Katseye singer Sophia Laforteza will take a temporary break from the girl group to prioritise her “mental health and wellness”.

Her departure comes just six months after bandmate Manon Bannerman announced that she would be stepping back from the group in order to “focus on her health and wellbeing”.

The six-piece group was put together by music executives from Hybe, the K-pop entertainment conglomerate that manages BTS, and Geffen Records on the 2023 TV show Dream Academy: The Debut, with the aim of creating “a global, diverse and multi-talented girl pop group”.

The band, which consists of Laforteza, Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung, has gone on to have hits with singles such as “Gnarly” and “Gabriela”.

In a statement, Hybe and Geffen Records said that the 23-year-old “will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities”, and that “it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritised”.

“Sophia has been receiving the utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery,” the statement continued.

“While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety and long term wellbeing of our artists will always remain our highest priority.”

Her condition will be reassessed in September, the statement revealed, meaning that Laforteza will miss the Head in the Clouds music festival in Pasadena this weekend.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Laforteza said that “making this decision wasn’t easy”, but she is “learning that health has to come first”.

“I’m realising that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long,” she added.

“It means more to me than I could ever say. I promise I’m going to work as hard as I can to get through this, heal properly, and come back stronger.”

In February, her bandmate Bannerman took a “temporary hiatus from group activities” to focus on her wellbeing.

“We fully support this decision,” a statement posted on Hybe’s digital platform Weverse said. “Katseye remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”

Earlier this year, the band was nominated for two Grammy awards, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo / Group Performance.