KATSEYE leader Sophia Laforteza is stepping back from group activities to focus on her mental health, the group’s joint label HYBE x Geffen confirmed on August 7. She is the second member of the global girl group to take a health-related hiatus, following Manon Bannerman’s temporary absence since February.
The Announcement
HYBE x Geffen shared the news via Weverse, stating that Sophia is “temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities” and that she has been advised to take “dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care” following thorough consultations with medical professionals. The label emphasized that her mental health and wellness are the priority. HYBE stated they plan to reassess her condition in September and will share a further update at that time .
Sophia’s Personal Statement
Sophia addressed EYEKONS directly on Instagram Stories, sharing, “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 continued: “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”.
Recent Absences
Her hiatus follows recent health-related absences. On July 30, she sat out KATSEYE’s performance at the Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa “due to illness”. She was also notably absent from the premiere of the group’s documentary KATSEYE: Wild Hearts on August 12.
Upcoming Activities
KATSEYE is now operating as a four-member group for the time being. They are scheduled to release their new EP, Wild, on August 14. The group’s upcoming world tour, The WildWorld Tour, is set to kick off in Dublin, Ireland, on September 1. It remains unclear whether Sophia or Manon will be present for the tour.
Source: Instagram
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