KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza is taking a break from the group to focus on her mental health and recovery. Her announcement makes her the second member of the multinational girl group to take a hiatus this year, following Manon Bannerman’s break, which many believed to be her quitting the group, an announcement that was made in February this year. HYBE and Geffen Records confirmed Sophia will be unable to take part in upcoming promotional activities. The companies said in a statement to fans that the 23-year-old singer has been getting support and consulting medical professionals who have recommended she take a prolonged period of rest and continue with ongoing care.
Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus
Sophia’s health and long-term welfare remain a priority, the companies said. Her condition is set to be reviewed in September, when further updates are said to be shared with fans. “We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritised,” HYBE x Geffen Records said in a statement about the Filipino-American artist.
“While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority,” the statement continued. “We will continue to closely monitor her progress and support her journey. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with Katseye.”
Sophia Laforteza posted about her work break
Sophia says health must come first
Sophia also did a direct address on Instagram, saying that it was not an easy thing for her to walk away. “Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. I’m realising that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long,” she posted.
The singer also told fans she plans to work on her recovery and hopes to come back stronger. She expressed gratitude to supporters for their continued encouragement and urged them to continue to support while she is away. For Sophia, the decision is emotionally fraught, not least because performing is one of the most important things in her life. But her comments make it clear that the break is designed to give her the time and space to recover properly.
KATSEYE’s original six members: Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung
KATSEYE continues as a four-piece group
KATSEYE will continue with scheduled activities with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung, as Sophia is currently unavailable. The group has been gearing up for a busy stretch that includes an appearance on The Tonight Show on August 12 and the release of its third EP, WILD, on August 14.
It also coincides with the world premiere of the group’s debut documentary, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS. This means EYEKONS will likely feel Sophia’s absence during an important promotional period for the group.
Netizens react to Sophia Laforteza’s hiatus
Fans react to the announcement
Fans of KATSEYE have been left shocked. Just when many were still coming to terms with the absence of Manon, Sophia’s absence, many said, would be felt badly. While some blamed their label for no handling the group’s management well, leaving the members in a bad state, physically and mentally, others demanded KATSEYE to disband all together.
Sophia is the second member to take a break
The latest announcement additionally emphasises the ongoing absence of . In February, HYBE announced that Manon would be temporarily halting activities as a member of KATSEYE to focus on her health and well-being. She is still not back to group activities, and the company has said the door is open for her to return. The Swiss singer later reassured fans she was healthy and was looking after herself. However, no further details about the circumstances surrounding her hiatus have been released to the public.
Sophia’s announcement is the second of KATSEYE’s six original members to take breaks for health and wellness reasons in 2026.
KATSEYE debuted in 2023
KATSEYE’s global activities
KATSEYE made their debut in 2023 as part of HYBE and Geffen Records’ global audition project, The Debut: Dream Academy. The group consisted of people from different cultural backgrounds, such as the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States.
Based in Los Angeles, KATSEYE melds elements of Western pop with the rigorous training regimen associated with K-pop. Soon, the group developed an international following with songs such as Touch, Gnarly, and Gabriela.