Sophia Laforteza Will Return to KATSEYE in 2027

Good news for EYEKONs.

Music labels HYBE and GEFFEN Records announced on Oct. 8 that Sophia × Artist bio Sophia Real name: Sophia Elizabeth Guevara LafortezaPosition: LeaderNationality: Filipina-AmericanBirthday: 2002-12-31Birthplace: Queens, New York, United States Leader of KATSEYE; poised global-pop “center” energy. Public profile facts: MBTI ENFP. Sophia speaks English and Tagalog and has shared that singing has been her first love since childhood. Tap again to view profile → Close Laforteza, leader of global girl group KATSEYE × About group KATSEYE 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 lineup. Tap again to view profile → Close , will return as a member in 2027.

The companies posted a joint statement to social media, saying:

“We are happy to share that Sophia will resume group activities with KATSEYE beginning the first week of January 2027. Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources. While Sophia will not be participating in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in North America, or promotional activities for the remainder of this year, we look forward to welcoming her back as KATSEYE continues this next chapter together in 2027. We are incredibly grateful to EYEKONS for the continued love, support, and understanding you've shown Sophia and KATSEYE. Thank you for standing by her, and we look forward to celebrating her return with you in the new year.”

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Laforteza first went on hiatus 2 months ago to prioritize her mental health and well-being. Since then, KATSEYE has operated as a quartet, with the noticeable absence of member Manon × Artist bio Manon Real name: Meret Manon Sarpong BannermanPosition: VisualNationality: SwissBirthday: 2002-06-26Birthplace: Zürich, Switzerland KATSEYE member with a modern visual + confident stage presence. Public profile facts: MBTI ENFJ. Manon speaks English and Swiss German and has written songs since she was a teenager. Tap again to view profile → Close Bannerman who went on an indefinite hiatus before Laforteza but has yet to receive a status update.

The group will embark on their 2026 The WildWorld Tour starting this October, and it will run through late November. Though Laforteza will not be participating, the 23-year-old thanked fans for their patience and willingness to wait for her in an Instagram story.

“EYEKONS… Your kindness during this time has given me more strength than you know,” she wrote. “Thank you for giving me the grace to take care of myself. And please, take care of yourselves, too. I love you!! See you soon!!!”

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For more information regarding the group’s upcoming tour, visit the official KATSEYE website.