KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza has announced she will be taking a break from group activities to prioritize her “mental health and wellness.”
In a statement posted by HYBE on Weverse, the label wrote that “Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities,” which includes their upcoming WILDWORLD Tour.
“We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized,” reads the statement. “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.”
“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,” it continues. “We will continue to closely monitor her progress and support her journey. We plan to reassess her condition in September and will share a further update with fans at that time. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE.”
On Instagram, Laforteza shared her disappointment with the fans, writing that 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. 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 news comes two days after the premiere of the group’s new documentary KATSEYE: Wild Hearts in Los Angeles on Wednesday (August 5), in which Laforteza was reportedly absent due to “not feeling well.”
The film is set to open in cinemas on August 12, one day before the release of their new EP, Wild.
Laforteza’s hiatus comes just six months after former KATSEYE member Manon Bannerman announced she was taking a temporary hiatus from the group to “focus on her health and wellbeing.”
Some iteration of KATSEYE are set to perform two Canadian dates later this fall: Montreal’s Bell Centre on October 30, and Hamilton’s TD Coliseum on November 1.