The group’s Victoria’s Secret runway moment came with heartfelt words for their absent bandmate and the timeline fans have been waiting for.
KATSEYE fans may not have to wait much longer to see the group closer to full strength again.
During the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Sunday night, Oct. 18, four members of the global girl group gave the clearest picture yet of when Sophia Laforteza will rejoin them. Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong and Daniela Avanzini walked the runway together before taking the stage to perform Pinky Up and Animal, and between the glitz and the wings, they made time to talk about the bandmate who wasn’t there.
The 23-year-old singer stepped away in April, when the group’s label announced a temporary hiatus so she could concentrate on her mental health and overall wellness.
KATSEYE Opens Up About Their Missing Sister
Speaking with E! News at the show, Raj said the group was overjoyed that Laforteza is on her way back. She described her bandmate as remarkably brave and said the members deeply respect her decision to step back and give her health the attention it needed. Raj framed the bond in family terms, calling Laforteza a sister and saying the group is counting down the days until her return.
Skiendiel echoed that sentiment, reflecting on everything the members have weathered side by side. She said the group has grown into a true family and called sharing this journey with her bandmates the best experience of her life.
The members pointed to January as the moment they expect Laforteza to be back in the fold.
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A Timeline Backed by the Label
The runway remarks built on news that broke earlier this month. HYBE x Geffen, the joint venture behind the group, confirmed that Laforteza would return to the stage in January. In a statement, the company said the singer had been prioritizing her health and well-being with the label’s full support and resources.
The label also made clear that Laforteza would sit out the North American leg of the Wildworld tour, along with any promotional activities through the end of the year. The company said it looks forward to welcoming her back as the group moves into its next chapter in 2027, and it thanked EYEKONS, as the fandom is known, for the patience, love and understanding they have shown both Laforteza and the group. The statement also promised fans a celebration of her return in the new year.
Sophia Shares Her Own Progress
Laforteza has spoken for herself, too. In an Instagram Story, she acknowledged that the months away have not been easy. She explained that she has been putting in the work by getting the care she needs, learning tools to better support herself and doing everything she can to nurture her well-being.
Her goal, she said, is to come back happier, healthier, stronger and more grounded than before, a message that landed with fans who have rallied around her since spring.
The Wildworld Tour Rolls On
In the meantime, KATSEYE is pressing ahead with its first-ever arena tour. The group’s next stop is Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, followed by a run of dates across North America through Nov. 24. The tour wraps with back-to-back shows at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes on Nov. 27 and 28.
Carrying a major tour while members are away is no small task, and the warmth in the four singers’ comments at the fashion show suggested a group leaning on one another rather than pulling apart under pressure.
Manon’s Status Remains Unclear
Laforteza is not the only member currently away. Fellow co-founding member Manon Bannerman has been on a break since February to focus on her own health and well-being. As of press time, no timeline has been shared for her return.
That leaves an open question hanging over the group’s 2027 plans, even as the January news gives fans something concrete to celebrate. For now, the message from the four members on the runway was clear: Sophia’s spot is waiting for her, and the countdown to the new year has officially begun.
Source: billboard
