Sophia Laforteza to take hiatus from Katseye for mental health break

The music act’s labels Hybe and Geffen Records released a statement on Weverse announcing Sophia’s hiatus, noting the artist’s wellness is of utmost priority.

Both agencies assured fans the singer is being supported and was advised by medical professionals to take time off for extended rest and ongoing care in order to fully recover.

“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,” they added.

Hybe and Geffen said they would continue supporting their artist and closely monitor her progress, with plans to reassess Sophia’s condition in a month’s time.

“We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with Katseye,” the labels ended.

Sophia shared a copy of the agencies’ statement while also sharing her own message to fans, or Eyekons, on Instagram.

“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,” the singer began, noting the difficult choice to prioritize her health or else her mind and body might not keep up.

She thanked fans for their patience, understanding, and love, vowing to work hard to get through her current state of mind, heal properly, and return stronger.

The artist asked that everyone continue showing support for Katseye, ending her personal statement, declaring herself among Eyekons for the time being until she returns to the group.

None of the parties mentioned what health issues caused the hiatus, though Sophia has opened up before about her experiences living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD after being diagnosed a couple of years ago.

Sophia shared back in May that living with ADHD causes her “a lot of internal restlessness” and “difficulty sleeping and focusing.”

“ADHD is really a struggle, it’s a real thing and I get it. It took a lot for me to even accept that it was something that I had,” she said then. “I had to accept it was something chemical, not about the person I am or being lazy and demotivated.”

Katseye is now temporarily down by two members after Manon Bannerman also went on hiatus earlier this year for well-being reasons and has not participated in group activities since February.

The girl group is releasing its new extended play “Wild” next week and Sophia has already shot some promotions for it. However, following this development, the Filipina won’t join more promos or performances for the time being.

Remaining members Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Jeung Yoon-chae and Megan Skiendiel will kick off the group’s second world tour promoting “Wild” next month, where Sophia — and maybe Manon — hopes to join them as it progresses. — Kristofer Purnell