The group’s management and label announced Laforteza’s return in a statement on Thursday, Oct. 8

Sophia Laforteza attends VIP Celebration of Pandora Talisman Pop-Up Opening at The Grove in Los Angeles at The Grove on October 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: Presley Ann/Getty
Sophia Laforteza attends VIP Celebration of Pandora Talisman Pop-Up Opening at The Grove in Los Angeles at The Grove on October 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Credit: Presley Ann/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Sophia Laforteza will return to KATSEYE in January 2027, her management and label said Thursday, Oct. 8
  • She will miss KATSEYE’s North American tour and promotional activities for the rest of 2026
  • The singer stepped back in August to prioritize her mental health and wellness

KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza will return to the group next year after a five-month mental health break.

“We are happy to share that Sophia will resume group activities with KATSEYE beginning the first week of January 2027,” the group’s management and label, Hybe and Geffen, announced on Thursday, Oct. 8.

“Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources,” the statement added. “While Sophia will not be participating in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in North America, or promotional activities for the remainder of this year, we look forward to welcoming her back as KATSEYE continues this next chapter together in 2027.”

“We are incredibly grateful to EYEKONS for the continued love, support, and understanding you’ve shown Sophia and KATSEYE,” the announcement concluded. “Thank you for standing by her, and we look forward to celebrating her return with you in the new year.”

In August, Laforteza, 23, announced she would temporarily step back from performing with the group, citing a need to prioritize her “mental health and wellness.”

Yoonchae Jeung, Megan Skiendiel, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza, and Daniela Avanzini of Katseye attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: John Shearer/Getty
Yoonchae Jeung, Megan Skiendiel, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza, and Daniela Avanzini of Katseye attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Credit: John Shearer/Getty

Shortly after Laforteza announced her break, KATSEYE dropped out of Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival on Aug. 29 after group member Megan Skiendiel sprained her ankle, Billboard reported.

Laforteza is not the first to take a break from the group while citing health reasons—Manon Bannerman announced her own break in February, citing similar concerns, and has not yet confirmed when she plans to return to the group.

In a June cover story for Allure, Laforteza said the door was “always open” for Bannerman to return on her own timeline.

“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.”

KATSEYE — which also includes Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, and Yoonchae — released its debut EP in 2024 after forming on the reality competition series Dream Academy, and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.

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