Global girlgroup KATSEYE’s leader Sophia Laforteza is stepping back from the spotlight for now as she takes time to focus on her mental health and well-being.
Sophia, 23, will temporarily sit out the group’s upcoming promotional activities, according to a joint statement released on Friday by HYBE and Geffen (HxG) Records through Weverse.
“We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities,” HxG said, acknowledging that fans were looking forward to seeing the pop star perform with her fellow KATSEYE members.
However, the statement stressed that Sophia’s health and wellness must come first.
“It is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized,” the statement said, adding that the Filipina pride has been advised to rest and is receiving the “utmost support” as she focuses on her recovery.
Despite taking a break, Sophia remains eager to return to the stage and perform alongside her members.
“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 added.
Sophia’s condition will be reassessed in September, which fans are expected to receive an update.
HxG also expressed gratitude to KATSEYE’s devoted fandom, EYEKONS, for their understanding and continued support as Sophia takes the time she needs to heal.
Sophia promises to ‘come back stronger’
As she steps away from the limelight, Sophia has reassured her fans that she is taking the time she needs to heal and hopes to “come back stronger.”
The Filipina singer personally addressed EYEKONS on an Instagram Story on Friday, opening up about her decision.
“It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot. You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you,” Sophia wrote.
She admitted that the decision was not easy, especially as performing remains something she deeply loves.
However, she said the experience has reminded her that taking care of her health should come first.
“I’m realizing 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 added.
Sophia also expressed gratitude to EYEKONS for their patience, understanding and unwavering love throughout her journey with KATSEYE.
The singer vowed to focus on her recovery, saying she would work hard “to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger.”
While she takes a break from performing, Sophia said she will remain an EYEKON herself – cheering on her sisters and supporting KATSEYE from the sidelines.
She also encouraged fans to continue giving the group the same kindness, support and love as they move forward with their activities.
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Second KATSEYE member to take hiatus
Sophia is the second KATSEYE member to take a temporary hiatus this year, following Manon’s announcement in February that she would step back from group activities to focus on her health and well-being.
On February 21, the group shared a statement through Weverse announcing Manon’s temporary break.
“Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing,” the statement read.
KATSEYE also expressed its support for Manon’s decision then, assuring fans that the group would continue with its scheduled activities while she took time to rest and recover.
“We will continue on our scheduled activities and look forward to being with her again when the time is right,” the group said.
New music coming this August
Meanwhile, KATSEYE will be releasing its newest extended play, ‘Wild’, coming this August 14 (PH time), which the group announced on April 16.
The upcoming EP will include their latest single, “Pinky Up,” and four more songs, adding to the group’s growing catalog of pop hits.
KATSEYE made its debut in June 2024 with “Debut” before gaining wider attention with the breakout single “Touch.”
The group released its first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), in August 2024, followed by an Asia tour that included stops in South Korea, the Philippines and Japan.
The global girl group continued its momentum with the release of its second EP, Beautiful Chaos, in June 2025.
Their rapid rise in the global music scene earned KATSEYE two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards—Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Gabriela.”
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