KATSEYE Confirms Sophia Won't Join Europe and UK Tour as She Focuses on Well-Being

HYBE x Geffen confirmed on August 30 that KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza will not be joining the group for the European and UK leg of their Wildworld Tour, which kicks off in Dublin on September 1 and runs through September 17. The announcement, posted to KATSEYE's official Weverse and Instagram Stories, gives fans the clearest picture yet of how far her hiatus will extend.

Sophia first stepped away from group activities on August 7, when the label announced that medical professionals had advised the 23-year-old to take an extended period of rest and ongoing care to prioritize her mental health and wellness. At the time, HYBE x Geffen said her condition would be reassessed in September. Her absence had already been felt at several events, including the Hinterland Music Festival in the US and a Los Angeles screening of the group's documentary.

"Sophia is focusing on her well-being, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed," the label wrote in a joint statement signed by HYBE and Geffen Records. "We sincerely ask for EYEKONS' warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists. We will share further updates as they become available. Please continue to send your love, warmth, and support to Sophia and KATSEYE."

How Sophia is spending her time

A warmer picture of her recovery came last week from her mother, Filipino actress Carla Guevara-Laforteza, who spoke to Vogue Philippines about how her daughter is filling her days. "She goes to Disneyland every day; she's baking, she's painting. She's literally doing everything to get mentally well," Guevara-Laforteza said. It's a small but reassuring window into what rest actually looks like for someone stepping back from a packed promotional schedule.

Sophia is the second KATSEYE member currently on hiatus. Manon stepped away from group activities back in February for similar health and well-being reasons. The remaining four members, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae, have continued promotional activities throughout both absences, and their solidarity has been vocal. "As Katseye, it's so important to us to always prioritize our well-being," Lara said during an August 15 appearance on NBC's Today. "We stand by Sophia and Manon through and through. We ride for them."

A big moment for the group regardless

The European tour comes at a significant point for KATSEYE. The group, formed through the 2023 audition series The Debut: Dream Academy and debuted in 2024 under HYBE and Geffen Records, released its third EP Wild on August 14. The record became the group's first to top the Billboard 200, with tracks "Pinky Up" and "Hootie Frutti" both charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Four members carrying that momentum into European arenas is still a statement, even if the full lineup isn't there.

For now, EYEKONS are watching for further updates, with September already flagged as the month Sophia's situation will be formally reassessed.