{
  "id": 15605598,
  "title": "KATSEYE Give Crucial Update on Sophia Laforteza’s Return: ‘We Can’t Wait For Her to Come Back’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/katseye-give-crucial-update-on-sophia-lafortezas-return-we-cant-wait",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T12:32:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/katseye-update-sophia-laforteza-return-timeline-1236362606/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KATSEYE, the South Korean girl group, is set to welcome member Sophia Laforteza back to the fold, much sooner than previously anticipated. At Sunday night's 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, group members Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong, and Daniela Avanzini announced the timeline for Laforteza's return, which they announced in April to support her mental health and wellness.\n\nRaj expressed her pride and admiration for Laforteza, stating, \"We are so happy that she's coming back. We respect her so much for taking the space and taking time for her health. She's our sister, so we can't wait for her to come back.\"\n\nThe group is currently on their first-ever arena tour, with dates scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 in Charlotte, N.C., and across North America through November 24, concluding with shows at Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City on November 27 and 28. The group anticipates Laforteza's return in January.\n\nSkiendiel shared her sentiment, saying, \"We've been through so much together, and we've built such a family together. Being able to go through this journey with my sisters has just been the best experience of my life.\"\n\nIn April, HYBE x Geffen, the group's label, confirmed Laforteza's return, stating, \"Sophia has been prioritizing her health and well-being with our full support and resources.\" The statement also mentioned that Laforteza would not take part in the North American WILDWORLD tour or any promotional activities for the rest of the year.\n\nLaforteza herself shared her journey during her hiatus in an Instagram Story update, emphasizing the work she's been doing to support her well-being. She expressed her goal to return \"happier, healthier, stronger and more grounded.\"",
  "summary": "The group confirmed that the singer's temporary hiatus to focus on her mental health is slated to end after following their 2026 Wildworld tour.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}