Sophia Laforteza. Image: X/@dreamacademyhq
Sophia Laforteza is set to debut as a member of KATSEYE, a six-member global girl project of HYBE and Geffen Records, following the finale of “The Debut: Dream Academy.”
Laforteza was confirmed as the first member of KATSEYE during the survival show’s final episode which was aired on HYBE Labels’ YouTube channel on Saturday, Nov. 18.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIRST MEMBER OF KATSEYE 🔥
Filipina trainee Sophia Laforteza was announced as the first member of KATSEYE, which is the global girl group project of South Korean label HYBE and U.S. label Geffen Records. | 📷: HYBE LABELS/Youtube via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/eWySaDt6vT
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) November 18, 2023
She will be joined by Lara Rajagopalan (US), Jeong Yoon-chae (South Korea), Megan Meiyok Skiendiel (US), Daniela Avanzini (US) and Manon Bannerman (Switzerland).
Dreams have officially become a reality ✨ Introducing your newest global girl group: #KATSEYE pic.twitter.com/eaZSzv0OoW
— The Debut: Dream Academy (@dreamacademyhq) November 18, 2023
The Filipina, who was visibly emotional after the announcement, expressed her gratitude to her fans when she was called on stage with her bandmates. “I can’t even put it into words but I’ve worked so hard to be here.”
“I appreciate everybody who has voted for me and has been supporting me since day one—my family, friends and my Sonnies,” she continued. “Even for everyone involved in this project and for allowing me to grow.”
Based on the results, Laforteza topped the show’s early and live voting polls with 84,667 and 15,931 entries, respectively.
She also emerged as the top pick with the overall score of 88.33 based on fan votes and the judges’ score, per the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) page.
The results are in! A thank you to the amazing fans for your unwavering support! 🌟 #DreamFinale #DREAMACADEMYHQ #HYBE #GEFFEN #드림아카데미 pic.twitter.com/5PBjTwIvet
— The Debut: Dream Academy (@dreamacademyhq) November 18, 2023
Laforteza’s mother, theater and TV actress Carla Guevara, appeared to be overjoyed with the results, as she was seen rejoicing over the former’s standing in the show.
A video of Guevara’s reaction was screen-recorded by a fan account going by the username @SOPHIAGLOBAL2 on X.
231118 | #SOPHIA’S PARENTS WHEN SHE BECAME THE FIRST MEMBER FOR #KATSEYE 😭#SOPHIALAFORTEZA #소피아 #DREAMACADEMY #DREAMACADEMYHQ pic.twitter.com/1HqgIk0tH3
— SOPHIA GLOBAL (@SOPHIAGLOBAL2) November 18, 2023
Guevara also congratulated her daughter on her X account.
PARA SA PANGARAP…. PHILIPPINES!!! 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🌎🌎🌎 @sophialaforteza @dreamacademyhq #KATSEYE#SONNIES
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! 🙌🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8IwhqTMQSS— Carla Guevara Laforteza (@carlaguev) November 18, 2023
Laforteza is considered as one of the frontrunners of “The Debut: Dream Academy” prior to its finale, as she maintained her top rank throughout all the stages of the competition.
According to Korean media, KATSEYE will debut sometime in 2024. Details on their concept, members’ positions, and album are yet to be revealed as of this writing.