KATSEYE’s Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong and Daniela Avanzini shared a glimpse into their fellow member Sophia Laforteza returning after taking a step away to focus on her mental health.
KATSEYE Teases Sophia Laforteza’s Return After Break to Focus on Mental Health
KATSEYE‘s hands are up for Sophia Laforteza.
Two months after the singer announced a temporary hiatus from the girl group to focus on her mental health and wellness, her fellow members shared insight into her January return.
“We are so happy that she’s coming back,” Lara Raj exclusively told E! News at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Oct. 18 alongside Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong and Daniela Avanzini. “We’re so proud of her. She’s really been so brave.”
“We respect her so much for taking the space and taking time for her health,” she continued. “She’s our sister, so we can’t wait for her to come back.”
Indeed, the rest of the KATSEYE girls—who are performing at the annual fashion show—are ready to bring Laforteza back onto the stage in January after concluding their Wildworld Tour.
“We’ve been through so much together, and we’ve built such a family together,” Skiendiel added. “Being able to go through this journey with my sisters has just been the best experience of my life.”
As the rest of the group awaits Laforteza’s return—months after their fellow bandmate Manon Bannerman also announced her own hiatus—they shared a glimpse into hitting all the right notes on their world tour.
“It’s honestly amazing,” Avanzini added. “A lot has been going on, but we’re so grateful to be here.”
KATSEYE’s appearance comes less than two weeks after their record label confirmed Laforteza would be back in the new year. Although she won’t join the tour, she’ll be involved in promotional events through the rest of 2026.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret
“We are happy to share that Sophia will resume group activities with KATSEYE beginning the first week of January 2027,” read a statement from HYBE x Geffen Records Oct. 8. “Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources.”
“We are incredibly grateful to EYEKONS for the continued love, support, and understanding you’ve shown Sophia and KATSEYE,” the statement added. “Thank you for standing by her, and we look forward to celebrating her return with you in the new year.”
To see all the celebs at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, keep reading.
—Reporting by Lauren Herbert
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