Katseye singer Sophia Laforteza will take a temporary hiatus from the girl group to address mental health concerns, according to an announcement from HYBE x Geffen Records on Friday. The label stated that Laforteza will not participate in upcoming promotional activities while she undergoes care and rest.
Laforteza is the second member of the six-person ensemble to step away this year. In February, bandmate Manon Bannerman began a temporary break for health and wellbeing reasons. Bannerman has not yet rejoined the group, though the label stated that the door remains open for her return.
HYBE x Geffen Records said Laforteza is consulting with medical professionals who advised her to prioritize recovery. In an Instagram post, Laforteza stated that the decision was difficult but necessary to ensure she could continue her career in the future. The label confirmed that Katseye will continue its scheduled events with the remaining four members.
The hiatus highlights the specific pressures facing members of the global girl group, who previously reported receiving thousands of online death threats since their 2023 debut. The decision to remove a high-profile performer from the schedule for medical care illustrates how major labels are managing artist health in the K-pop and global pop markets. While the financial cost of missed appearances or potential tour adjustments was not disclosed, the absence of two members within six months marks a significant change in the group's trajectory and public presentation.
For the audience, the immediate impact will be the absence of Laforteza from live stages and promotional content through at least the end of August. Management stated that her condition will be reassessed in September to determine her ability to return. Until that time, the group will continue as a quartet, maintaining the current schedule as planned by the label.
The group's management has not provided a specific date for either Laforteza’s or Bannerman's return. The next formal update regarding Laforteza’s status is expected in September 2026.