How KATSEYE’s Sophia Keeps Her Identity Beyond the Limelight
Have you ever heard the line, “But you’ve been so outta touch, touch, touch, touch, touch”? Or perhaps “Love me once I know you’ll love me twice… Love me once the naughty turns to nice” once popped up on your TikTok For You Page? Well, these are just some of the music releases by KATSEYE, a six-piece global girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records—a joint venture between a South Korean entertainment company and an American label.
Through Netflix’s Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, the group began gaining attention across the globe. Coming from different corners of the world, each member brings a diverse cultural background—among them is Filipina artist Sophia Laforteza. Proud of her roots, she has been consistently vocal about her identity and her deep connection to the Philippines.
An avid fan of Sinigang
There were so many times when Sophia mentioned her fondness for Sinigang. On a Toca Boca live stream, one member of KATSEYE asked what cultural food they would bring to a slumber party. Sophia replied, “Sinigang” without hesitation.
Sinigang is well-known for its sour and savory soup native to the Philippines. It is usually prepared with pork ribs, vegetables, and tamarind-flavored broth that is perfect for cold weather.
Her being a Sinigang lover appeared more evident to Eyekons, KATSEYE’s official fandom name, when Pokimane, an online streamer and YouTuber, hosted a mukbang with the group.
The streamer prepared delicacies from the members’ respective home countries, which include Sinigang. Fans noticed how Sophia was completely focused on eating Sinigang while the other members were busy answering some questions. Sinigang really is Sophia’s comfort food.
Jollibee remains her all-time favorite
Jollibee has become part of many Filipinos’ childhood memories—and Sophia is among those who continue to seek the comfort, joy, and nostalgia that it brings.
In a Billboard News interview with KATSEYE, Sophia shared how she grew up on Jollibee. She mentioned that she would have it almost every single week with her family. “It was so accessible and never disappointing,” Sophia noted. When the group had to do promotions and mall shows in the Philippines just a year ago, she even specifically requested Jollibee for their meals.
Sophia’s sweet spot for Filipino snacks
Filipino snacks, known as merienda, usually include savory and sweet options. During the group’s interview at the GRAMMY Museum, Sophia mentioned how much she misses Otap—and even described it.
Otap is an oval-shaped, flaky, and sugar-dusted Filipino puff pastry often enjoyed with coffee.
Another instance where Sophia’s love for Filipino goodies shone through was when she introduced the other members to “Mik-Mik” and “Jackfruit (Langka) candy.” Mik-Mik and Jackfruit (Langka) are some of the well-beloved childhood snacks in the Philippines.
Back in the Emo era
In one of KATSEYE’s viral TikTok videos, Sophia was seen portraying an emo background character. Fans found the clip humorous, but beyond the laughter—the clip shows that Sophia has never lost touch with Filipino trends and culture.
The emo era in the Philippines was a subcultural phenomenon that peaked during the mid-2000s. People used to see this era as an outlet to express emotional vulnerability through both music and fashion, which feature dark color palettes and edgy clothing styles.
Filipino language on the global stage
Despite the fact that Sophia has been working and living overseas for years, the pop star still manages to bring the Filipino language to the fore. What’s even more heartwarming is that she also teaches the members some Filipino phrases and words, including “Nakakapagpabagabag.”
Nakakapagpabagabag is a long Filipino word, which means worry, trouble, or something that causes anxiety or agitation.
And just when the group won their first Moon trophy at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) for “Push Performance of the Year,” Sophia passionately ended her speech with “Maraming salamat, Eyekons!”
No doubt, we surely love a pop star who is not afraid to embrace her origins—someone whose heart remains grounded.
Even as Sophia’s name rises to global fame, she never forgets who she truly is. No matter how bright the spotlight shines, Sophia carries her Filipino identity with heartfelt pride and grace.
