Sophia Laforteza of global girl group KATSEYE will step away from upcoming promotional activities for a period of time to focus on her mental health, her management agency announced.
In a statement, HYBE x Geffen said Laforteza “will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities” while she takes time to recover.
The agency said the singer has been receiving “the utmost support” and, after undergoing “thorough consultations with medical professionals,” was advised to take “dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery.”
“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,” the agency said.
HYBE x Geffen added that it will remain by Laforteza’s side throughout her recovery and provide another update in the coming weeks.
“We will continue to closely monitor her progress and support her journey. We plan to reassess her condition in September and will share a further update with fans at that time,” it said.
The agency also expressed gratitude to KATSEYE’s fanbase, known as EYEKONS, for their continued understanding and support.
“We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE,” the statement read.
Laforteza also addressed fans in a separate statement shared through an Instagram story, saying that it “truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot.”
She acknowledged that deciding to pause her activities was difficult but said she has come to understand 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,” she added.
The singer said she intends to focus on recovering and returning to the group in better shape.
“I’ll get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger,” she said, while also asking fans to continue supporting KATSEYE.
Laforteza is the second KATSEYE member to temporarily suspend activities. Manon previously took a break to focus on her “personal health and well being.”