KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza "Doing Everything to Get Mentally Well," Says Mother in New Interview

Sophia Laforteza is spending her days at Disneyland, baking and painting as she works toward recovery on hiatus from KATSEYE, her mother told Vogue Philippines in an interview published August 24.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza, a theatre actress, said her daughter is "literally doing everything to get mentally well." The interview offered the first detailed window into how the 21-year-old singer is spending her time away from the group.

HYBE and Geffen Records announced Laforteza's hiatus on August 7, confirming she would "temporarily step away from promotional activities" to prioritise her "mental health and wellness," according to the BBC. Following consultations with medical professionals, the label said Laforteza was advised to take an extended period of rest and ongoing care, and that her condition is expected to be reassessed in September, per the Los Angeles Times Billboard.

Laforteza herself addressed fans in an Instagram story, saying stepping away was difficult but that "health has to come first."

Laforteza is the leader of KATSEYE, a global girl group formed through HYBE and Geffen's reality competition programme The Debut: Dream Academy, alongside Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeung and Manon Bannerman. The group reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — the main US album chart — with their EP WILD, which included the Billboard Hot 100 tracks "Pinky Up" and "Animal."

She is the second KATSEYE member to step back this year. Bannerman began her own hiatus on February 20 "to focus on her health and wellbeing," with the group later cautioning fans not to make assumptions about her return. Billboard reported in June that the label shut down fan speculation linking Bannerman's break to her being the only Black member of the group.

Before joining KATSEYE, Laforteza had been poised to follow her mother into theatre but found her own path in music. Guevara-Laforteza, who is currently performing in The Notebook: The Musical, reflected on raising three children: "I realised that my children, they need to find their own destiny."

For fans, the interview offers reassurance without a timeline. Laforteza's reassessment is expected in September, though neither the label nor her family has indicated when she might return to group activities.