Sophia Laforteza Is Taking A Temporary Hiatus From KATSEYE—Here's When We'll Know More

Sophia Laforteza is taking a step back from KATSEYE's upcoming promotional activities as she prioritizes her health and well-being.

The Filipina leader of the global girl group shared the news with fans on Instagram on August 7, saying that she will be missing out on upcoming activities while she takes time to properly recover. KATSEYE's management, HYBE x Geffen, also released a statement confirming that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in promotional activities.

"It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot," Sophia wrote in her message to EYEKONS. She shared that performing and being on stage means a lot to her, but she's learning that "health has to come first."

Sophia added that if she doesn't take care of her mind and body now, she won't be able to continue doing what she loves for as long as she'd like. She thanked fans for their patience and support, promising to work toward healing properly and coming back stronger.

In its statement posted on the group's Weverse and social media, KATSEYE's management said Sophia has been receiving support and has undergone consultations with medical professionals. She has been advised to take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery.

"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 read.

The group also said it will closely monitor Sophia's progress, with plans to reassess her condition in September. A further update will be shared with fans at that time.

For now, that means EYEKONS shouldn't expect to see Sophia at KATSEYE's upcoming promotional activities. Her absence comes at a particularly busy time for the group, which is preparing for the release of its third EP, WILD, on August 14, 2026. KATSEYE is also set to embark on their first world tour, The Wildworld Tour, in September.

Sophia, for her part, encouraged fans to continue supporting KATSEYE while she's away. "I'll be here as one of the EYEKONS in the meantime with y'all," she wrote, ending her message with a promise to see fans again soon.

This is the second time in 2026 that a KATSEYE member has stepped away from group activities for health-related reasons. Manon Bannerman previously announced a temporary hiatus in February to focus on her health and well-being.

For now, Sophia's return date remains uncertain. The group has said that her condition will be reassessed in September, so fans will have to wait for the next update before knowing when she'll be back on stage with KATSEYE.

Fighting, Sophia! 💜