KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus to focus on “mental health”

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 [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026_sophialaforteza_getty_2000x1270.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 singer Sophia Laforteza has announced she is taking a break from the girl group to focus on her mental health.

* 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 : “If you don’t get it, then it’s not for you – and that’s OK”

Her hiatus comes just six months after band member Manon Bannerman also announced a temporary hiatus after it was announced 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.”

screenshot [https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/6bbc835d-3d5a-4477-91e2-e12b2358c7dc.png?crop=1xw:0.902xh;0xw,0.063xh&resize=980:*]

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”.

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 are set to release their next EP, ‘WILD’, on August 14 (pre-order here), following 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.

They have since announced their 2026 ‘WILDWORLD’ tour, which will take them across the UK, Europe and North America. The run will include shows at London’s The O2 and Manchester’s Co-op Live – see all of the dates here and find any remaining tickets here.

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 ’s Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus to focus on “mental health” appeared first on NME.