"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"
KATSEYE have already been operating at a deficit since February, when member Manon Bannerman announced a temporary hiatus from the global girl group. Now, Sophia Laforteza will be taking a step back from their promotional activities, citing the need to prioritize her "mental health and wellness."
The news was shared in a statement posted to Weverse, with labels HYBE! and Geffen promising that Laforteza is "receiving the utmost support."
"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 statement reads. "We plan to reassess her condition in September and will share a further update with fans at that time."
Laforteza herself also shared a statement to her Instagram Story, writing, "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."
The Netflix show Pop Star Academy documented the members of KATSEYE going through an intensive K-pop training camp alongside other girl group hopefuls. They're slated to perform at Montreal's Bell Centre and Hamilton's TD Coliseum this fall as part of an international tour, and it remains unclear as of yet whether Laforteza or Bannerman will be present.
[Notice] Sophia's Upcoming Schedule Noticehttps://t.co/6VrGIboVV6 pic.twitter.com/hAEK5OiUi8
