Sophia Laforteza Recorded Cover for Forgotten Island

The KATSEYE member released a solo version of Never Tear Us Apart for the new film soundtrack.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Ballads/Romantic

Sophia Laforteza Recorded Cover for Forgotten Island

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Would you listen to solo music from a group member currently on a professional hiatus?

Sophia Laforteza has released a cover of the classic track Never Tear Us Apart, which serves as a contribution to the official soundtrack for the film Forgotten Island. This solo project marks a return to the public sphere for Laforteza, who has been on a hiatus from her group KATSEYE since August 2026.

Why it matters

Laforteza chose this specific project because the film centers on themes of Filipino culture, family, and friendship. The release represents a deliberate creative pivot while she continues her absence from the group's performance schedule.

The original Never Tear Us Apart reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. KATSEYE has previously achieved seven total appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 and a number one position on the Billboard 200 with their EP WILD.

The players

Sophia Laforteza

She is a member of the global pop group KATSEYE who has been on medical hiatus since August 2026.

KATSEYE

This pop group has achieved significant success with seven Billboard Hot 100 appearances and a number one Billboard 200 EP.

The details

Recorded outside of her standard pop framework, the track plays during a pivotal scene featuring the film's two main protagonists. Forgotten Island features a cast and creative team primarily composed of Filipino and Filipino-American artists.

1988 saw the original release of the song reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 10.
August 2026 marked the beginning of Laforteza's hiatus from KATSEYE activities.
September 25, 2026 is the date Forgotten Island arrives in theaters.

Industry Dynamics

This release follows the ongoing pattern of pop idols balancing group obligations with solo creative ventures that align with their cultural heritage. It highlights how artists utilize film soundtracks to maintain public visibility while managing hiatuses from demanding world tour schedules.

Fans can hear the new cover version by listening to the official soundtrack as the film hits theaters nationwide. The song provides listeners with a chance to engage with Laforteza's vocal work while she remains off the road from group tours.

The takeaway

Laforteza's solo contribution highlights how artists can sustain their creative output during medical or professional hiatuses. Audiences can look for similar cross-media collaborations as a way to support artists during their off-tour periods.