KATSEYE Breakup Rumors Swirl As Sophia Steps Away Amid Manon's Hiatus; What's Going On?
KATSEYE breakup rumors are swirling after Sophia Laforteza stepped away from the group to focus on her mental health, six months after Manon Bannerman's hiatus.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleKATSEYE fans are once again left wondering about the group’s future after its leader, Sophia Laforteza, announced that she’s stepping away from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and wellness. The announcement comes just six months after fellow member Manon Bannerman took a hiatus, leaving the six-member group without two of its members at a crucial point in its career.
The timing has inevitably reignited speculation about whether KATSEYE could be heading toward a breakup. However, there is currently no official indication that either Sophia or Manon is leaving the group permanently. HYBE and Geffen Records have continued to describe both absences as temporary.
Sophia Laforteza takes a step back from KATSEYE
On August 7, 2026, HYBE and Geffen announced that Sophia would be unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities because she is prioritizing her mental health and overall well-being. The message reads:
"Sophia has been receiving the utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery."
The label said that Sophia had been receiving support and, following consultations with medical professionals, had been advised to take an extended period of rest and care. Her condition is expected to be reassessed in September 2026. The statement continued:
"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. … We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support for Sophia, and we look forward to her being back with KATSEYE."
The announcement came after Sophia had already missed some recent appearances, including the Los Angeles premiere of KATSEYE's upcoming documentary KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS. Her absence had already prompted questions among fans. Sophia later addressed EYEKONS herself, explaining that making the decision was difficult but that she had realized she needed to prioritize her mind and body. Taking to her Instagram Stories, the 23-year-old singer wrote:
"It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning 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."
Sophia also reassured fans that she intends to work toward recovering and returning stronger. For a performer who has consistently spoken about her love of being onstage, the decision appears to have been a difficult one.
Sophia's hiatus comes months after Manon stepped away from the group
The development has particularly raised eyebrows because another member, Manon Bannerman, has been away from KATSEYE since February 2026. In the Weverse statement shared on February 20, 2026, HYBE and Geffen Records revealed that she would temporarily step away from group activities to focus on her health and well-being.
The agencies did not provide a timeline for her return, prompting widespread speculation online. The buzz intensified months later when fans noticed she had removed "KATSEYE" from her Instagram bio and replaced it with "mademoiselle manzanita." The move immediately sparked exit rumors, but she later clarified that she and HYBE Geffen were having "positive conversations."
Now, Sophia’s own hiatus has added another layer to the story too, because she had previously spoken publicly about Manon’s absence. In a previous interview with Allure, Laforteza asked fans not to pressure Manon to return, saying she will come back when she’s ready. "We want to give her all the time that she needs, all the space that she needs...She really deserves that, and the door is always open."
Is KATSEYE breaking up?
Despite the growing online speculation, there is currently no evidence that KATSEYE is breaking up. The group was created through HYBE and Geffen's The Debut: Dream Academy project and officially debuted as a six-member act. Led by Sophia, the group includes Manon, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung.
With Manon and Sophia temporarily unavailable, KATSEYE's active lineup is currently reduced to four members. That is understandably concerning for fans, particularly with the group entering one of its busiest periods yet. Both companies have continued to frame the breaks around health and recovery rather than departures. In Sophia's case, the label specifically said it looks forward to having her back with KATSEYE.
KATSEYE is preparing to release its third EP, WILD, on August 14, 2026. The group has also been building momentum with songs including "Pinky Up" and "Animal," while continuing to expand its international profile. Manon and Sophia are still expected to feature in the documentary KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS despite the hiatus.
For now, EYEKONS can find solace in knowing the band is still very much together.
Image courtesy: Sophia Laforteza/Instagram, katseyeworld/Instagram
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