Sophia returns to KATSEYE in the first week of January 2027 — and fans press the label: 'For 8 months you have been silent about Manon'

KATSEYE now has a date for Sophia Laforteza's return. In a statement posted Thursday (Oct. 8), HYBE x Geffen said the singer will resume group activities beginning the first week of January 2027. Until then, she will not take part in the North American leg of 'The Wildworld Tour' or in any promotional activities for the rest of the year.

Sophia has been on hiatus since August to focus on her mental health and wellness — at the time, she wrote that the decision wasn't easy but that she was learning 'health has to come first.' Without her, the European leg of the tour was performed by Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung. 'Sophia has been prioritising her health and well-being with our full support and resources,' the company said, also thanking fans, known as EYEKONS.

The news, however, turned into pressure online. As Koreaboo reported, fans contrasted two updates on Sophia in two months with the lack of information about Manon Bannerman, on hiatus since February 2026 and still without a return date. 'For 8 months you have been silent about Manon's situation,' one user wrote on X. Her appearance on the cover of a planned Record Store Day vinyl, announced Oct. 7, is seen by part of the fandom as a possible good sign.