Katseye's Sophia opens up about Manon's hiatus: 'The door is always open'

Katseye member Sophia Laforteza addressed questions surrounding Manon’s hiatus, saying the group continues to support their sixth member and is giving her the time and space she needs.

In an interview with Allure, the group’s leader opened up about the ongoing speculation regarding Manon’s “health and well-being” and whether she will eventually return to Katseye.

“Because we did announce that it is about her well-being, it's not our place or anybody else's place to rush her,” Sophia said.

“We want to give her all the time that she needs, all the space that she needs, and so we don't want to make any assumptions, set anything in stone… She really deserves that and the door is always open,” she said.

Sophia also acknowledged that fans have continued to ask about Manon’s situation, saying she understands why supporters want answers.

“We love her and the fans love her. The people love her. They love Katseye,” she said. “If I was in their place I would be asking too, and so we understand."

"But what we can say is that we wish that you could just keep extending love and support and patience and all those things, because all of us deserve that. Anybody does.”

Manon went on hiatus in February.

In April, Manon removed Katseye from her Instagram bio but said she remains in positive communication with Hybe and Geffen.

“HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I'm happy and I'm healthy. I'll share more soon. Thank you for always being there for me,” she said.

Katseye debuted in 2023 and visited Manila in 2024 for a fan showcase, appearances, and collabs.

They are known for their songs “Gabriela,” “Gnarly,” “Gameboy,” "Touch," and "Debut.” —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA News