KATSEYE leader Sophia Laforteza is taking a temporary hiatus from the group’s upcoming promotional activities to focus on her mental health and wellness. The break was confirmed by her joint agency, HYBE x Geffen, in an official statement on Weverse.
What HYBE x Geffen Announced
The agency said Sophia will be temporarily unable to join upcoming promotional activities with KATSEYE. The statement explained that it is important for her mental health and wellness to come first at this time.
HYBE x Geffen also shared that Sophia has been receiving strong support from the label. The statement said that after thorough consultations with medical professionals, she was advised to take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to fully recover.
The agency added that Sophia herself is eager to keep performing with her members. However, it made clear that the health, safety, and long term wellbeing of its artists remain the highest priority. (Today)
The label also confirmed that Sophia condition will be reassessed in September, when further updates on her return are expected.
Sophia Own Statement
Sophia posted a separate message on her Instagram Story to speak directly to fans. She wrote that making this decision was not easy, but she is learning that her health has to come first.
She also said that if she does not take care of her mind and body now, she will not be able to keep doing what she loves for a long time. (Exclaim!)
Why the Timing Matters
Sophia absence means she will miss KATSEYE’s performance at the Head in the Clouds festival in Pasadena. She was also absent from the Los Angeles premiere of the group’s documentary, “Katseye: Wild Hearts.” (Deadline)
When asked about Sophia absence on the red carpet, bandmate Lara Raj told reporters that Sophia was not feeling well but sent her greetings to fans. (Variety)
The announcement also arrives just before the release of KATSEYE’s new EP, “Wild,” which is scheduled for August 13. The group is set to begin a tour this fall.
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A Second Hiatus for the Group
Sophia is the second KATSEYE member to step back for health reasons this year. Bandmate Manon Bannerman announced her own temporary hiatus in February to focus on her health and wellbeing. (Yahoo News UK)
At the time, the group said it fully supported Manon’s decision and remained committed to showing up for one another and for fans.
Manon later reassured fans through a message on Weverse. She said she was healthy, taking care of herself, and still in contact with her management. (AOL)
KATSEYE Hiatus Timeline
| Member | Announcement Date | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manon Bannerman | February 2026 | Health and wellbeing | Ongoing, in contact with management |
| Sophia Laforteza | August 2026 | Mental health and wellness | To be reassessed in September |
Sophia Past Comments on Her Health
In May, during a Weverse livestream, Sophia revealed that she has ADHD. She said she was diagnosed around the time KATSEYE debuted in 2024. She described her experience with internal restlessness, difficulty focusing, hyperfocus, and sleep struggles. She also confirmed that she sees a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a therapist. t of online hostility. In a BBC interview last year, she and the group discussed receiving a large number of death threats. (Forbes)
What This Means for KATSEYE’s Schedule
With both Sophia and Manon on hiatus, KATSEYE will continue its scheduled activities with the remaining members: Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung.
The group is scheduled to perform on the TODAY Plaza on August 14 as part of the Citi Concert Series. They are also set to perform at venues including Montreal’s Bell Centre and Hamilton’s TD Coliseum this fall. (Today)
It remains unclear whether Sophia or Manon will rejoin the group for the fall tour dates. (Exclaim!)
FAQ: Sophia Hiatus – KATSEYE Leader Steps Back to Prioritize Mental Health
Q: Why is Sophia going on hiatus from KATSEYE?
Sophia Laforteza’s hiatus was announced after her agency, HYBE x Geffen, stated that medical professionals advised her to take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care. The decision was made to prioritize her mental health and overall wellness.
Q: When was the Sophia hiatus announced?
The announcement was made on August 7, 2026, through an official statement posted on Weverse and across KATSEYE’s social channels.
Q: Will Sophia miss KATSEYE’s upcoming performances?
Yes. Sophia’s hiatus means she will be absent from KATSEYE’s promotional activities, including the Head in the Clouds festival on August 8 and other events tied to the group’s new EP, “WILD,” which releases on August 13.
Q: Is this Sophia’s first health-related absence?
No. Sophia was also absent from the premiere of KATSEYE’s “Wild Hearts” documentary due to illness, and she missed the group’s Hinterland Music Festival performance on July 30 while resting.
Q: Will KATSEYE continue promotions without Sophia?
Yes. The remaining members — Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung — will continue scheduled promotional activities for the “WILD” EP while Sophia focuses on her recovery.
Q: Is Sophia the only KATSEYE member to take a hiatus?
No. Fellow member Manon Bannerman announced her own temporary hiatus in February 2026 to focus on her health and well-being, and as of this update, she has not yet returned to the group.
Q: When will there be an update on Sophia’s return?
According to statements from HYBE x Geffen, Sophia’s condition and status will be reassessed in September 2026, with further updates expected at that time.
Q: What did Sophia say about her decision?
Sophia shared a personal message on her Instagram Story, writing that the decision “wasn’t easy” but that she’s “learning health comes first,” adding that taking care of her mind and body now will help her continue doing what she loves long-term.
