KATSEYE lead vocalist Sophia Laforteza is taking a temporary step back from group activities to focus on her mental health and overall well-being. The announcement, made jointly by management labels HYBE and Geffen Records on fan platform Weverse, confirms that Laforteza will sit out upcoming promotional obligations following medical advice for extended rest.
Laforteza’s hiatus comes just days ahead of the worldwide debut of KATSEYE’s documentary Katseye: Wild Hearts and the launch of their third EP, Wild, dropping on August 14 as well as their headline show at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
In an official statement, HYBE x Geffen shared that after thorough consultations with healthcare professionals, Laforteza was advised to dedicate time to recovery and ongoing care. Although Laforteza remains passionate about performing, management emphasized that artist health and long-term well-being remain the top priority.
The label said Laforteza had been receiving “the utmost support” and consulting medical professionals, and had been advised to dedicate time to “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 wellbeing of our artists will always remain our highest priority,” the statement said, noting that her condition will be reassessed in September.
Laforteza wrote separately on Instagram: “Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. I’m realising 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.”
She added: “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.”
Laforteza’s temporary departure marks the second health-related hiatus for KATSEYE this year. Fellow member Manon Bannerman previously stepped back from activities in February to focus on her health.
With both Laforteza and Bannerman currently absent, remaining members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung will carry forward as a four-member unit for upcoming performances and promotional events. Management noted that Laforteza’s condition will be re-evaluated in September, at which point further updates will be shared with the fan community.
