KATSEYE Give Crucial Update on Sophia Laforteza’s Return: ‘We Can’t Wait For Her to Come Back’

KATSEYE are planning to welcome member Sophia Laforteza back sooner than you think. At Sunday night’s (Oct. 18) 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong and Daniela Avanzini gave the first timeline for Laforteza’s return from a temporary hiatus the group’s label announced in April to allow the 23-year-old singer to focus on her mental health and wellness.

“We are so happy that she’s coming back,” Raj told E! News at the VS show, where she strutted the catwalk along with Skiendiel, Jeong and Avanzini before the group performed “Pinky Up” and “Animal.”

“We’re so proud of her. She’s really been so brave,” she added. “We respect her so much for taking the space and taking time for her health. She’s our sister, so we can’t wait for her to come back.”

KATSEYE are in the midst of their first-ever arena tour, with upcoming dates slated for Tuesday (Oct.20) in Charlotte, N.C., as well as gigs across North America through Nov. 24, wrapping up with two shows at Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City on Nov. 27 and 28.

The group said they are ready for Laforteza to be back in the fold in January. “We’ve been through so much together, and we’ve built such a family together,” Skiendiel said. “Being able to go through this journey with my sisters has just been the best experience of my life.”

Earlier this month, the group’s label, HYBE x Geffen, first confirmed that Laforteza would be back on stage in January. “Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources,” the company said in a statement, noting that the singer would not be part of the North American WILDWORLD tour or any promotional activities for the remainder of this year.

“We look forward to welcoming her back as KATSEYE continues this next chapter together in 2027,” the statement continued. “We are incredibly grateful to EYEKONS for the continued love, support, and understanding you’ve shown Sophia and KATSEYE. Thank you for standing by her, and we look forward to celebrating her return with you in the new year.”

In her own update on her Instagram Story, Laforteza described the work she’s been doing since going on hiatus. “It hasn’t been easy,” she wrote. “But I have been putting in the work by receiving the care I need, learning the tools to better support myself, and doing everything I can to nurture my well-being,” noting that her goal is to return, “happier, healthier, stronger and more grounded.”

In addition to Laforteza’s hiatus, fellow band co-founder, Manon Bannerman, has been on a break to focus on her health and wellbeing since February, with no update at press time about a timeline for her return.

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