NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 05: Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE performs onstage at the 2026 Governors Ball Music Festival held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on June 05, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)
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After weeks of no updates. KATSEYE’s label HYBE x Geffen has confirmed that leader Sophia Laforteza will in fact be returning to the group.
According to social media updates on all platforms, 23-year-old Laforteza will resume group activities with KATSEYE beginning the first week of January 2027.
“We are happy to share that Sophia will resume group activities with KATSEYE beginning the first week of January 2027,” the statement read. “Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources. 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. Thank you for standing by her, and we look forward to celebrating her return with you in the new year.”
Laforteza posted separately to her Instagram Stories as well, saying that it “pains me deeply that I won’t be able to participate in the remainder of the tour this year.”
She continued by saying she is going to use this time to train, and that she’s learned “sometimes having the courage to take a step back is what allows you to move forward.”
Sophia Laforteza’s KATSEYE Hiatus: The Timeline So Far
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Sofia of KATSEYE attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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Laforteza had announced her hiatus from KATSEYE on August 7, just a day before their Head In The Clouds set and one week before their WILD EP release.
The reasons given were health and wellness related, both physical and mental. At the time, the official line was only a reassessment of her situation in September, presumably the precursor to this update.
Meanwhile, KATSEYE, now down to four members out of the original six, have only ramped up their group activities.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 1905 — Pictured: Musical guest Katseye during the “Dream Academy” sketch on Saturday, September 26, 2026 — (Photo by: Cayden Reich/NBC via Getty Images)
Cayden Reich/NBC via Getty Images
Since August, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini and Yoonchae Jeung have released a documentary, performed with Susan Egan at the Disney Legends Awards, made their second appearance on Jimmy Fallon, made their Saturday Night Live debut, attended Paris Fashion Week and completed the Europe leg of their WILDWORLD tour.
During this time, Laforteza’s first solo song also came out on the soundtrack for critically acclaimed Dreamworks film Forgotten Island.
EYEKONs wanting to see Laforteza on tour will have to wait till next year as she skips North America entirely.
As of now, the major event awaiting her upon return would be KATSEYE’s headlining slot at Lollapalooza India at the end of January, but no doubt those in between dates will be fully booked up soon.
KATSEYE’s Manon Question
(From L) Member of US girl group Katseye Megan Skiendiel, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza and Daniela Avanzini arrives for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Etienne LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
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By January, Laforteza will have been on hiatus for five months, and her fellow groupmate Manon Bannerman for a full eleven.
Bannerman went on hiatus in February, also citing health reasons. Unlike with Laforteza, however, there was no commitment to a reassessment of the situation, and still no official statement either about a return or an exit from the group as a w whole.
Laforteza’s announcement was focused on her and contained no mention of Bannerman.
Sophia’s Full Statement About Her Return
“EYEKONS,
Before anything else, I want to thank you for giving me your patience, grace, and understanding. Your kindness during this time has given me more strength than you know. It hasn’t been easy, but I have been putting in the work by receiving the care I need, learning the tools to better support myself, and doing everything I can to nurture my well-being.
I’ve learned so much about myself and what is truly best for my mind and body. Learning to care for myself, and continuing to do that work every day, is something I want to carry with me as I grow both as a person and as an artist. I’ve realised how much easier it can be to give to the people around you than it is to give to yourself. I’m learning that I can receive from myself, too.
It pains me deeply that I won’t be able to participate in the remainder of the tour this year. I’m going to use this time to continue training and get myself to where I need to be again. As much as I wish I could simply push through, I’ve come to understand that sometimes having the courage to take a step back is what allows you to move forward.
My hope is to return feeling happier, healthier, stronger, more grounded, and ready to give you everything I’ve been wanting to give you. I’m holding onto that so tightly. I can’t wait to share the stage with my sisters again and look out to all of you! Please continue to support and cheer on my girls!!! Trust that we’ve been keeping in touch, and know that you are always on my mind.
How I miss you, EYEKONS. Thank you for giving me the grace to take care of myself. And please, take care of yourselves, too. I love you!! See you soon!!!”
KATSEYE’s WILDWORLD tour begins its North American leg on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
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