KATSEYE’s Sophia Says Her INXS Cover for ‘Forgotten Island’ Is ‘The Most Sophia Thing I Could Do’

The singer, currently on hiatus from the global girl group, was drawn to the animated film's themes of Filipino culture & friendship. Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 2 on April 18, 2026 in Indio, California. Christopher Polk/Billboard Trending on Billboard Even though Sophia Laforteza is temporarily taking a step back from KATSEYE, she’s still giving fans a glimpse of the girl behind the group. The singer is currently on a hiatus from KATSEYE activities as of August in order to focus on her well-being. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, a different side of Sophia will be arriving on the big screen — and, fittingly, it comes through a song that she considers personal. Sophia contributes a reimagined version of INXS‘ “Never Tear Us Apart” — a top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1988 — to DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, which is now available on the film’s newly released soundtrack. The song — credited to Sophia of KATSEYE — plays during an emotional moment between the movie’s two best friends, which makes the scene shine with themes of connection and loyalty. When presented with the assignment, Sophia didn’t just see it as a regular gig. She saw it as an opportunity to showcase her individuality and pride for her culture. “When I was told I was going to be a part of this project, I remember thinking, ‘This is the most Sophia thing I could do,’ as one of the first things I do on my own,” she says in a behind-the-scenes clip from the recording session. Forgotten Island touches on many of the things Sophia holds close, making it almost a no-brainer to participate in the film. The animation explores her Filipino culture, family, friendship, celebrating women and staying connected to where you come from. “My culture, celebrating women, family, friendship,” Sophia says. “For me, friendship is one of the most beautiful journeys you can go on in life.” The timing also gives the track an interesting place in Sophia’s KATSEYE journey. After KATSEYE’s explosive rise over the past two years — including a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 with their third EP, WILD, and seven career appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 — Sophia’s soundtrack contribution is a rare opportunity to hear her outside the group’s usual pop framework. Her absence from KATSEYE’s current endeavors has made this release exciting, since fans haven’t seen Sophia involved in any of the group’s promotional activities since this summer. HYBE x Geffen had announced that Sophia would temporarily step away from the group, stating that she needed dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care following consultations with medical professionals. She subsequently sat out KATSEYE’s European and U.K. WILDWORLD tour dates, with no telling when she might return. Forgotten Island, which hits theaters on Friday, follows childhood best friends Jo and Raissa as they journey to the mysterious island of Nakali, where their memories and friendship are put to the test. The soundtrack brings together an impressive lineup of Filipino and Filipino-American talent, including BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Ruby Ibarra and Sophia herself. Watch the full behind-the-scenes recording studio clip below. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up