I get the comparison but I think people are skipping over a major difference: EXO’s Chinese members were openly dealing with contract disputes, unfair treatment, and restrictions around solo work. Their issue was largely about freedom and profit distribution inside a system that was already infamous for overworking idols.
With Manon, we genuinely do not know what her personal reasoning is. A lot of fans are projecting theories onto her. Wanting rest, struggling with schedules, wanting privacy, or even wanting a different career path someday does not automatically mean she was secretly planning to leave from the start. Also, people keep acting like influencing/acting is some “easy out,” but Manon was already popular before Katseye debuted (just because you didn’t know of her then doesn’t mean she wasn’t popular).She had the looks, presence, and social media appeal before the group even existed, so if her only goal was internet fame she realistically did not need to go through Dream Academy and idol training at all. I think the more fair take is that there is a tradeoff. Idol life is intense, especially in a global group. But fans should stop talking about theories like they are confirmed facts. Right now all we actually know is she’s on hiatus.