KATSEYE expresses excitement ahead of Sophia Laforteza’s return: ‘She’s our sister’
KATSEYE is looking forward to having Sophia Laforteza back with them, with the group expressing their support for the Filipino singer as she takes time to focus on her well-being.
Members Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung shared their excitement about Sophia’s return while attending the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 18.
Speaking to E! News on the red carpet, Lara expressed how proud the group was of Sophia for taking the time she needed to care for herself.
“We are so happy that she’s coming back,” Lara said on behalf of the group. “We are so proud of her. I think she’s really been so brave, and we respect her so much for taking the space and taking time for her health.”
She added that their bond goes beyond being groupmates, saying, “She’s our sister, so we can’t wait for her to come back.”
The group’s reunion with Sophia is expected to take place in January 2027, following an announcement from their label, HYBE x Geffen Records.
In a statement posted on Weverse on October 8, the label said Sophia would return beginning the first week of January. However, she will not join KATSEYE for the North American leg of its ongoing THE WILDWORLD TOUR or its remaining promotional activities this year.
“Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources,” the label said, adding that it looked forward to welcoming her back as the group enters its next chapter in 2027.
HYBE x Geffen Records also thanked the group’s fans, known as EYEKONS, for continuing to support Sophia and KATSEYE throughout the singer’s time away.
Sophia first announced in August that she would step back from upcoming promotional activities to focus on her “mental health and wellness.”
Following the label’s update, she took to Instagram Stories to personally thank EYEKONS for their patience and understanding as she continues her recovery.
“Before anything else, I want to thank you for giving me your patience, grace, and understanding. 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 Filipino singer also reflected on what she has learned about herself while taking a step back, explaining that caring for her own needs is something she hopes to continue as she grows both personally and professionally.
“I’ve learned so much about myself and what is truly best for my mind and body. Learning to care for myself, and continuing to do that work every day, is something I want to carry with me as I grow both as a person and as an artist. I’ve realized how much easier it can be to give to the people around you than it is to give to yourself. I’m learning that I can receive from myself, too.”
While Sophia expressed sadness over missing the rest of the group’s tour this year, she acknowledged the importance of allowing herself time to recover rather than pushing through the challenges.
“It pains me deeply that I won’t be able to participate in the remainder of the tour this year. 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 said.
Looking ahead to her return, Sophia shared her hope of reuniting with her bandmates and fans in a healthier place.
“My hope is to return feeling happier, healthier, stronger, more grounded, and ready to give you everything I’ve been wanting to give you. I’m holding onto that so tightly. I can’t wait to share the stage with my sisters again and look out to all of you! Please continue to support and cheer on my girls!!! Trust that we’ve been keeping in touch, and know that you are always on my mind.”
She ended her message with a reminder for fans to care for themselves, too, while expressing how much she missed them.
“How I miss you, EYEKONS. Thank you for giving me the grace to take care of myself. And please, take care of yourselves, too. I love you!! See you soon!!! ❤️”
Sophia’s hiatus follows another temporary break within KATSEYE. In February, member Manon Bannerman also announced that she would be taking time away from group activities. As of the latest announcement provided, there has been no update on Manon’s return.
Meanwhile, KATSEYE launched its THE WILDWORLD TOUR in Dublin on September 1, with the North American leg beginning in Miami on October 13. The tour supports the group’s third EP, WILD, which was released in August.