KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza Is ‘Literally Doing Everything to Get Mentally Well,’ Her Mom Says — Billboard

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KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza Is ‘Literally Doing Everything to Get Mentally Well,’ Her Mom Says — Billboard | AIPROPX

Sophia Laforteza’s mom, actress Carla Guevara-Laforteza, has shared a glimpse into how the KATSEYE leader is spending her time away from the group, sharing that the singer is taking some much-needed time for herself.

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The KATSEYE leader’s mother, theater actress Carla Guevara-Laforteza, opened up about her daughter’s current hiatus in an interview with Vogue Philippines published Monday (Aug. 24), explaining that Sophia is keeping busy with some decidedly more restrained activities as she prioritizes her well-being.

“At present, Sophia is on hiatus,” Guevara-Laforteza said. “She goes to Disneyland every day; she’s baking, she’s painting. She’s literally doing everything to get mentally well.”

Sophia’s break from KATSEYE was announced by HYBE x Geffen on Aug. 7, with the label confirming that she would temporarily step away from promotional activities to focus on her mental health and wellness. According to the company, Sophia had been receiving support and, following consultations with medical professionals, was advised to take an extended period of rest and ongoing care. Her condition is expected to be reassessed in September, according to The Los Angeles Times .

Sophia also addressed the decision in a message on her Instagram story to fans at the time, acknowledging that stepping away was difficult, but emphasizing that “health has to come first.” She said she was realizing that taking care of her mind and body was necessary if she wanted to continue doing what she loves for years to come.

For Guevara-Laforteza, supporting her daughter means giving her the space to determine what happiness looks like for herself. In Vogue Philippines , the actress spoke about her experience raising three children and learning that they fundamentally need to choose their own paths.

“I realized that my children, they need to find their own destiny,” she said.

That philosophy seems to extend to Sophia’s career as well. Before joining KATSEYE, Sophia seemed poised to follow her mother into theater, but found her own path in music. She went on to become the leader of the global girl group formed through HYBE and Geffen’s The Debut: Dream Academy , alongside Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeung and Manon Bannerman.

KATSEYE has since become a breakout global pop group, recently achieving its first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with EP WILD , which includes Billboard Hot 100 tracks “Pinky Up” and “Animal.”

Sophia’s hiatus comes shortly after fellow KATSEYE member Manon also stepped away from the group activities to focus on her health and well-being in February. The remaining members have continued promoting the group’s latest music while expressing their support for both Sophia and Manon.