K-pop group KATSEYE hit by another hiatus as leader Sophia Laforteza steps back

REUTERS -- Sophia Laforteza, the leader of global girl group KATSEYE, is temporarily stepping back from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and well-being, Hybe and Geffen said on Friday 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 from the South Korean and American music companies said.

“Sophia has been receiving the utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery,” the statement added.

The companies added that despite the setback, Sophia remains eager to return to performing alongside fellow members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.

They said her condition will be reassessed in September and updates will be shared with fans then. Hybe did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Laforteza also posted a story on her personal Instagram page saying that this decision breaks her heart.

“You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you,” she added. She noted that taking care of her mind and body now will enable her to keep doing what she loves.

Laforteza thanked fans and asked that they continue to support KATSEYE despite her absence.

The announcement comes days before the worldwide premiere of the group’s first documentary, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS, on Wednesday and the release of its third EP, WILD, on August 14.

Laforteza is the second KATSEYE member to take a temporary hiatus for mental health and wellness reasons. Manon Bannerman’s hiatus was announced on Weverse on February 20.

While fans have speculated about the reasons for Bannerman’s absence, Hybe, Geffen and KATSEYE’s members have not provided additional details.

KATSEYE is a Los Angeles-based multinational pop group known for combining K-pop’s training model with Western pop influences.

The group, whose members come from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland and the US, was formed in 2023 after the finalists of Hybe and Geffen’s survival-style competition The Debut: Dream Academy were selected to debut together.

KATSEYE gained widespread attention with singles including ‘Touch’, ‘Gnarly’ and ‘Gabriela’, the latter earning a Grammy nomination.

The name KATSEYE is derived from the chrysoberyl gemstone known as cat’s eye, a reference to the group’s diverse talents and evolving artistry.