Sophia Laforteza Takes a Break From KATSEYE

Sophia Laforteza is putting the stage on pause.

The KATSEYE singer announced Friday, Aug. 7 that she will temporarily step away from the group’s upcoming promotional activities while focusing on her “mental health and wellness.”

For fans who have watched Laforteza bring her energy to the group’s performances, the news comes at a busy time. KATSEYE is just one week away from releasing its new EP, Wild. But while there is always another performance, interview or release waiting around the corner, Laforteza is choosing to take care of herself first.

KATSEYE shared the news in a statement posted to Weverse, explaining that Laforteza has been receiving support and working with medical professionals.

“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,” KATSEYE wrote in a statement shared to Weverse. “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.”

The group added that it would be “closely monitor[ing] her progress and support[ing] her journey,” with Laforteza’s condition expected to be reassessed in September.

“We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE,” the statement concluded.

Laforteza also addressed fans through her Instagram Stories, making it clear that stepping away was not an easy choice.

“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 wrote. “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.”

The singer did not reveal any specific health issues. Instead, she thanked fans for giving her the space and understanding she needs during this period.

“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,” she wrote.

That message is especially meaningful for an artist whose career has been moving quickly. KATSEYE formed through the reality competition series Dream Academy and released its debut EP in 2024. Since then, the group has continued building an international fan base and recently earned two Grammy nominations, including a nomination for Best New Artist.

Now, Laforteza is taking a different kind of step forward: slowing down.

Laforteza’s temporary break also comes about six months after her groupmate Manon Bannerman announced her own hiatus, citing a focus on her health and well-being.

KATSEYE performed without Bannerman at Coachella in April. In June, Laforteza spoke with Allure about her groupmate’s situation and emphasized that Bannerman should be allowed to return when she feels ready.

“Because we did announce that it is about her well-being, it’s not our place or anybody else’s place to rush her,” she said. “We want to give her all the time that she needs, all the space that she needs, and so we don’t want to make any assumptions, set anything in stone… She really deserves that and the door is always open.”

Those words now apply to Laforteza, too.

Her announcement is not a goodbye to KATSEYE. It is a temporary pause, with the group saying her situation will be reassessed in September. For now, the focus is on giving her the time and care she needs.

Laforteza has previously spoken publicly about living with ADHD. During a livestream in May, she explained that the condition can make daily life “difficult,” including causing “a lot of internal restlessness,” trouble sleeping and difficulty focusing.

“I go to a psychiatrist, I have a psychologist. I talk to a therapist all the time,” she said. “But yeah, it’s a real thing.”

Her decision to step back shows that taking care of mental health can sometimes mean pressing pause, even when everything around you is moving at full speed.

For KATSEYE, the show will continue as the group prepares for Wild. The group includes Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae alongside Laforteza and Bannerman.

But for Laforteza, there is no need to rush the next performance.

For now, rest is the assignment.