Sophia Laforteza, leader of the global girl group Katseye, is taking a temporary hiatus from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and well-being. The announcement was made on Friday, August 8, 2026, by Hybe and Geffen in a joint statement posted on Hybe's fan-to-artist platform Weverse.

"We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities," the statement said. It added that after thorough consultations with medical professionals, Sophia has been advised to take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery.

Despite the break, the companies noted that Laforteza remains eager to return to performing with fellow members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung. Her condition will be reassessed in September, with updates to be shared with fans then.

Laforteza expressed her feelings on Instagram, saying the decision "breaks her heart" and emphasized her love for being on stage and sharing moments with fans.

The hiatus comes just days before the worldwide premiere of Katseye's first documentary, "Katseye: Wild Hearts," and the release of their third EP, "Wild," scheduled for August 14, 2026.

Katseye, formed in 2023, includes members from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. The group was created following the finalists of Hybe and Geffen's survival-style competition, The Debut: Dream Academy. Earlier this year, member Manon Bannerman also announced a hiatus on February 20, 2026.

Sources