KATSEYE give update on Sophia’s hiatus ahead of Wildworld tour dates

[https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sophia-Laforteza-of-KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin .-CREDIT_-Astrida-Valigorsky_Getty-Images.jpg]

KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin have given an update on singer Sophia Laforteza’s hiatus ahead of their upcoming tour.

* READ MORE: KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin – ‘Wild’ EP review: global girl group struggle to find the sweet spot

The 2026 ‘WILDWORLD’ tour, which will take them across the UK, Europe and North America, kicks off on September 1. It includes shows at London’s The O2 and Manchester’s Co-op Live – see all of the dates here and find any remaining tickets here.

It comes less than a month after Laforteza, who is the leader of the group, announced she would be taking a break to focus on her mental health.

Now, the group has provided insight into Laforteza’s status ahead of the shows. In a statement shared yesterday (August 30), they wrote: “We would like to share an update regarding Sophia’s upcoming schedule.”

They continued, via their Instagram story: “Sophia is focusing on her well-being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed.”

The message, which was also posted on Weverse and signed by HYBE and Geffen Records, went on to note that Laforteza “will not be participating in the Wildworld Tour in Europe and the UK.”

“We sincerely ask for EYEKONS’ warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists,” the note continued. “We will share further updates as they become available. Please continue to send your love, warmth, and support to Sophia and KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin .”

> KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin ’s Sophia will not be participating in the UK & European leg of their upcoming tour:
>
> “Sophia is focusing on her well-being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed.” pic.twitter.com/YRmKjO0p2Z
>
> — Pop Base (@PopBase) August 30, 2026

Her hiatus comes just six months after band member Manon Bannerman also announced a temporary hiatus after saying that she would be stepping back “to focus on her health and wellbeing”. She is yet to return to the band.

In a statement on her Instagram Story, Laforteza said: “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.”

In a post on Weverse, HYBE x Geffen Records said Laforteza “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,” they added.

“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.”

Meanwhile, KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin recently defended Manon Bannerman’s ongoing hiatus from the group, saying speculation that it was about race “goes against everything that we stand for”.

They also dropped out of Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival due to Megan being injured.

Earlier this month, KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin released their new EP ‘Wild’, which NME gave three stars in a review that read: “By the end of it all, though, where KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin go next is no clearer. You’d hope by the time their eventual debut album comes around, they’ll have found the sweet spot between chart-friendly and boundary-pushing without compromising on quality or edge. Only time will tell, though, if they can get there.”

‘WILD’, followed last year’s ‘Beautiful Chaos’, which included ‘Gnarly’, named by NME as the fifth best song of 2025.

Speaking to NME about ‘Beautiful Chaos’ last year, the group said they were embracing a bolder era after the release of ‘Gnarly’. “If you don’t get it, then it’s not for you,” they said at the time.

The post KATSEYE KATSEYE K-POP GROUP KATSEYE is a global girl group formed through HYBE x Geffen's "The Debut: Dream Academy" project. The group debuted in 2024 and is known for a modern pop sound, sharp performance style, and multilingual global-member lin give update on Sophia’s hiatus ahead of Wildworld tour dates appeared first on NME.