Sophia Laforteza has quickly risen to prominence as the leader of Katseye, one of the most talked-about global girl groups formed under HYBE and Geffen Records. With her talent, charisma, and multicultural background, Sophia has become a standout figure not just within the group, but in the wider music industry. This article explores her journey, background, achievements, and unique contributions.
Complete Profile of Sophia Laforteza
- Full Name: Sophia Elizabeth Guevara Laforteza
- Stage Name: Sophia
- Other Names: Sophie, Fifi, Sopheezy
- Birth Date: December 31, 2002
- Age: 22 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, United States
- Hometown: Manila, Philippines
- Height: 167 cm (5 ft 6 in)
- Position: Leader, Vocalist
- Nationality: Filipina-American
- Agency: HYBE & Geffen Records
- Group Debut: June 28, 2024, with Katseye
- Years Active: 2023–present
Sophia Laforteza’s Age and Background
Born in New York and raised in Manila, Sophia Laforteza bridges Filipino and American culture. At just 22 years old, she has already accomplished significant milestones as a singer and performer. Her family background played an important role in shaping her career: her mother, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, is a well-known stage actress and singer, while her father, Basilio Godfrey Laforteza III, is a former dancer and executive chef. Sophia also grew up alongside her siblings, Basil Luke and Oreo, with godmother Samantha Lopez supporting her artistic journey. Her early exposure to music, arts, and dance solidified her path in entertainment.
Interesting Facts About Sophia Laforteza
Sophia’s journey is filled with unique experiences that shaped her as both a performer and a person. Below are some of the most interesting facts about her, each showcasing a different side of her life and career.
1. Early Passion for Music and Dance
Sophia began singing at the age of three and immersed herself in multiple dance styles ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, and musical theatre, by the time she was five. This early training gave her versatility and stage presence that would later shine in Katseye.
2. Appearance on Family Feud Philippines
Before her international breakthrough, Sophia appeared as a contestant on Family Feud Philippines in 2022. This lighthearted television moment introduced her to a broader Filipino audience.
3. Academic Excellence
In 2021, Sophia graduated from the Multiple Intelligence International School with highest honors. She earned 10 awards and 7 medals, showing that her diligence extended beyond the stage and into academics.
4. Memorable Audition Song
Her audition piece for The Debut: Dream Academy was “Part of Your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The performance highlighted her emotional depth and vocal clarity, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and judges.
5. First Filipina Under HYBE
Sophia holds the distinction of being the first Filipina talent signed under HYBE, marking a milestone for Filipino representation in the K-pop-inspired global music scene.
6. Multilingual Abilities
Being fluent in both English and Tagalog, Sophia easily communicates with international fans. This skill further cements her role as one of Katseye’s strongest global representatives.
7. Personality in Three Words
She describes herself as hysterical, caring, and diligent. These qualities not only define her personality but also reflect how she leads her group with warmth, humor, and determination.
Career Journey and Early Beginnings
Sophia Laforteza’s career officially began when she was introduced as a contestant on The Debut: Dream Academy in August 2023. She quickly established herself as a fan favorite, ranking first in 62 countries during the voting stages. By November 2023, she was confirmed as one of the six final members of Katseye. Prior to this, Sophia had already immersed herself in performing arts through school plays and small public appearances, building the foundation for her idol career.
In 2024, Katseye made their debut with the single “Debut,” followed by “Touch,” which gained viral traction on TikTok. The group’s first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), was released in August 2024, while their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 in June 2025. Sophia’s leadership guided the group through rigorous performances, tours, and international campaigns.
Role and Contributions in Katseye
As the leader of Katseye, Sophia Laforteza carries the responsibility of guiding the team both on and off stage. Her background in music and dance allows her to contribute heavily to performances, often leading by example with her discipline and energy. She also plays an important role in maintaining group harmony, reflecting the group’s mission of being a multicultural and global girl group. With her Filipino heritage, Sophia adds to the group’s diversity, strengthening their global appeal.
Achievements and Notable Highlights
- Selected as the leader of Katseye after ranking first in international votes during The Debut: Dream Academy.
- Played a central role in Katseye’s successful debut singles “Debut” and “Touch,” with the latter going viral on TikTok.
- Guided the group through the release of SIS (Soft Is Strong) in 2024 and Beautiful Chaos in 2025, the latter debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
- Appeared in the Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: Katseye, which chronicled the group’s training and debut journey.
- Represented Katseye in global endorsements, including campaigns with Fendi, Glossier, Gap, Coach, and Jollibee.
- Performed at major international festivals such as Wango Tango 2025, Lollapalooza, and Summer Sonic.
- Contributed to Katseye’s first Billboard Hot 100 entry with the single “Gnarly” in 2025.
Sophia has also been recognized as one of the key reasons for Katseye’s strong leadership presence in the entertainment industry, balancing artistry with group management.
Sophia Laforteza’s story reflects determination, talent, and the ability to embrace diverse cultural influences. From her early years in Manila to leading Katseye on global stages, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. With a strong presence in both music and fashion, Sophia continues to shape her identity as a leader and artist. As Katseye’s success grows internationally, Sophia Laforteza’s name will remain at the forefront, symbolizing the spirit of a new generation of global performers.
