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Sophia Laforteza, the leader of the global girl group KATSEYE, is taking a temporary hiatus from promotional activities to prioritize her mental health and wellness, according to a joint statement from Hybe and Geffen Records released on August 8, 2026. The 23-year-old singer has been advised by medical professionals to take extended rest to ensure a full recovery, with a health update scheduled for September.

The announcement was shared on Hybe’s fan-to-artist platform, Weverse, and addressed to the group’s fans, known as Eyekons. According to the statement from the South Korean and American music companies, Laforteza will be unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities, though the companies noted she remains eager to perform with her bandmates.

Laforteza shared her own perspective on the decision via her personal Instagram page. She wrote that the decision breaks her heart and noted that taking care of her mind and body now would allow her to continue performing in the future.

The hiatus occurs during a period of high activity for the group. According to CTV News, the announcement comes days before the August 13 premiere of the group’s first documentary, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS, and the August 14 release of their third EP, WILD.

Additionally, RTÉ reports that KATSEYE is scheduled to begin a world tour in September, starting in Dublin before traveling to New York, London, and Mexico City.

Second KATSEYE member to take mental health hiatus

Laforteza is the second member of the six-person group to step back for health reasons. RTÉ and CTV News both report that fellow member Manon Bannerman announced a temporary hiatus on February 20, 2026, to prioritize her health and wellbeing.

While fans have speculated about the reasons for Bannerman’s absence, CTV News reports that Hybe, Geffen, and the group members have not provided further details regarding her specific condition.

Group background and career trajectory

KATSEYE is a Los Angeles-based multinational pop group that utilizes a K-pop training model combined with Western pop influences. The members—Sophia, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Yoonchae Jeung, and Manon Bannerman—come from the U.S., South Korea, Switzerland, and the Philippines.

The group formed in 2023 through The Debut: Dream Academy, an X Factor-style survival competition organized by Hybe and Geffen Records (often referred to as HxG). The program followed 20 aspiring artists over 12 weeks of competition to determine the final lineup.

Since their debut, the group has released the EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) and a follow-up 2025 EP titled Beautiful Chaos. They gained significant visibility through a 2025 Gap advertisement for Better In Denim, which RTÉ notes became a viral success due to the group’s choreography.

The group’s musical recognition includes a nomination at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Pop Group performance for their song Gabriela. Other known singles include Touch and Gnarly.

Next steps for Sophia Laforteza and KATSEYE

Hybe and Geffen Records stated they will continue to monitor Laforteza’s progress and support her recovery. The companies plan to reassess her condition in September, at which time they will provide a further update to fans.

The group’s name, according to CTV News, is derived from the chrysoberyl gemstone known as the cat’s eye, intended as a reference to the members’ diverse talents and evolving artistry.