KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza is taking a temporary hiatus from upcoming promotional activities to focus on her mental health and recovery, with the announcement coming one week before the groupâs new EP, Wild, is scheduled for release on August 14.
HxG confirmed the decision on Friday, August 7, saying Sophia will temporarily be unable to participate in promotional activities. The label said her mental health and overall wellness are being prioritized after consultations with medical professionals, who advised extended rest and ongoing care.
The official KATSEYE notice on Weverse also gives fans an important timeline: Sophiaâs condition is expected to be reassessed in September, when a further update will be shared. No exact return date has been announced.
Sophia Laforteza says the hiatus is temporary
Sophia addressed the situation in an Instagram Story, acknowledging how difficult it is to miss performing and sharing major moments with fans. She explained that taking care of her mind and body now is necessary if she wants to keep doing what she loves over the long term.
She also thanked EYEKONS for their support and made clear that she plans to return. Her message matters because the announcement is about a temporary health-related break, not a permanent departure from KATSEYE.
The timing makes the decision especially noticeable. Wild is one of the groupâs biggest releases of 2026, and KATSEYE has already used the project to expand its international presence. Earlier this year, the group confirmed its first Australia visit with a Sydney fan event linked to the Wild era, giving the rollout a wider global profile.
Sophiaâs absence could require adjustments to choreography, vocal distribution and staging during promotional appearances. However, no detailed replacement plan has been announced, so it would be premature to assume how specific performances will be reorganized.
Manon Bannerman is also on a health-related hiatus
Sophia is the second member of KATSEYEâs original six-member lineup to step away temporarily for health reasons in 2026. Manon Bannerman previously announced that she would take a hiatus to focus on her health and well-being.
That leaves Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae as the four members currently available for group activities while Sophia and Manon are away. HxG has continued to frame both situations around health and recovery rather than permanent lineup changes.
KATSEYE was formed through The Debut: Dream Academy, with Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae chosen for the final lineup. Since then, the group has built a growing international audience through releases, festival appearances and live promotions.
The groupâs 2026 visibility has included major events such as Coachella, where KATSEYE appeared during a high-profile festival weekend. That momentum helps explain why Sophiaâs temporary absence is drawing so much attention during the Wild rollout. Fans following the wider pop landscape can also find current entertainment and music updates as schedules and appearances continue to change.
There has been no announcement that the August 14 release of Wild has been delayed. The confirmed change is Sophiaâs participation in upcoming promotional activities, not the EPâs release date.
What the September reassessment means for Sophiaâs return
The September reassessment is the clearest confirmed marker for what happens from here. It does not guarantee that Sophia will return immediately that month; it means her condition will be reviewed and fans should expect another official update after that assessment.
That distinction is important for searchers trying to understand whether Sophia has left KATSEYE or when she will be back. At this stage, she remains part of the group, her hiatus has been described as temporary, and no comeback date has been fixed.
For KATSEYE, the immediate challenge is continuing a major EP campaign with two members away from full activities. For Sophia, the priority is recovery without a public deadline. Until HxG issues another update, the most accurate position is that she is resting, receiving ongoing care and intends to return when her health allows.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
