Heeseung, a member of seven-member boy band ENHYPEN, is leaving the group to pursue a solo career. The sudden announcement drew intense attention from fans, and Heeseung has now shared his own statement.
Belift Lab said in an official notice on the 10th that the company had been discussing ENHYPEN’s future direction and next goals. It said it held in-depth conversations about each member’s individual plans and the group’s trajectory, and that those discussions made clear Heeseung’s distinct musical direction — a path the company decided to respect.
Accordingly, Belift Lab announced that Heeseung will pursue activities independently from ENHYPEN, and that the group will continue as a six-member unit for upcoming official schedules.
On the same day, Heeseung posted a handwritten letter on the fan community platform Weverse to address fans directly. He opened the note, “I know many of you must be curious about this sudden news.”
Reflecting on his time with ENHYPEN, Heeseung wrote, “These six years were filled with moments so overwhelming and precious that words fall short.” He thanked the members with whom he shared countless emotions and praised ENGENE for always filling the spaces they left, saying their support helped him take step after step toward a dream that once felt out of reach.
“Those times will remain among the brightest moments I will never forget,” he added, expressing gratitude to both the group and the fans.
Heeseung said he had shared the work he’s been developing with the company and spent a long time discussing the best way to present it. After careful consideration, he decided to follow the direction the company proposed so he could show fans a stronger side of himself.
He also revealed that he has devoted a great deal of time to solo work to bring new music to fans. “There were many things I wanted to show, but I didn’t want to let personal ambition come before the team,” he wrote.
Aware of fans’ concerns and mixed reactions, he promised, “I’m preparing to meet you again as soon as possible,” and emphasized that his wish to return in a better place is sincere.
He closed the letter by saying he will carry the great love ENGENE has given him in his heart as he moves forward.
▼ ENHYPEN: A boy group formed through a survival program
ENHYPEN is a boy group under Belift Lab, the joint label of HYBE and CJ ENM. The group was formed through Mnet’s 2020 survival program I-LAND and officially debuted that same year with members selected on the show.
ENHYPEN began activities in November 2020 with their first mini-album, BORDER : DAY ONE. They promoted the debut single “Given-Taken” on music shows and live stages, and have continued to release albums and perform since then.
The group’s name is inspired by the punctuation mark “hyphen (-).” Like a hyphen that links different words to create new meaning, the name symbolizes members coming together, connecting and growing as one.
The fandom name is ENGENE, combining ENHYPEN with “engine” to represent the driving force behind the members’ activities and growth. Since their debut, ENHYPEN have engaged with fans through album releases, concerts and a variety of activities.
