KATSEYE’s Lara Raj has expressed her excitement about Sophia Laforteza’s planned return to the group in January 2027, praising her bandmate for prioritizing her mental health. Speaking to E! News on the red carpet at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Lara made it clear that Sophia has the group’s full support as she takes time away from performing.
“We are so happy that she’s coming back. We’re so proud of her,” Lara said. “I think she’s really been so brave, and we respect her so much for taking the space and taking time for her health. And she’s our sister, so we can’t wait for her to come back.”
Your daily dose of music news, trends, and fresh drops.
InMusic Newsletter
The interview comes as KATSEYE prepares to perform at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles, with Lara joining Daniela, Megan and Yoonchae on the event’s musical lineup. Sophia remains on hiatus, but HYBE x Geffen confirmed on October 8 that she is expected to resume group activities during the first week of January 2027.
Until then, Sophia will miss the remaining North American dates of THE WILDWORLD TOUR and KATSEYE’s promotional activities for the rest of 2026. Her absence began during the European and UK leg of the tour in September, prompting concern and questions from fans about when she might return.
Sophia subsequently addressed EYEKONS through Instagram Stories, offering an update on her recovery and thanking fans for their patience. She explained that she has been receiving the care she needs, learning tools to better support herself and making her well-being a priority.
“It hasn’t been easy, 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,” she wrote.
The singer also acknowledged the emotional difficulty of missing the remainder of the tour, while emphasizing that returning to the stage before she feels ready would not be the right decision. Sophia said she intends to continue training during her time away, working toward a return that leaves her feeling healthier, stronger and more grounded.
Leave a Reply