KATSEYE have shared their excitement over Sophia Laforteza’s planned return to the girl group in January 2027, following her temporary hiatus to focus on her mental health and well-being.
Speaking to E! News at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, group member Lara Raj said the members were proud of Laforteza for taking time away to prioritise her health.
KATSEYE Share Support For Sophia Laforteza
“We are so happy that she’s coming back,” Raj told E! News.
“We’re so proud of her. She’s really been so brave.”
Raj also praised Laforteza for taking the time she needed away from group activities.
“We respect her so much for taking the space and taking time for her health,” she said. “She’s our sister, so we can’t wait for her to come back.”
Raj attended the fashion show alongside fellow KATSEYE members Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong and Daniela Avanzini.
Sophia Laforteza To Resume Group Activities In January
On 8 October, HYBE x Geffen Records confirmed that Laforteza would resume group activities during the first week of January 2027, after taking a break announced two months earlier.
“We are happy to share that Sophia will resume group activities with Katseye beginning the first week of January 2027,”
the label said in a statement.
“Sophia has been prioritising her health and well-being with our full support and resources.”
The group is preparing for Laforteza’s return following the conclusion of its Wildworld Tour.
Skiendiel also reflected on the bond between the members and their shared experiences in the group.
“We’ve been through so much together, and we’ve built such a family together,” she said. “Being able to go through this journey with my sisters has just been the best experience of my life.”
Manon Bannerman’s Hiatus Remains Ongoing
Laforteza’s planned return follows another period of uncertainty for KATSEYE, after fellow member Manon Bannerman announced her own hiatus in February 2026. No return date for Bannerman has been announced.
For now, the group is looking ahead to Laforteza’s expected return in January, with her bandmates publicly expressing their support as she prepares to rejoin group activities.
