A second KATSEYE member is stepping away from the group. HYBE revealed through a social media statement on Friday, Aug. 7, that Sophia Laforteza is “temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities.”
The announcement explained that Sophia, 23, needs to focus on her “mental health and wellness.” It added, “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,” the statement continued. “We will continue to closely monitor her progress and support her journey … We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE.”
HYBE provided no additional information about Sophia’s health.
Billboard contacted KATSEYE’s representatives seeking further comment.
The announcement may feel familiar to EYEKONS, who have also been awaiting Manon’s return since February. At the time, HYBE revealed that the Swiss singer would pause her activities with KATSEYE “to focus on her health and well-being.” Six months have passed without any new information about when she might rejoin the group.
After the news emerged Friday, Sophia shared a personal note with EYEKONS through her Instagram Story. “It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot,” she wrote. “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 New York native thanked supporters for being “so patient, understanding and always showing [her] so much love.” She also promised to “work as hard as [she] can to get through this, heal properly and come back stronger.”
KATSEYE has maintained a packed schedule, especially during the months following Manon’s departure. The remaining members announced in April that their EP Wild would be released Aug. 14. Its singles include “Pinky Up,” which opened at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Animal,” which recently entered at No. 24. The group has also performed at Coachella and Gov Ball, released its Wild Hearts film and prepared for a worldwide tour beginning in early September. KATSEYE’s lineup also features Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Yoonchae Jeung and Megan Skiendiel.
Sophia has repeatedly defended Manon’s need for time away from KATSEYE. “Because we did announce that it is about her well-being, it’s not our place or anybody else’s place to rush her,” **she explained to **Allure in June. “We want to give her all the time that she needs, all the space that she needs, and so we don’t want to make any assumptions, set anything in stone … She really deserves that, and the door is always open.”
See HYBE’s announcement below.
