K-pop boy group ENHYPEN has confirmed that member Heeseung will be leaving the group to pursue a solo career.
Fans were left surprised on March 10 after the group’s agency, BELIFT LAB, released an official statement announcing that Heeseung would part ways with the band.
“BELIFT LAB has given much thought and consideration into ENHYPEN’s future direction and goals. Through in-depth discussions with each of the members about the future they envision and the direction of the team, it became clear that Heeseung has his own distinct musical vision and we have decided to respect it,” the company said.
With the change, ENHYPEN will continue its activities as a six-member group, while Heeseung prepares for his solo debut under the same agency.
BELIFT LAB acknowledged that the announcement may come as a surprise to fans but emphasized that the decision was reached after “extensive deliberation.”
“We understand that this news is a lot to process and may be received with mixed reactions. Nevertheless, we hope you understand that this decision was made for the future of ENHYPEN and Heeseung,” it added.
The agency doubled down on their response to fans’ concern on why Heeseung could not pursue both solo and group activities.
Through an interview with Billboard, BELIFT LAB further explained (published as is): “We concluded that allowing HEESEUNG to focus fully on his career as a solo artist, rather than pursuing solo activities within the team, would be the most fulfilling approach for both ENHYPEN and HEESEUNG.”
Following the announcement, Heeseung addressed his fellow members and the group’s fandom, ENGENE, through a handwritten letter posted on the fan platform Weverse.
“The six years I’ve spent have been filled with moments so overwhelming and precious that it’s hard to fully put them into words. Thanks to the members who shared countless emotions with me and to all of you ENGENE who always filled every empty space with your support, I was able to take step after step toward a dream that once felt impossible to reach,” he wrote.
“Those times will remain as some of the brightest moments of my life. I will never forget those moments, and I want to continue being someone who supports ENHYPEN more than anyone else.”
Heeseung also shared that he had long been working on personal projects, which he had thoroughly discussed with the company on how to present them to fans without putting his own desires ahead of the group.
“After thinking deeply about it for a long time, I made a big decision to follow the direction the company suggested so that I can return to ENGENE with an even better version of myself,” he said. “There were so many things I wanted to share, but I also didn’t want to push forward only my own desires within the team.”
The singer assured fans that he hopes to meet them again soon through his solo activities.
“I’m well aware of your concerns and the many things being said. I’m working hard to prepare so that I can meet you again as soon as possible. My desire to come back and greet you with a better version of myself is completely sincere,” he promised fans.
Heeseung further acknowledged ENGENE’s shock from the news, saying, “I also feel very sorry knowing how surprised and worried you must be. But I believe those feelings come from the care and interest you have shown me.”
“I will keep moving forward with the great love you have given me engraved in my heart. ENGENE! Thank you, and I love you,” his letter concluded.
ENHYPEN debuted in 2020 after being formed through the idol survival show I-LAND and quickly rose to global popularity with hit releases and international tours.
