Heeseung to Go Solo: ENHYPEN Member Signs New Path With BELIFT LAB, Fans Confused

K-pop fans were met with bad news today as BELIFT LAB, a subsidiary of HYBE Entertainment, has announced the departure of ENHYPEN’s eldest member, Heeseung. The announcement comes as a surprise, and many fans are questioning BELIFT’s motives.

BELIFT’s Statement

BELIFT LAB released a statement on Weverse in English regarding Heeseung’s departure: 

“Hello, this is BELIFT LAB.

We would like to express our gratitude toward ENGENE for their unwavering support for ENHYPEN and provide information on ENHYPEN’s future activities.

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.

As such, HEESEUNG will be parting ways with ENHYPEN, and ENHYPEN will continue official activities henceforth as a group of six members.

It’s difficult to relay the whole process through a short notice, but this decision comes 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.

ENHYPEN remains committed to sharing energetic performances with ENGENE. HEESEUNG will be preparing a solo album as an artist under BELIFT LAB.

We ask for ENGENE’s continued love and support for ENHYPEN and HEESEUNG as they start a new chapter of their journey.

Thank you.”

Fan Reaction

Unfortunately, K-pop fans are all too used to having beloved members leave their favorite group. Heeseung’s departure is quite sudden, though, and many fans want to know why Heeseung couldn’t stay with the group while also pursuing solo activities. 

K-Pop is known for allowing its artists to explore solo content while remaining a part of the group. Each member of labelmates BTS, for example, has released solo work between group comebacks, but they remain as seven as they prepare for their next album and tour. 

Heeseung’s Statement

Heesung personally addressed fans in Korean in a handwritten letter via Weverse:

“Hello, this is Heeseung.

First of all, I’m sure many ENGENE were surprised to hear the news about me, and I imagine many of you may have questions about the sudden news.. That’s why I wanted to speak directly to ENGENE.

The past six years have been filled with moments that are so overwhelming and precious that they’re hard to fully put into words. Thanks to the members with whom I shared countless emotions, and to ENGENE who always filled the empty spaces, I was able to take step after step toward a dream that once felt impossible to reach.

Those times will remain some of the most shining moments of my life that I will never forget. I want to be someone who never forgets those moments and continues to support ENHYPEN more than anyone else.

While sharing the work I’ve created with the company, I spent a long time discussing with many people about the best way to present it. After thinking deeply for a long time, I made a big decision to follow the direction suggested by the company so that I can approach ENGENE with a better side of myself.

As you know, I’ve been continuing my personal projects and have spent a lot of time hoping that I could show them to ENGENE one day. There were so many things I wanted to show you, but I also didn’t want to put my own ambitions ahead of the team.

I know about the worries and many conversations that have been going around. I’m preparing diligently so that I can meet you all again as soon as possible. My wish to return and greet you with a better version of myself is completely sincere.

Because ENGENE have always given endless love and support to someone like me who still has so many shortcomings, I also feel very sorry knowing that you may be surprised and worried. But I believe you feel this way because of how much you care about me. I will continue running ahead while keeping the abundant love that ENGENE have given me engraved deep in my heart.

ENGENE, thank you and I love you.”

ENHYPEN’s Formation and Future

ENHYPEN was formed on the 2020 survival show “I-LAND.” All seven members of ENHYPEN competed on the show. Heeseung placed fifth in the competition and was added to the final lineup, taking his place as a main vocalist and the eldest member.

In January, ENHYPEN released their latest album, THE SIN: VANISH, featuring the lead single “Knife.” The album has attracted attention for ENHYPEN’s commitment to their well-established vampire concept.

Fans are sure to be disappointed by Heeseung’s departure, but ENGENE’s will likely continue to support the six remaining members of the powerhouse boy group.