ENHYPEN’s Heeseung Leaves to Pursue Solo Career

South Korean singer-songwriter Heeseung is parting ways with Enhypen, the group’s label Belift Lab announced.

The news was shared in a statement posted across the group’s social media channels, where the label said the decision followed extensive discussions about the group’s future direction and the singer’s individual musical ambitions.

The 24-year-old, who was the eldest member of the group, is preparing a solo album and will continue on under the label as a solo artist, according to the statement. 

The company said the decision came after they spoke with each member about their thoughts on the future.

“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 statement reads. “As such, Heeseung will be parting ways with Enhypen.”

The group will continue official activities as a six-member outfit, consisting of of members Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki.

Heeseung took to the group’s Weverse community to share a message with fans about the news. “The past six years have been filled with moments that are difficult to put into words — moments that were overwhelmingly meaningful and incredibly precious to me,” Heeseung says in the official translation provided by the label.

“Sharing so many emotions with the members, and having Engenes always there to support us, helped me move closer, step by step, to a dream that once felt out of reach. I truly believe none of this would have been possible without you,” he continues. “Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life. I will never forget them, and I want to continue supporting Enhypen as someone who will always cheer them on.”

The rest of Heeseung’s statement reads, “Over time, I shared the work I had been creating with the company, and we spent a long time discussing with many people how it might best be presented. After thinking deeply about it for a long time, I ultimately made a big decision in line with the direction that was discussed, in hopes of returning to you in a better way. As many of you know, I have continued working on personal projects, dedicating a lot of time to them with the hope that one day I could share them with you. There were so many things I wanted to show you, but at the same time, I didn’t want my own ambitions to come before the team. I’m aware of the concerns and many conversations surrounding this, and I’m working hard to prepare so I can meet you again soon. My sincere hope is to return to you with an even better version of myself. Engenes have always shown endless love and support to someone who still has so much to learn, and because I know how surprising and worrying this news may feel, I also feel truly sorry. At the same time, I understand that these feelings come from how much you care about me. I will carry the love Engenes have given me in my heart as I move forward. Engenes, thank you, and I love you.”

Hailing from Korean entertainment company Belift Lab (a subsidiary of entertainment conglomerate Hybe), Enhypen was formed through the music survival series I-Land. The series, a joint venture between Hybe and Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM, aired on the CJ ENM-owned channel Mnet in South Korea. Enhypen’s latest album, The Sin: Vanish, debuted at No. 2 on on the Billboard 200 chart.