Enhypen’s Heeseung Leaves K-pop Group, Working on Solo Album

Heeseung is leaving the K-pop Enhypen and will be pursuing a solo career.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 10, by Belift Lab, Hybe’s sub-label, which said that after “much thought and consideration” into Enhypen’s goals and discussions with each member “about the future they envision,” it became clear that Heeseung has “his own distinct musical vision and we have decided to respect it.”

Enhypen will continue as a six-member act and Heeseung will be working on a solo album under Belift Lab. In his own statement, Heeseung addressed his departure in a letter to the group’s loyal fandom, Engene.

“I wanted to tell engenes in person,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “For me, six years was a time filled with moments that were overwhelming and precious beyond words.” Heeseung thanked his bandmates for their “countless emotions” and fans, adding, “I want to be the one who continues to support ENHYPEN more than anyone else.”

He continued, “After thinking about it for a long time, I made a big decision to approach ENGENE in a better way according to the direction the company suggested.” The singer said that he has been focusing on “personal work.”

“There were a lot of things I wanted to show, but I also didn’t want to put my greed ahead of the team,” said the artist. “I will prepare hard to meet you again as soon as possible.”

Before ending his letter, Heeseung once again acknowledged the impact his fans have had on him throughout his career. “As it was an engine that always gave me constant love and affection for me, I feel sorry for knowing the feelings of surprise and concern,” he said. “I think that’s how much you care about me. … I will be the one who runs with what ENGENE have given us so far in mind.”

Heeseung’s departure marks the first lineup change for Enhypen since its debut as a group in 2020 after being formed through the competition show, I-Land. The group’s latest project, mini album The Sin : Vanish, released in January.