The global girl group KATSEYE is ready to usher in a new era with their upcoming single, “Pinky Up.” On March 31, 2026, HYBE and Geffen Records officially confirmed the release date, sparking significant excitement among fans, known as EYEKONS.
This comeback marks a pivotal moment for the group as they expand their sonic identity and prepare for one of the biggest stages in the world.
According to the official announcement on Weverse,
“KATSEYE will be releasing their new single ‘PINKY UP’ on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, at 12 PM (EDT).”
The track is described as an expansion of the world the group has been building- one that is “confident, playful, and always pushing pop forward.”
Concept and Teaser Rollout
The group has teased a distinct and imaginative aesthetic for this release. The promotional cycle began with an enigmatic teaser featuring a stylized version of the Mona Lisa holding a teacup with her pinky raised, a clever nod to the song’s title.
Other visuals shared on social media include an arcade claw machine retrieving a sword among teacups and stuffed animals, suggesting a surreal and playful conceptual direction.
The full rollout schedule has been mapped out to keep fans engaged leading up to the release:
- April 2: First official teaser video
- April 3: First “photo look” reveal
- April 9: Official release of the single and music video (9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET)
Sonic Direction and Coachella
“Pinky Up” is expected to lean into hyperpop and EDM influences, following the experimental energy of their earlier 2026 release “Internet Girl.”
The timing of the single is strategically set just one day before KATSEYE’s highly anticipated debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they are scheduled to perform on April 10 and April 17.
It is widely anticipated that the group will perform the new single live for the first time during their festival sets.
Note on Group Participation
The comeback arrives during a temporary transition for the group. Member Manon Bannerman is currently on a hiatus to focus on her health and well-being, as announced in February.
While it is unclear if she participated in the recording or will appear in the music video, the remaining five members- Daniela, Lara, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae- will be leading the promotions and taking the stage at Coachella.
As the “Pinky Up” era begins, KATSEYE continues to solidify their position as a rising force in the global pop scene. Fans can pre-save the single now via official links provided on the group’s social media channels.
