Sophia Laforteza

“A real star ⭐ never lets any other star dim its light” ~ sophiathepurse💟

Katseye Sophia at Target

Sophia Laforteza

Leader of Katseye
Photo: @sophia_laforteza/Instagram

All about Sophia

Who is Sophia?

Sophia Laforteza is the leader of KATSEYE, a global pop girl group formed through The Debut: Dream Academy, which debuted on June 28, 2024, under the collaboration of HYBE and Geffen Records.

As the leader, she plays a critical role in guiding the group and maintaining its cohesion.

Sophia Laforteza’s full name is Sophia Elizabeth G. Laforteza. She was almost named Phoebe, but her mother eventually chose the name Sophia Elizabeth.

Sophia Laforteza’s nicknames are Sophie, Fifi, and Sopheezy.

Sophia Laforteza’s birthday is on December 31, 2002.

Sophia Laforteza just turned 22 years old today. She was born on December 31, 2002.

Sophia Laforteza was born in Queens, New York, United States and was raised in Manila, Philippines.

Sophia Laforteza’s nationality is Filipino. Despite being born in Queens, New York, both of her parents are Filipino, making her fully of Filipino descent. According to her recent DNA test, she is 99.9% Filipino.

Sophia Laforteza is reported to have a height of approximately 168 cm, which is equivalent to 5 feet 6 inches.

Sophia Laforteza’s zodiac sign in Western astrology is Capricorn, as she was born on December 31, 2002. Capricorns are known for their ambition, discipline, and practical approach to life, often setting high goals and working hard to achieve them.

In Korean/Chinese astrology, she was born in the Year of the Horse (2002). People born under the Horse sign are energetic, independent, and sociable, often thriving in dynamic environments and valuing their freedom.

Sophia Laforteza’s MBTI type is ENFP, which stands for Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. This type is often characterized as enthusiastic, creative, and sociable

Katseye Sophia wearing black leather jacket at Weekly Idol

Sophia at a Korean show, Weekly Idol.
Video/Photo: @ALLTHEKPOP/Youtube

Sophia's Favorites

What is Sophia's Favorite Color?

Sophia Laforteza’s favorite color is PINK.

As an ENFP, Sophia may be drawn to pink due to its association with warmth, creativity, and positivity—traits that align with her vibrant and outgoing personality.

Sophia has revealed that one of her favorite dishes is the traditional Filipino soup Sinigang, along with her love for butterscotch blondies as a sweet treat​.

Sophia’s favorite artists include Ariana Grande, who she admires for her versatility in both musical theater and pop, as well as V from BTS and Huh Yunjin from LE SSERAFIM, whom she considers role models in the KPOP industry.

Sophia’s favorite TV shows include Modern Family, which she considers her comfort show, and Hannah Montana, a childhood favorite​.

Sophia has shared in an interview that her favorite movie is Mamma Mia, and she mentioned in one of her live streams that she loves Tangled, reflecting her passion for musicals and Disney movies.

Sophia’s go-to karaoke song is “Mamma Mia” by ABBA.

Sophia Laforteza has shared that if she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to fly, inspired by her vivid and exhilarating dreams of soaring through the sky​

Katseye Sophia wearing blue denim dress at MCountdown

Sophia performing "Touch" at M Countdown
Video/Photo: @@MnetM2/Youtube

Inner Circle

Who is Sophia's father?

Sophia’s dad is Godfrey Laforteza, an accomplished executive chef of Casa Buenas in Newport World Resorts, Manila. Known for his exceptional culinary skills, Godfrey has built a strong reputation in the food industry, balancing a successful career while supporting his family.

In addition to his culinary background, Godfrey was also a former dancer, contributing to the artistic atmosphere in Sophia’s upbringing. His blend of creativity in both food and the arts, alongside his wife’s musical influence, has played a key role in shaping Sophia’s artistic journey.

Katseye Sophia's dad Chef Godfrey with Philippine First Lady Attorney Liza Araneta-Marcos

Chef Godfrey with Philippine First Lady Attorney Liza Araneta-Marcos
Photo: @chefgodfrey_laforteza/Instagram

Sophia’s mom is Carla Guevara Laforteza, a renowned Filipino singer and actress best known for her portrayal of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. Carla has had a successful career in musical theater and television, making her a prominent figure in the Philippine entertainment industry. Her achievements and reputation have undoubtedly shaped Sophia’s upbringing and exposure to the performing arts.

In the Netflix documentary Popstar Academy: KATSEYE, Sophia opened up about the challenges of being the daughter of a well-known performer. She shared that joining KATSEYE is a personal achievement that she can proudly claim as her own.

Katseye Sophia's mom Carla Guevara-Laforteza won the Philippine Leaf Award


Photo: @carlaguevaraofficial/Instagram

Sophia has two brothers: an older brother named Bailey Laforteza and a younger brother named Oreo Laforteza.

Sophia is the only daughter and the middle child of her family.

Katseye Sophia with her two brothers


Photo: @chefgodfrey_laforteza/Instagram

Sophia has a dog Chow Chow named Chanel and a cat named Yoonchae.

Sophia Laforteza has many close friends, including Lorin Gabriella Bektas, the daughter of Turkish business tycoon Yilmaz Bektas and Filipina actress Ruffa Gutierrez. Ruffa is a prominent actress and former beauty queen, while Yilmaz Bektas is the founder and CEO of Bektas Group, a multinational company involved in several industries, including real estate, petroleum, diamonds, and communications.

Another close friend of Sophia is Leon Barretto, the younger brother of Julia Barretto, a well-known Filipina actress recognized for her roles in television dramas and films. Sophia and Leon attended Multiple Intelligence International School together, where they developed a close friendship. While Sophia and Leon share a strong bond, there has been no confirmation that Leon is her best friend or boyfriend.

In KATSEYE, Sophia Laforteza is particularly close with Yoonchae, Megan, and Lara, having developed strong friendships through their shared journey in the group. Their bond deepened as they faced intense training and experiences together.

During her time in Dream Academy, Sophia also formed close connections with Marquise, Iliya, and Nayoung, with Iliya and Nayoung being her roommates during their trainee days.

Katseye Sophia High School graduation photo at MIIS

Sophia High School graduation photo
Photo: @chefgodfrey_laforteza/Instagram

Achievements

Where did Sophia graduate from high school?

Sophia Laforteza graduated with distinction from Multiple Intelligence International School in June 2021, where she pursued the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) track. She consistently demonstrated academic excellence, achieving High to Highest Honors, equivalent to grades between 95% and 100%—placing her among the top students in her class.

Katseye Sophia with her Academic awards


Photo: @chefgodfrey_laforteza/Instagram

Sophia’s exceptional academic performance was matched by her numerous accolades. Sophia was awarded prestigious medals for Communication Arts, Multiple Intelligence, Mentorship, Social Science, Teens Can! Award, Arts and Subject Excellence Award, along with an Honorable Mention.

She also received certificates for Leadership and for maintaining High to Highest Honors throughout all quarters of her senior year. Furthermore, she was recognized with the coveted MIIS Make a Difference Award, celebrating her dedication not only to academics but also to her leadership and impact within the school community.

Sophia Laforteza has participated in charitable initiatives centered on mental health, collaborating with her friends to raise awareness and provide support for this important cause.

Sophia auditioned for global girl group under Hybe and Geffen. She auditioned among 120,000 other females.

There are three classifications: vocalist, dancer, and star quality. She auditioned as vocalist, and her audition song was Part of Your World, from the  Little Mermaid Disney movie.

She was then picked as one of 20 females to take part in Dream Academy’s survival show.

Katseye Sophia at Hybe HQ during The Debut: Dream Academy


Photo: @chefgodfrey_laforteza/Instagram

Sophia ranked first in the survival show, The Debut: Dream Academy.

Sophia consistently ranked No. 1 in votes from 67 countries out of 186. She was among the top performers during their trainee days.

Sophia's Parents

Katseye Sophia's dad Chef Godfrey Laforteza at Casa Buenas Newport World Resorts

Basilio GodFrey D. Laforteza III

Father, Renowned Executive Chef

Carla Guevara wearing a red dress and holding her Aliw Award for Best Actress in a Musical

Carla Guevara-Laforteza

Mother, Award-winning Theater Singer and Actress

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