Katseye’s leader and vocalist, Sophia Laforteza, is taking a temporary break from group activities to focus on her mental health and well-being. Her exit comes less than six months after fellow member Manon Bannerman also went on hiatus from the group. This news comes just days before a major week for the group, including the premiere of their first documentary, Katseye: Wild Hearts, on Wednesday. It also leads right into the release of their third EP, Wild, on August 14. The agency has not announced a return date. Instead, it says Sophia’s condition will be reassessed in September. On August 7, HYBE x Geffen confirmed the KATSEYE Sophia hiatus in a notice shared on Weverse.
HYBE x Geffen Official Statement
Hello
We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities. We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized.
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. 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.
We will continue to closely monitor her progress and support her journey. We plan to reassess her condition in September and will share a further update with fans at that time.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE.
Thank you.
HxG
In a separate statement, Sophia wrote on her Instagram story:
EYEKONS,
It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot. You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. I’m realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long.
Thank you for being so patient, understanding, and always showing me so much love. It means more to me than I could ever say. I promise I’m going to work as hard as I can to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger.
’Til then, please continue to be kind and give KATSEYE all your love and support as we fulfill our promise to show up for you in every way we can. I’ll be here as one of the EYEKONS in the meantime with y’all. See you soon ❤️
Promotions for Wild are still moving forward, but the group will now have to adjust schedules and performances without Sophia. Research also indicates some promotional content may still include her through pre-recorded material, even during her break. Reuters reported that HYBE representatives did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Back in February, the label announced a similar health hiatus for Bannerman. Though she has not yet returned, management has stressed that the door remains open, and the 23-year-old Swiss singer reassured fans that she is healthy and taking care of herself. The group noted that the choice was reached through supportive and open discussions among all the members. Sophia has been one of KATSEYE’s most vocal members in supporting Manon’s decision to step back over the past few months. In a June interview with Allure, she spoke about Manon, saying, ‘Because we did announce that it is about her well-being, it’s not our place or anybody else’s place to rush her.’
Fans’ Reaction
Fans have flooded social media with support, urging their dedicated leader to prioritize her well-being and take all the time she needs to rest, while many have also expressed growing concern and frustration over the group’s demanding schedules.
The industry really is overworking these girls up nonstop because how is this the second hiatus already and nobody’s slowing the schedule down.
Mental health always comes first no matter what, sending so much love to Sophia right now.
I hope she takes all the rest she needs!
The real issue is that K-Pop record labels and management agencies run a strict program and soon you’d see that they have basically little or no life outside of their careers
Wishing Sophia all the peace and healing she needs. Take as much time as you need, we’ll be right here when you’re ready. The girls got this in the meantime.