Sophia Laforteza returns to KATSEYE in January 2027

Sophia Laforteza is set to return to KATSEYE in the first week of January 2027. The group's management and the labels Hybe and Geffen announced it on Thursday. The Filipina singer stepped back in August to focus on her health, and will pick up group activities again then.

In a statement, the labels said Laforteza is putting her health and well being first, with the full support and resources of the organization. She won't take part in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in North America, nor in any promotional activities for the rest of this year. The labels say they look forward to welcoming her back when KATSEYE begins a new chapter in 2027. According to NU.nl, that means she will miss the girl group's entire world tour.

Laforteza announced her break in August. According to Rolling Stone, it was about her mental health. She wrote at the time that it wasn't an easy decision, but that she is learning health has to come first. She isn't the first member to take such a step: six months earlier, Manon Bannerman had also announced a break for mental health reasons.

Two months after her first post, Laforteza spoke to her fans, the Eyekons, on social media about her upcoming return. She thanked them for their patience, understanding and kindness. Variety reports that she added she can't wait to share the stage with her groupmates again.

For fans in the Netherlands, the timeline is what matters most. Her return isn't planned until early 2027, so the upcoming tour and this year's promotion will go ahead without her. Whether and how KATSEYE will cover for its members' breaks in the live shows hasn't been explained in the reporting.