Sophia Laforteza, a main vocalist of the global girl group Katseye, is stepping away from the group to focus on her mental health. The 23-year-old announced the hiatus on Friday, 7 August 2026, in a statement posted to her Instagram Stories, which was also shared across Katseye's official social media profiles. (Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan)

"Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm learning that health has to come first," Laforteza wrote. "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." (Rolling Stone)

The joint label HYBE x Geffen — the partnership between the South Korean entertainment company HYBE and Universal's Geffen Records that formed Katseye through the 2023 reality competition The Debut: Dream Academy — confirmed the temporary hiatus on the same day. In its own statement, HYBE said the health, safety, and long-term well-being of its artists is its highest priority and that it will closely monitor her progress. (Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone)

Laforteza had already been absent from at least one recent commitment. She was unable to perform with Katseye at the Hinterland Music Festival on 30 July due to illness, according to posts on the band's Instagram account. (Katseye on Instagram)

She is the second Katseye member to pause activities for mental health reasons this year. In February, HYBE announced that member Manon Bannerman would take a break; Bannerman has yet to return to the group. (Rolling Stone)

The timing puts Laforteza's break squarely in the middle of a busy stretch for the group. Katseye are booked to make their Tonight Show debut on 12 August, and their summer schedule includes the 88rising Head in the Clouds Festival in Los Angeles on 8 August. (Rolling Stone)

Neither the label nor Laforteza gave a return date. HYBE's statement committed to monitoring her progress but did not outline a timeline for resuming activities.