KATSEYE is the first "global girl group" formed by HYBE (the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS) and Geffen Records. Think of it as a 2026 version of the Spice Girls, but with the hyper-disciplined training of the Korean idol system.

The group was formed through a brutal survival show called Dream Academy, and the whole process was documented in the Netflix series Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. It’s fascinating, slightly terrifying, and very high-stakes.

Manon is the 23-year-old Swiss-Ghanaian member who was essentially "discovered" on Instagram. In the docuseries, she was often portrayed as the "Internet Girl"—the one who didn't go through years of grueling training like the others, but had that undeniable "it" factor.

She’s been a lightning rod for conversation because she challenged the "work until you drop" mentality. While other girls were practicing 12 hours a day, Manon was vocal about needing sleep and recovery. In the show, this was framed by some as "laziness," but in the real world of 2026, we’re seeing it for what it was: early boundaries against burnout.

In January, the group released a track called "Internet Girl," which basically meta-commented on their own rise to fame. For our kids, the "Internet Girl" (or boy) is the ultimate career goal. They see the viral TikTok dances, the YouTube vlogs, and the Grammy performances, and it looks like a dream.

But Manon’s hiatus is the "behind-the-scenes" footage they actually need to see.

Learn more about the impact of parasocial relationships on Gen Alpha

If you haven't watched this yet, it's actually a solid "co-watch" for parents and kids (Ages 12+). It’s not "brain rot"—it’s a raw look at the music industry.

The Good: It shows that "making it" requires insane discipline, talent, and resilience. It’s not just about a lucky viral video. The Bad: It can be stressful to watch. The "evaluation" system where girls are ranked and cut on camera is essentially a high-budget version of the social anxiety many kids feel every day at school.

If the K-pop drama is a bit too much for your family right now, here are a few shows that offer great storytelling without the "hustle culture" pressure:

At this age, they are likely just getting into the music and the "aesthetic." They might see Manon’s break as "sad" because she won't be in the upcoming Coachella performance. The Move: Focus on the idea of a "battery." Everyone has a battery, and even pop stars have to plug in and recharge. It’s a great time to introduce a "digital Sabbath" or a phone-free Sunday.

Teens are more likely to be involved in the "stan" culture on Twitter/X or TikTok. They might be seeing the "hate" or "death threats" Manon mentioned in her 2025 interviews. The Move: Talk about the "Internet Girl" lyrics. Ask them: "Do you think being famous online is actually worth the mental health toll?" Discuss the difference between "constructive criticism" and "digital harassment."

If your kid is a KATSEYE fan, they are probably on Weverse. Unlike Instagram, Weverse is designed specifically for fans to interact with idols. It can feel very intimate—which is the point—but it also makes the "hiatus" feel like a personal loss to some kids. Keep an eye on the comments sections there; they can get toxic quickly when fans start speculating about why a member is leaving.

Check out our guide to social media safety for teens

You don't need to be an expert on Swiss work-life balance to have this chat. Just try these:

Manon Bannerman isn't being "lazy." She’s being a pioneer in a world that demands 100% of our attention, 100% of the time. Whether your kid is a future pop star or just a kid trying to navigate middle school, the lesson is the same: Your worth isn't tied to your productivity.

If your family needs a "digital detox" after all this K-pop drama, skip the Roblox (which is its own kind of hustle culture) and try a "cozy" game together like Stardew Valley or a physical board game like Catan.

Ask our chatbot for more recommendations for 'cozy' media