Archive · 8 Aug 2026
KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza steps back to focus on mental health
Sophia is a singer and the leader of a girl group called KATSEYE.
She is taking a break from performing with her group so she can take care of her mental health.
Her doctors told her she needs a long rest and continued care to get better.
Her music company said the health and well-being of its artists will always come first.
Sophia said the decision was painful, but she is learning that health has to come first.
She promised fans she will rest, heal properly, and come back stronger.
She already missed a music festival and the premiere of the group's documentary.
Another member, Manon, also took a health-related break earlier this year.
Fans have sent her messages of love and support.
The rest of the group will keep performing while Sophia focuses on recovering.
Sophia Laforteza, leader of global girl group KATSEYE, has temporarily stepped back from group activities to focus on her mental health and well-being.
Management HYBE x Geffen Records said medical professionals advised extended rest and ongoing care, with her condition to be reassessed in September.
Sophia described the decision as painful but necessary, promising fans she will work hard to heal properly and come back stronger.
She missed the Hinterland Music Festival (30 July) and the premiere of KATSEYE: Wild Hearts (4 August); upcoming commitments include the 88rising Head in the Clouds Festival in Los Angeles (8 August) and The Tonight Show debut (12 August).
She is the second member to step away this year after Manon Bannerman's health-related hiatus announced on 21 February, leaving the group to continue with four members.
- Who
- Sophia Laforteza, leader and vocalist of global girl group KATSEYE, managed by HYBE x Geffen Records.
- What
- Announced a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her mental health and well-being after medical professionals advised extended rest and ongoing care; her return will be decided after a reassessment in September.
- When
- Management confirmed the hiatus in early August, around six months after Manon Bannerman's hiatus was announced on 21 February; reports differ on the exact date of Sophia's notice (Thursday per one report, Saturday per another).
- Where
- Announcement shared through KATSEYE's official Weverse channel and Sophia's Instagram; no location was specified. The group's upcoming festival appearance is set for Los Angeles.
- Why
- To prioritise her mental health and wellness so she can recover and keep performing in the long term.
Hiatuses signal industry pressure
Hiatuses reflect individual health needs
Scope of the issue
Hiatuses signal industry pressure
Two of KATSEYE's six original members have stepped away for health and well-being reasons within about a year, and the group has previously said members received multiple online death threats since debut — attention likely to renew scrutiny of the demands placed on a young global pop act.
Hiatuses reflect individual health needs
The label said Laforteza's temporary departure does not establish a wider problem within the group and that each decision prioritises an individual artist's health, safety and long-term well-being, with her return dependent on her recovery.
The group's future
Hiatuses signal industry pressure
Fans voiced concern and speculation about KATSEYE's future, with some social media posts suggesting the group could be left with only two members.
Hiatuses reflect individual health needs
HYBE x Geffen said the group will continue scheduled activities with four members, and the door remains open for both Manon and Sophia to return.
- Artist
- Sophia Laforteza
- Group
- KATSEYE
- Management
- HYBE x Geffen Records
- Reason for hiatus
- Mental health and wellness; medical professionals advised extended rest and ongoing care
- Condition reassessment
- September
- Missed events
- Hinterland Music Festival (30 July); KATSEYE: Wild Hearts premiere (4 August)
- Previous member hiatus
- Manon Bannerman (announced 21 February); has not yet returned
- Grammy record (reports differ)
- One report says two Grammy nominations last year; another says the group won a Grammy for 'Gabriella'
Sources
Katseye’s K-pop experiment faces scrutiny as Sophia Laforteza steps away over mental health
KATSEYE's Sophia announces hiatus to focus on mental health ahead of group's album release
‘People don’t even recognise me’: Katseye member Sophia’s old video resurfaces after hiatus announcement
