Back in Formation: Sophia Laforteza Confirms Return to KATSEYE Activities After Hiatus

The Filipina pop superstar is officially preparing to reunite with her girls!

After months on hiatus, Sophia Laforteza is set to return to KATSEYE’s group activities in January 2027, as confirmed by the girl group’s labels, HYBE and Geffen Records. The group’s leader and vocalist has been on hiatus since August 7 to prioritize her health and well-being.

According to the labels, Sophia will resume participating in KATSEYE’s activities beginning the first week of January 2027. However, she will not be joining the group for its THE WILDWORLD TOUR in North America or its promotional activities for the remainder of 2026.

“Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources. While Sophia will not be participating in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in North America, or promotional activities for the remainder of this year, we look forward to welcoming her back as KATSEYE continues this next chapter together in 2027,” the labels stated.

HYBE and Geffen Records also expressed their gratitude to EYEKONS, KATSEYE’s official fandom, for the continued love, support, and understanding they have shown the group throughout this period.

Meanwhile, Sophia personally addressed her fans through her Instagram Story, thanking them for their patience, grace, and understanding during her hiatus.

“Your kindness during this time has given me more strength than you know. It hasn’t been easy, but I have been putting in the work by receiving the care I need, learning the tools to better support myself, and doing everything I can to nurture my well-being,” she wrote.

The Filipina singer also reflected on how her time away from the spotlight has allowed her to learn more about herself and better understand what her mind and body need.

Sophia also expressed how difficult it has been to miss KATSEYE’s remaining activities this year. Despite wanting to return as soon as possible, she emphasized the importance of taking the time she needs to recover and prepare for her comeback.

“I’m going to use this time to continue training and get myself to where I need to be again. As much as I wish I could simply push through, I’ve come to understand that sometimes having the courage to take a step back is what allows you to move forward,” she emphasized.

Looking ahead to January 2027, Sophia hopes to return as a “happier, healthier, stronger, more grounded” version of herself. She also shared her excitement about the prospect of performing onstage again alongside her KATSEYE sisters.

As fans look forward to her return, Sophia’s message serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking a step back is necessary before moving forward. With her comeback on the horizon, EYEKONS can look forward to seeing the Filipina star reunite with her group in the new year.

Sophia Laforteza has been on hiatus since August 7, 2026, after HYBE and Geffen Records announced that the singer would be taking an extended break to prioritize her mental health and overall well-being. According to the labels, medical professionals had advised her to take an extended period of rest and receive ongoing care.

Her hiatus meant stepping away from KATSEYE’s group activities, including preparations surrounding the release of the group’s WILD EP and its THE WILDWORLD TOUR.

Meanwhile, fellow member Manon Bannerman has also been on hiatus since February 2026 due to health-related concerns. Her absence meant she was unable to join KATSEYE for one of the group’s major milestones this year: its first-ever performance at Coachella.

As of this writing, HYBE and Geffen Records have yet to announce when Manon will resume participating in KATSEYE’s group activities.

Lead photos from @sophia_laforteza