Sophia Laforteza spotted with rumored BF Leon Barretto amid hiatus — reports

KATSEYE leader Sophia Laforteza was reportedly spotted at Disneyland with her rumored boyfriend, Leon Barretto, amid her temporary break from the global girl group.

A photo of the two at Disneyland was shared online by a park guest on a Facebook group page, who said it was taken on Aug. 16. Laforteza and Barretto were seen seated together on the Space Mountain ride in Tomorrowland. The photo quickly went viral online.

“Hi, just sharing a photo of my daughters from this Sunday, the 16th, riding Space Mountain with Sophia from KATSEYE,” wrote the guest. “We happened to meet her while waiting in line, and she was so sweet. She chatted with them and gave them a hug. It was such a wonderful experience.”

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sophia spotted at disney land living it up while on hiatus but you’ll never catch management trying to erase her or those girls shading her.. yet when it’s manon who was FORCED on hiatus, she’s lazy and needs to #showup pic.twitter.com/ae8TPcEzUu

— big ceo (@korysverse) August 19, 2026

However, some netizens questioned whether the photo was actually taken on Aug. 16, pointing out that Barretto had posted a photo from Disneyland on Instagram on July 22, wearing what appeared to be the same shirt as the one in the newly circulated photo.

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As of writing, the actual date of the photo has not been independently verified. The pair has also not commented on the viral photo. 

READ: Leon Barretto, Sophia Laforteza enjoy theme park day amid dating rumors

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A post shared by Leon Barretto (@theleonbarretto)

The latest sighting comes less than two weeks after Laforteza announced that she would temporarily step back from KATSEYE activities to focus on her mental health and well-being.

HYBE and Geffen Records said on August 7 that Sophia had been advised by medical professionals to take an extended period of rest. Her condition is expected to be reassessed in September. 

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Laforteza told fans that the decision to step away was difficult but that she was learning that “health has to come first.”

“I’m realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long,” she wrote.

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Laforteza is the second KATSEYE member to take a hiatus this year, following Manon Bannerman’s break in February.

KATSEYE was formed through the 2023 reality competition “The Debut: Dream Academy.” Laforteza, who represented the Philippines, emerged as the competition’s top finisher and became the group’s leader.

The group debuted in 2024 and has since gained international recognition with songs including “Touch,” “Gnarly,” and “Gabriela.”

Meanwhile, Laforteza and Barretto have been linked romantically for years. The two have known each other since childhood and attended prom together in 2020. Barretto was also present at the girl group member’s 23rd birthday celebration in December.

The pair’s dating rumors intensified in January after Barretto shared photos from a Hong Kong Disneyland trip that included Laforteza. Both were traveling with their respective families at the time.

Leon is the only son of former couple Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla and the younger brother of actress Julia Barretto. His other siblings include Dani, Claudia, and Erich Barretto. 

Leon has consistently shown support for Laforteza, most recently when he attended Coachella in April, where KATSEYE performed. He later shared a message expressing his pride in the singer.

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However, as of writing, the pair has not publicly confirmed that they are in a relationship.