Sophia Laforteza, leader of global girl group KATSEYE, is temporarily stepping away from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and well-being, HYBE and Geffen Records said on Friday.
In a joint statement shared on HYBE’s fan platform Weverse, the companies said Laforteza had been advised by medical professionals to take an extended period of rest and receive continued care.
“Sophia has been receiving the utmost support,” the companies said, adding that her condition would be reassessed in September, when further updates will be provided.
Despite her temporary absence, Laforteza remains keen to return to the stage with fellow KATSEYE members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.
Laforteza also addressed fans on Instagram, saying the decision was difficult but necessary to take care of her mental and physical well-being. She thanked fans for their support and asked them to continue supporting KATSEYE during her absence.
The announcement comes ahead of the worldwide premiere of the group’s first documentary, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS, and the release of its third EP, WILD, on August 14.
Laforteza is the second KATSEYE member to take a temporary hiatus for mental health and wellness reasons. Manon Bannerman’s hiatus was announced in February.
Based in Los Angeles, KATSEYE is a multinational pop group formed in 2023 through HYBE and Geffen’s survival-style competition The Debut: Dream Academy. The group blends K-pop’s training system with Western pop influences, with members from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States.
KATSEYE rose to prominence with songs including “Touch”, “Gnarly” and “Gabriela”, the latter earning a Grammy nomination.
