The upcoming sold-out world tour for the K-pop group KATSEYE is facing potential cancellation due to multiple members taking extended leave for health reasons. The group, which originally debuted with six members, is now down to three active participants, raising fan concerns about the viability of their "Wildworld" arena tour, scheduled to begin September 1 in Dublin.
Member Manon Bannerman has been on hiatus for health reasons since February 20. Sophia Laforteza began a personal health and wellness hiatus on August 7. Most recently, Megan Skiendiel sprained her ankle during rehearsal, forcing the group to withdraw from a performance at Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields music festival. Skiendiel stated she is recovering and expects to be ready for the tour.
Laforteza's condition will be reassessed in early September, with her mother telling Vogue Philippines that she has been focusing on her mental well-being, visiting Disneyland daily and engaging in activities like baking and painting. It remains unclear if she will participate in the tour.
The current lineup consists of Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, and Yoonchae Jeung. Fans have expressed worry on social media that the tour might proceed with only three members or be entirely called off.
Despite these lineup challenges, KATSEYE has achieved significant commercial success. Their recent EP "Wild" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 170,000 copies and marking the biggest U.S. debut for a girl group since Danity Kane in 2008. The EP also produced hits like "Animal" and "Hootie Frutti" on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group's biggest hit, "Gabriela," reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination.
KATSEYE was formed in 2023 through the reality competition series "Dream Academy." The group has previously spoken about the pressures of fame, with Lara Raj revealing in November of the previous year that they hired a therapist to help navigate the spotlight and death threats.
The "Wildworld" tour is slated to include dates in Dublin, London, across Europe, followed by stops in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.