While Sophia Laforteza remains on hiatus from KATSEYE group activities, her voice has still found a place on a major stage — and it is the first solo recording credit for any member of the group.
The DreamWorks Animation film Forgotten Island, which opened in theaters on September 25, 2026, features Sophia's cover of the INXS classic "Never Tear Us Apart." The credit arrives at a moment when fans are closely watching what the future holds for both Sophia and the group, and it adds a new layer to a year already defined by hiatuses, arena dates, and mainstream American visibility.
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Photo credit: @staceyaubries via X
The Song and Its Place in Forgotten Island
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Sophia's version of "Never Tear Us Apart" appears as Track 7 on the official soundtrack. The filmmakers chose the INXS song because it represented the deep friendship between the two lead characters, Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano. The original recording underscores their younger years; Sophia's reimagined take marks the evolution of that bond. Produced by Mike Elizondo, the cover keeps the emotional core of the 1987 original while giving it a contemporary vocal treatment that fits the film's blend of Filipino and Filipino-American musical influences. Other contributors to the soundtrack include Lea Salonga, BINI, SB19, and H.E.R., placing Sophia in company that reflects both mainstream Hollywood animation and the broader Filipino and Filipino-American music presence the project intentionally centers.
Sophia Laforteza collects her second dragon ball with Anna while on a hiatus from Katseye
— IGN: staceyaubrey (@staceyaubries) September 27, 2026
Why the Timing of the Solo Credit Matters
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Sophia announced her hiatus in early August 2026, citing the need to prioritize her mental health and well-being. She sat out the entire European leg of the Wildworld Tour. The soundtrack credit was recorded and locked in earlier. Its release while she is still away creates a dual narrative that fans and industry watchers have both noticed: the member is absent from live stages and promotional cycles, yet her individual artistry is still reaching audiences through a major studio project. For a group that has emphasized collective identity, a solo soundtrack placement is a quiet but meaningful first. It shows that labels and filmmakers see value in the individual members' voices beyond the KATSEYE brand alone.
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What a First Solo Credit Can Signal
Solo credits of this kind often function as low-pressure tests. They let an artist explore different material, work with new producers, and build a personal discography without the full machinery of a group comeback. Covering a classic rock ballad for an animated film is a different lane from the high-energy pop of KATSEYE's recent releases. Whether this leads to more solo work, a formal solo debut, or simply remains a one-off while she focuses on recovery is still unknown. What is clear is that the door to individual projects has opened. Yoonchae's recent solo fashion campaign with Aritzia suggests the same pattern may be emerging across the group: members are beginning to develop commercial and artistic identities that exist alongside, rather than only inside, the group structure.
Fan and Industry Context
Reactions have been largely supportive. Many fans see the credit as proof that Sophia's talent is recognized on its own terms. Others hope it is a bridge toward her eventual return to the stage with the group. Industry-wise, placing a KATSEYE member on a DreamWorks soundtrack alongside established Filipino and Filipino-American artists reinforces the group's multicultural positioning in a natural way. As of late September, Sophia has not issued a new public update on her timeline. The soundtrack credit stands as the most significant individual release connected to any member during the current hiatus period.
Featured image credit: @staceyaubries | Body images: @staceyaubries, @synkifymc
Photo via X — SEO attribution credit
Photo via X — original post credit for SEO and attribution
Related KATSEYE Coverage
- KATSEYE's Lara Shuts Down Manon Exit Rumors: 'None of Those Rumors Are True'
- KATSEYE Hiatus Update: Manon Still Listed as Member, Sophia Prioritizing Health
- KATSEYE's Bigger Picture in 2026: No. 1 Album, Brand Power, and Cultural Impact Despite Hiatuses
Official Sources & Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What song did Sophia record for Forgotten Island?
A cover of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart," produced by Mike Elizondo.
Is this Sophia's first solo credit?
Yes. It is the first solo recording credit for any KATSEYE member.
When did the Forgotten Island film and soundtrack release?
The soundtrack became available in mid-September; the film opened in theaters on September 25, 2026.
Is Sophia still on hiatus from KATSEYE?
Yes. She stepped away in August 2026 to focus on her mental health and has not yet returned to group activities.
Does this mean Sophia is going solo permanently?
There is no indication of that. The credit is a soundtrack contribution. No formal solo career announcement has been made.
