MANILA, Philippines — Katseye leader Sophia Laforteza will not participate in the group’s upcoming UK and European leg of its “Wild Wild” tour as she continues to prioritize her well-being.
The announcement was made by Hybe and Geffen Records on Aug. 30 through a post on Weverse, saying Laforteza will sit out the tour dates scheduled from Sept. 1 to 17.
“Sophia is focusing on her well-being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed,” the statement said.
The agency asked fans, known as Eyekons, for their understanding, emphasizing that the health and long-term well-being of the group’s artists remain its “highest priority.”
The announcement comes after the Filipina member took a hiatus from Katseye’s promotional activities to focus on her mental health and overall well-being following medical advice.
Following the announcement, Laforteza addressed fans through her Instagram Stories expressing her disappointment at missing the European and UK shows while reaffirming her commitment to getting better.
“I can’t express enough how much I want to participate in this tour and perform for you all. I have to remind myself every day that our health and mental well-being should always be prioritized,” Laforteza wrote.
She said she has been undergoing treatment and doing what she can to maintain her health and happiness.
“I’ve been in ongoing treatment and doing everything I can to stay healthy, occupied, and happy. You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to care for yourself,” she said.
Laforteza also thanked her groupmates, the company and those around her for supporting her during her recovery.
“There’s been nothing but love and support from the company, my members, and everyone else around me as I work to get well,” she said.
She added that she looks forward to returning to the stage with her Katseye sisters.
“I can’t wait until I return and share the stage with my sisters again,” Laforteza wrote, assuring fans that the remaining members would deliver an “extraordinary performance.”
The latest announcement follows an earlier statement on Aug. 7, when Hybe and Geffen Records announced that Laforteza would be taking a break from promotional activities to prioritize her mental health. In her own statement that day, she emphasized that “health has to come first.”
The update about her recovery also drew attention on Aug. 24, when her mother, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, shared details about her routine during her break in an article published by Vogue Philippines. She said her daughter had been going to Disneyland every day.
Despite missing the European and UK leg, Laforteza remains part of Katseye, the global girl group formed through the HYBE x Geffen Records survival program “Dream Academy.”
Katseye is known for hit songs including “Touch,” “Gnarly,” “Debut” and “Gabriela,” which have helped establish the group’s global presence and growing international fan base.
