• Sophia Laforteza of Katseye is taking a hiatus for mental health reasons.
• This comes after fellow member Manon Bannerman's similar hiatus earlier this year.
• Katseye will continue with four members until Laforteza's return is assessed in September.
• The announcement precedes the group's documentary premiere and new EP release.
• Fans are encouraged to support the group amid these challenges.

Sophia Laforteza, leader of the K-pop girl group Katseye, has announced a temporary step back from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and well-being. The decision, as confirmed by her managing companies Hybe and Geffen, comes just months after fellow member Manon Bannerman took a hiatus for similar reasons. A joint statement posted on Hybe's platform Weverse emphasized the importance of Laforteza's health and outlined that she will be receiving "the utmost support" and spending time on "extended rest and ongoing care" to ensure a full recovery, with a follow-up assessment scheduled for September, according to BBC, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

Laforteza expressed her heartache over the decision through an Instagram post, highlighting her love for performing and the significance of taking care of her mental health at this time. "You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you," she shared with her fans. Despite her absence, she remains eager to return to the stage alongside her band members, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung, as stated by Hybe and Geffen, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The announcement of Laforteza's hiatus comes just days before the premiere of Katseye's first documentary, "Katseye: Wild Hearts," and the release of their third EP, "Wild," both set for August 2026. The group's formation in 2023 brought together members from diverse backgrounds, including the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the U.S., blending K-pop influences with Western pop elements. The name "Katseye," derived from the chrysoberyl gemstone, reflects the group's dynamic talents and artistry as they navigate the music industry, as reported by BBC, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.