Sophia Laforteza, the leader and prominent member of the global girl group KATSEYE, has officially announced a temporary hiatus from upcoming group activities to prioritize her personal health and well-being.
The announcement was formally delivered via a joint statement from HYBE and Geffen Records on the global fan platform Weverse on August 7, followed by a heartfelt personal message from Sophia herself posted on her official Instagram account.
The sudden news comes as a significant shift for the multinational group as they gear up for major promotional schedules, including the release of their upcoming EP, project premieres, and high-profile international festival performances.
The announcement marks the second time a KATSEYE member has taken a temporary leave to prioritize mental health and wellness, following fellow bandmate Manon Bannerman’s hiatus earlier this year.
HYBE x Geffen Records clarified that while Sophia maintains a strong personal desire to remain on stage alongside her group members, expert medical evaluations advised dedicated time away from public schedules to facilitate a complete recovery.
The joint labels confirmed that her physical and mental health status will be thoroughly reassessed in September, at which point further updates regarding her future schedules will be shared with the global fanbase.
Official Statement from HYBE x Geffen Records Regarding Health and Safety
To communicate the situation clearly to fans worldwide, HYBE x Geffen Records released a joint statement outlining the medical advice that led to the hiatus decision and emphasizing their commitment to protecting their artists.
Apologizing for bringing unexpected news to supporters during a busy promotional cycle, the agencies officially stated,
“We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities.”
Elaborating on the consultations with health experts that shaped the decision, the companies reassured supporters that Sophia is receiving comprehensive medical care, adding,
“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.”
The labels reiterated that their operational priority lies firmly with the personal health of the performers, emphasizing,
“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.”
Sophia’s Personal Message to Fans and Upcoming Group Schedule
Following the agency’s official release, Sophia reached out directly to her fans on social media to express her personal feelings surrounding the difficult choice to step back temporarily.
Reflecting on her deep passion for performing and the necessity of prioritizing long-term health over immediate schedules, Sophia wrote to her followers,
“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.”
She candidly shared the realization that forced her to adjust her perspective on work-life balance, writing,
“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.”
Closing her emotional message with a promise to return to the stage once fully recovered, Sophia declared,
“I promise I’m going to work as hard as I can to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger.”
In her absence, KATSEYE’s remaining active members- Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung- will proceed with scheduled group commitments, including the rollout of their third EP, “WILD,” and upcoming global promotional stops.
