Heeseung has shocked fans by announcing that he is leaving ENHYPEN to pursue a solo career. The oldest member and central figure of the group will part ways six years after his debut. HYBE’s subsidiary, BELIFT LAB, confirmed the decision on March 10 through an official statement.
According to the agency, the decision came after “in-depth discussions with each of the members about the future they envision and the direction of the team.”
The agency further dished on Heeseung’s departure, “It became clear that Heeseung has his own distinct musical vision, and we have decided to respect it.”
BELIFT LAB emphasized that this was not a hasty choice but one made after a long period of “extensive deliberation.” The company acknowledged that the news might be difficult for fans, known as ENGENE, saying, “We hope you understand that this decision was made for the future of ENHYPEN and Heeseung.”
Shortly after the announcement, Heeseung personally addressed fans through a handwritten letter posted on Weverse. He reflected on the past six years with ENHYPEN, saying, “Six years was a time filled with moments that were overwhelming and precious beyond words.”
Heeseung thanked fellow members with whom he shared “countless emotions” and ENGENEs, “who always filled the empty spaces.”
Heeseung revealed that he had been working on personal music projects for a long time, hoping to one day share them. However, he grappled with the desire not to prioritize his own ambitions over the team. The 24-year-old K-pop star said he never wanted to put his ambitions ahead of the team.
After lengthy conversations with the company, he made the “big decision” to follow the suggested path so he could approach ENGENE in a “better form.” He ended the letter with a promise: “I’m working hard to prepare so I can meet you all again as soon as possible.”
The decision naturally raises questions about why Heeseung could not simply promote solo activities while remaining a member of the group. However, ENHYPEN’s demanding schedule likely played a major role in the final outcome. The group regularly participates in international tours, comebacks, and global promotions. It leaves limited time for members to fully develop separate projects with a distinct artistic direction.
Following his departure, ENHYPEN will continue their activities as a six-member group. The remaining members, Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, are expected to continue promotions together.
The group has remained highly successful in recent years. In January, ENHYPEN released their seventh mini album, “THE SIN: VANISH,” which became their fourth album to sell over two million copies. Just last month, they also attended the 2026 D Awards, where they received the grand prize for Artist of the Year.
While Heeseung will no longer promote with the group, he will remain under BELIFT LAB as a solo artist. The agency confirmed that he is currently preparing a solo album using music he has been developing over time.
