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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza Announces Mental Health Hiatus

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • KATSEYE vocalist Sophia Laforteza is taking a temporary hiatus due to mental health concerns.
  • Label HYBE x Geffen (HxG) stated the decision prioritizes her well-being and she will miss upcoming promotions.
  • This follows a similar hiatus taken by member Manon Bannerman earlier this year.

Sophia Laforteza, a vocalist for the global girl group KATSEYE, will temporarily step away from group activities to focus on her mental health. The decision was announced by label HYBE x Geffen (HxG), which stated that Sophia will be unable to participate in upcoming promotions.

We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized.

— HYBE x Geffen (HxG)The label announced Sophia's temporary absence from group activities.

The label emphasized that the decision was made to prioritize her "mental health and wellness." While Sophia is eager to perform, the agency stressed that "the health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority." Sophia herself expressed heartbreak over the break, acknowledging that "health has to come first."

Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. 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.

— Sophia LafortezaSophia expressed her feelings about taking a break for her health.

This hiatus means Sophia will miss several key events for KATSEYE. She was absent from the Hinterland Music Festival on July 30 and the premiere of the group's new documentary "KATSEYE: Wild Hearts." She is also expected to miss the release of their new EP "Wild" on August 14 and a scheduled gig at Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields festival on August 29. The group's "The WildWorld Tour" begins September 1 in Dublin, Ireland, with Sophia's return uncertain.

While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority.

— HYBE x Geffen (HxG)The label reiterated its commitment to artist well-being.

The agency plans to reassess Sophia's condition in September and will provide further updates. This marks the second member to take a hiatus for health reasons, following Manon Bannerman's temporary break announced in February for similar reasons. Manon also expressed her love for fans and eagerness to return.

I love you endlessly and can't wait to see you again.

— Manon BannermanManon expressed her feelings to fans during her hiatus.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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