KATSEYE leader Sophia Laforteza is taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her mental health, HYBE and Geffen Records confirmed on Friday, August 7
The announcement came only hours before KATSEYE was scheduled to headline the 88rising Head in the Clouds Festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. While the timing came as the group prepared for one of its biggest stretches of the year, the decision underscored the importance of allowing Sophia time to recover.
In a separate statement shared on her personal social media accounts, Sophia opened up about how difficult it was for her to step away from the group.
“It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot,” she wrote.
Her candid message reflected the openness she has consistently shown toward her fans, particularly when discussing the challenges that come with life in the public eye.
Sophia’s hiatus comes just as KATSEYE enters a major period in its career. The group is set to release its third EP, Wild, on August 14 through HYBE x Geffen Records. The same day, the members are scheduled to appear live on the TODAY show’s Citi Concert Series.
KATSEYE is also preparing for the Wildworld Tour, a 28-date arena tour across Europe and North America. The tour begins September 1 in Dublin and is scheduled to conclude November 27 in Mexico City. Stops include London’s O2 Arena and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
For Sophia, who has been with KATSEYE since its formation, stepping away during such a significant period is particularly difficult.
Born in New York City on December 31, 2002, Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza made history as the first Filipino artist to sign with a HYBE label. She became part of KATSEYE after the group was formed through the reality competition Dream Academy and was selected as its leader during the program’s live finale.
Since KATSEYE’s debut in 2024, Sophia has carried the responsibilities of leading the group while navigating the intense demands of the global music industry.
In May 2026, Sophia also spoke publicly about being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, around the time of KATSEYE’s debut. During a Weverse livestream, she told fans, “I have ADHD, like, diagnosed with ADHD.”
She also discussed how difficult the condition can be, describing experiences involving internal restlessness, difficulty concentrating, periods of hyperfocus, and procrastination.
Sophia has previously said that she works with mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist. She has also spoken about the emotional strain caused by online hostility and said she had received thousands of death threats.
Her absence had already been noticeable earlier this month. Sophia did not attend the August 5 premiere of the KATSEYE documentary Wild Hearts. When Variety asked about her absence, fellow member Lara Raj said, “She’s not feeling well, but she says hi.”
Sophia’s hiatus also follows another temporary absence within the group.
In February, Manon Bannerman announced that she would take a break for health reasons. She has since been absent from a number of public appearances and red-carpet events. KATSEYE later pushed back against speculation surrounding Manon’s situation, saying that some claims “go against everything that we stand for.”
With both Sophia and Manon temporarily away, KATSEYE will continue its activities with Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung.
The group remains on a strong upward trajectory despite the challenges. At the 52nd American Music Awards in May 2026, KATSEYE won all three awards for which it was nominated, including New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for “Gnarly.”
The group’s previous EP, Beautiful Chaos, also reached the top five of the Billboard 200, while KATSEYE received Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
HYBE and Geffen Records said Sophia’s condition will be reassessed in September, with an update to be provided to fans afterward.
For now, KATSEYE’s fans, known as EYEKONs, are being asked to give Sophia the time and space she needs.
At 23, Sophia has already established a place in music history as a Filipino artist representing KATSEYE on the global stage. She has also been open about navigating ADHD and the pressures that come with an increasingly demanding career.
Taking time to step back does not erase what she has accomplished. In this moment, prioritizing her well-being may be one of the most important decisions she can make.