{"id":586847,"date":"2026-08-08T09:10:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T09:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/586847\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T09:10:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T09:10:09","slug":"katseyes-sophia-laforteza-to-step-back-from-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/586847\/","title":{"rendered":"Katseye’s Sophia Laforteza to step back from group"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sophia Laforteza has become the second member of Katseye to temporarily step back from the girl group to prioritise her “mental health and wellness”.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old singer is part of the six-member group, who were formed in 2023 on the X Factor-style competition show The Debut: Dream Academy and are known for the songs Touch and Gnarly.<\/p>\n

Fellow Katseye member Manon Bannerman announced in February she was taking a “temporary hiatus” from the group to prioritise her “health and wellbeing”.<\/p>\n

The news comes ahead of the group kicking off their world tour in Dublin this September before heading to cities including London, New York and Mexico City.<\/p>\n

\"Sophia,
\nSophia, Megan, Daniela, Lara Raj, Yoonchae and Manon of KATSEYE<\/p>\n

The group\u2019s management, K-pop entertainment leader Hybe and US record label Geffen Records, often referred to as HxG, shared a statement on Friday addressing the group\u2019s fans, known as Eyekons, with the news.<\/p>\n

The statement read: “We are very sorry to share that Sophia will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities.<\/p>\n

“We understand how much Eyekons were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritised.”<\/p>\n

The singer has been advised by medical professionals to take “dedicated time for extended rest” to ensure a “full recovery”, the statement said, reassuring fans that a health update will be shared in September.<\/p>\n

HxG added: “While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety, and long-term wellbeing of our artists will always remain our highest priority.<\/p>\n

\"KATSEYE
\nKATSEYE performing in Melbourne, Australia in May 2026<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with Katseye.”<\/p>\n

The group, also featuring Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung, were formed on the audition programme put together by HxG which followed 20 aspiring pop stars over the course of 12 weeks competing for the chance to make it into the girl group.<\/p>\n

Katseye have since had a sharp rise to fame following the release of their debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) and follow-up 2025 EP Beautiful Chaos, with a number of viral moments including their 2025 Better In Denim Gap ad, which blew up for their dancing and choreography.<\/p>\n

They were nominated at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Pop Group performance for their song Gabriela.<\/p>\n

Source: Press Association<\/p>\n

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