KATSEYE fans excited as member’s return finally confirmed after well-being hiatus
Katseye (L-R) Sophia, Megan, Daniela, Lara, Yoonchae and Manon (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza will return to group activities from the first week of January 2027, it has been announced.
Laforteza went on hiatus from the group in August 2026, citing “personal health and wellness” reasons. She said at the time: “Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first.”
She subsequently missed the girl group’s European WILDWORLD tour, which featured just four members – Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.
On 8 October, the group’s labels – HYBE x Geffen – confirmed her return, from the first week of January 2027, in a statement on social media.
It read: “Sophia has been prioritising her health and well-being with our full support and resources. While Sophia will not be participating in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in North America, or promotional activities for the remained of the year, we look forward to welcoming her back as KATSEYE continues this next chapter together in 2027.
“We are incredibly grateful to EYEKONS for the continued love, support, and understand you’ve shown Sophia and KATSYEE. Thank you for standing by her, and we look forward to celebrating her return with you in the new year.”
Fans were excited, with one exclaiming: “Queen Sophia is back!” Another said: “Yay so glad she’s feeling good right now. Welcome back babygirl.” A third added: “Sophie, I love you! I’m always rooting for you.”
Meanwhile, others asked for an update on member Manon Bannerman, who has been on hiatus for similar reasons since February 2026.
Renewed hope for KATSEYE fans
The announcement of Sophia’s return comes after KATSEYE released plans for a new vinyl for Record Store Day which features Bannerman on the cover artwork.
She has not been seen with the group since the start of her hiatus, and fans have been desperate for any sort of update.
And while there has not yet been any news on whether or not she will return to the group, many EYEKONS – KATSEYE fans – took her inclusion in the vinyl as potentially good news.
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