KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza Steps Away From Group Activities to Focus on Her Health
Sophia Laforteza, one of the members of global girl group KATSEYE, is taking a temporary break from the group’s activities after health concerns led her to prioritise rest and recovery.
The singer shared the news with fans on Friday, Aug. 7, explaining that stepping away from performances was not an easy decision. Laforteza said she deeply values performing and connecting with audiences, but she has come to understand that taking care of her mental and physical health needs to come first.
Her announcement comes at an important moment for KATSEYE, which has continued to build momentum internationally through music releases, major performances and upcoming projects.
Laforteza addressed fans through an Instagram Story, where she explained that missing performances and other group activities was emotionally difficult for her. Rather than treating the break as a permanent departure, she presented it as time needed to recover properly and eventually return to the work she loves.
The 23-year-old singer also thanked fans for their patience and support. She indicated that she intends to use the time away to focus on getting better, with the goal of returning when she is ready.
The decision was also confirmed by KATSEYE’s label, HYBE x Geffen. In a statement shared through Weverse, the company said Laforteza had consulted with medical professionals and had been advised to take an extended period of rest and receive continued care.
The label emphasised that Laforteza’s health and safety were more important than maintaining a full performance schedule. It also made clear that the singer has the company’s full support while she takes time away from activities.
According to the label, Laforteza’s condition is expected to be reassessed in September. A further update will be provided to fans after that evaluation.
The announcement follows a period in which Laforteza had already missed at least one scheduled KATSEYE performance because of illness. On July 30, KATSEYE’s official Weverse account announced that she would not perform at the Hinterland Music Festival because she was ill and was resting while focusing on her recovery.
For fans, the latest announcement provides more context for her recent absence from the group’s public activities. It also means KATSEYE will continue some appearances without Laforteza while she focuses on her recovery.
Laforteza is not the first KATSEYE member to step away from group activities for health reasons. Manon Bannerman announced a temporary hiatus in February to focus on her health and wellbeing. Her continued absence has led to questions among fans about when she might return, although the circumstances surrounding each member’s break are separate.
KATSEYE was created through the 2023 competition series “The Debut: Dream Academy”, a project developed by HYBE and Geffen Records to form a global girl group. The final lineup included Laforteza, Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.
The group’s story was later featured in the Netflix documentary series “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE”, which followed the members’ journey from training and competition to becoming an international pop act.
Since its debut, KATSEYE has attracted a growing international audience with songs such as “Touch”, “Gnarly” and “Gabriela”. The group has also expanded its presence through high-profile performances and other major entertainment events.
The timing of Laforteza’s break is particularly notable because KATSEYE has several major projects scheduled. The group’s third EP, “WILD”, is scheduled for release on Aug. 14, while the documentary film “KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS” is set for limited worldwide theatrical screenings beginning Aug. 12.
KATSEYE has also announced a major 2026 headline tour covering parts of the United Kingdom, Europe and North America. The tour is scheduled to begin in September, making the planned September health reassessment an important point for both the group and its supporters.
However, the current announcement does not indicate that Laforteza has left KATSEYE. Instead, the information released by the singer and her label describes the situation as a temporary break focused on rest, medical care and recovery.
That distinction is important because health-related absences in the entertainment industry can sometimes lead to speculation about a performer’s future. In Laforteza’s case, neither her statement nor the label’s announcement says that she is permanently leaving the group.
For now, the focus remains on her recovery. Laforteza has told fans that she hopes to return, while HYBE x Geffen has said it will reassess her condition before providing another update.
Her decision also highlights the demanding nature of life as a professional performer. Artists working in major pop groups often face demanding rehearsal schedules, travel, promotional commitments and frequent live performances. Taking time away can therefore become necessary when continuing at the same pace could interfere with recovery.
Rather than announcing a permanent career change, Laforteza is choosing to step back before returning to an intense schedule. Her message to fans suggests that she wants to recover fully instead of rushing back before she is ready.
For KATSEYE supporters, the next major development is expected in September, when the label plans to provide an update following its assessment of Laforteza’s condition.
Until then, the singer’s status remains that of a member taking a temporary health-related break. KATSEYE will continue its scheduled activities, while Laforteza focuses on the rest and care recommended by medical professionals.
The situation is likely to remain closely followed by the group’s fan community, particularly as KATSEYE moves into a busy period of new music, film promotion and touring. For Laforteza, however, the immediate priority is recovery rather than maintaining a demanding public schedule.
Sources
Reuters — reporting on Sophia Laforteza’s temporary hiatus and HYBE x Geffen’s statement.
KATSEYE Official Weverse — an announcement regarding Sophia Laforteza’s absence from the Hinterland Music Festival.
KATSEYE Official Weverse — announcement for the group’s “WILD” EP and “KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS”.
HYBE x Geffen / KATSEYE official communications — statements concerning member activities and health-related breaks.
