Honestly, if you've spent even five minutes watching KATSEYE interviews or scrolling through their TikTok, you already know the vibe. There is one member who basically holds the whole thing together. While some K-pop-style groups like to keep things "leaderless" to feel more Western, HYBE and Geffen Records didn't play that game here.
Sophia Laforteza is the official leader of KATSEYE. It wasn't a random choice. It wasn't just because she’s the oldest (though she is, born on December 31, 2002). During the Dream Academy finale back in November 2023, Sophia was the very first member announced for the lineup. She didn't just scrape by; she dominated the fan votes in 62 different countries. But being "the leader" in a global group like this is about way more than just being the first one called to the stage.
Why Sophia Laforteza was the only choice for leader
Kinda crazy to think about, but the other girls were basically calling her "leader" before the group even had a name. In the Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, you see the raw, messy reality of 20 girls competing for six spots. It was high-pressure. People were crying. Alliances were shifting.
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Sophia stayed steady.
She became the "Mama" of the group—a nickname her own mother, Filipino theater legend Carla Guevara Laforteza, actually uses for her because of how independent she is. During the show, 14 out of 16 contestants reportedly voted for Sophia as someone they wanted in their final group. That’s insane. It's one thing to be talented; it's another to have your direct competition wanting you as their captain.
The "Dream Anchor" role
Every KATSEYE member has a specific "Dream Charm" that represents their personality. Sophia’s is the Dream Anchor.
It’s literal. ⚓
She speaks English and Tagalog fluently, which helps her bridge the gap between the different cultural backgrounds of the members. You have Yoonchae from South Korea, Manon from Switzerland, and the American girls (Daniela, Lara, and Megan). When things get chaotic during rehearsals or press junkets, Sophia is usually the one stepping in to translate a vibe or smooth over a misunderstanding.
What does a leader actually do in a global group?
In a traditional K-pop group, the leader usually handles the "official" introductions and talks to the labels. In KATSEYE, it's a bit more nuanced. Because they are based in Los Angeles but trained like K-pop idols, Sophia’s job is a mix of mentor, spokesperson, and mediator.
- Handling the Press: Watch any interview from their SIS (Soft Is Strong) era. Sophia is almost always the one who takes the "big picture" questions. She’s polished, sure, but she also makes sure the quieter members like Yoonchae or Manon get their moment to speak.
- The Glue Factor: During the Beautiful Chaos era in 2025, the group's schedule became grueling. Being leader isn't just about the "Center" position in a dance formation; it's about checking in on everyone’s mental health when they're 15 hours into a music video shoot.
- Performance Quality: While Daniela and Megan are the heavy hitters for choreography, Sophia is often described as the "Lead Vocal" and "Lead Dancer" who keeps the group’s energy consistent. If she’s off, the group feels off.
Breaking down the KATSEYE hierarchy (sorta)
While Sophia is the undisputed leader, the group doesn't feel like a dictatorship. It’s more like a specialized squad.
Lara is the vocal powerhouse. She’s the one hitting the "how did she do that?" notes in songs like Touch or Gabriela. Daniela is the main dancer who basically lives in the studio. Then you have Manon, who is the "Visual" and "Center"—the girl whose face is on every other mood board. Megan is the "All-Rounder" who can do everything at a 10/10 level, and Yoonchae is the maknae (the youngest), bringing that specific Gen Alpha/Z energy that keeps them relevant.
But Sophia? She's the one who makes sure those five distinct, very loud personalities actually function as a unit.
The Filipino pride factor
You can't talk about Sophia being the leader without mentioning the Philippines. She’s the first Filipino artist to sign with a HYBE label. That is a massive deal.
When she visited Manila for the holidays at the end of 2025, it was basically a national event. Her leadership isn't just internal to the group; she’s leading a new wave of global idols who aren't bound by a single country. She carries that weight with a lot of grace, honestly. Even when she’s just posting about her dog Charlie or her obsession with BTS’s V, she knows she’s representing a whole demographic on the world stage.
What’s next for the leader?
As KATSEYE moves into 2026, the stakes are getting higher. They've already hit the Billboard charts and sold out North American tours. Sophia's role is shifting from "survival show winner" to "global executive of the stage."
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If you're a new EYEKON (that’s the fandom name, by the way), the best way to see her leadership in action is to look at the "behind the scenes" footage. Don't just watch the music videos. Watch the Vlogs. Look for the girl who is counting the beats for the others or the one who is making sure everyone has their water bottles.
That’s Sophia. That’s the leader.
Quick Takeaway for Fans:
If you need to win a trivia night, just remember: Sophia Laforteza isn't just the leader because she's the oldest; she's the leader because the group—and the judges—voted her as the person they trusted most to keep the "Anchor" from dragging.
To keep up with Sophia's leadership journey, you've gotta watch their latest live performances from the 2026 festival circuit. Pay attention to how she cues the group's transitions—it’s subtle, but once you see it, you can't unsee it.