KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza Steps Back, Second Hiatus Hits the Group

The year continues to test KATSEYE’s cohesion. Sophia Laforteza, the group’s leader, has announced a temporary hiatus to focus on her health, becoming the second member to step away from the HYBE x Geffen project in 2026. Manon suspended activities in February, and no update has confirmed her return.

Laforteza posted a statement on Instagram, writing that she is “learning that health has to come first.” She noted the difficulty of missing performances but said she must care for her “mind and body now” to sustain a long career. The message was direct and addressed the group’s fans, asking for patience and continued support for KATSEYE.

HYBE x Geffen followed with a notice on Weverse, confirming Laforteza will be absent from upcoming promotional activities. The label stated her “mental health and wellness are prioritized,” and that she had been advised by medical professionals to take extended rest. A reassessment is planned for September.

The group is preparing the WILD EP, a release now shadowed by instability. With two members sidelined, momentum becomes difficult to maintain, even with institutional backing. Laforteza’s leave is framed as a responsible step, but it underscores the fragility of young groups navigating relentless schedules. The label’s statement speaks of a “full recovery,” yet the silence around Manon hints that KATSEYE’s near future will depend on which members actually return.