K-pop girl group Katseye’s Sophia Laforteza takes hiatus for mental health

Sophia Laforteza, the leader of the global K-pop girl group Katseye, has taken a temporary hiatus from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and well-being. This decision was jointly announced by her management companies, Hybe and Geffen, through a statement released on Hybe's fan-to-artist platform, Weverse, on Friday. The statement expressed deep regret over the news, stating that Sophia would be unable to participate in upcoming promotions. According to the companies, she has received extensive support and, following discussions with medical professionals, it was recommended that she take time for rest and continued care to ensure a complete recovery. The companies emphasized that despite this challenge, Sophia remains enthusiastic about returning to perform with her fellow members, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung. They indicated that her condition will be reviewed again in September, with further updates to be shared with fans at that time. Hybe did not immediately respond to a Reuters inquiry for additional comments. In a personal message on her Instagram account, Sophia expressed that the decision broke her heart. She acknowledged her deep passion for performing and connecting with fans on stage. Taking time to care for her mental and physical health, she explained, would allow her to continue pursuing her dreams. She thanked her supporters and urged them to continue backing Katseye even during her absence. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the group's major projects. Just days prior, the world premiere of their first documentary, Katseye: Wild Hearts, was scheduled for Wednesday. Additionally, the release of their third EP, Wild, is set for August 14, 2026. These developments highlight the group's active presence in the entertainment industry despite the current challenges faced by one of its key members. Sophia is not the first member of Katseye to take a temporary break for mental health reasons. Earlier this year, on February 20, 2026, Manon Bannerman also announced her hiatus via Weverse. While fans have speculated about the causes behind Bannerman's absence, neither Hybe, Geffen nor the other members of Katseye have offered further details. Katseye, based in Los Angeles, is a multinational pop group that blends elements of K-pop's rigorous training system with Western pop influences. Formed in 2023, the group consists of members hailing from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. Their formation followed the selection of finalists from Hybe and Geffen's reality show competition, The Debut: Dream Academy, who were chosen to debut collectively. Since their inception, Katseye has garnered substantial attention with hits such as Touch, Gnarly, and Gabriela. The latter track earned a Grammy nomination, underscoring the group's growing influence in the music scene. The group's name, Katseye, is inspired by the chrysoberyl gemstone known as cat's eye, symbolizing the diversity of their talents and the evolution of their artistic expression. The group's recent developments reflect both the pressures and demands of the entertainment industry, particularly within the K-pop sphere, which is known for its intense schedules and high expectations. As Sophia's situation unfolds, the focus remains on her well-being and the continued success of Katseye's upcoming projects. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on her condition and the group's future plans.