as its stars are given the chance to truly rest and recharge.
