ENHYPEN's main vocalist, Heeseung, is leaving the K-pop group to pursue a solo career while remaining under agency BELIFT LAB, the label announced this week.
In a statement posted on fan platform Weverse, BELIFT LAB said the decision followed "in-depth conversations" about the members' future goals and the team's direction, explaining that Heeseung has a distinct musical path he wants to follow and that the company chose to respect his wishes.
The agency confirmed that ENHYPEN will now promote as a six-member act, with Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki continuing group activities without Heeseung, according to the Korea Times.
BELIFT LAB emphasized that the choice came after long and careful discussions, asking fans for understanding and stressing that the move was made for the future of both ENHYPEN and Heeseung.
The label also revealed that the 24-year-old singer will stay signed to BELIFT LAB and is already preparing a solo album as he begins the next phase of his career.
According to reports, his upcoming projects will focus on shaping a personal musical style and artistic identity that differ from ENHYPEN's current direction, even as he continues working within the same company structure under HYBE.
Heeseung personally addressed fans in a letter shared on Weverse, saying he had discussed his work with the company for a long time and ultimately made "a big decision" so he could meet ENGENE "in a better way" through his own music, Koreaboo reported.
He acknowledged that the news might be difficult to accept but described the move as the result of extended thought and talks with many people around him.
ENHYPEN, formed in 2020 through survival show I-LAND, debuted as a seven-member group and quickly gained global popularity with songs such as "Drunk-Dazed" and "Bite Me."
Heeseung, known for his strong vocals and stage presence, has been a central figure in the group since its debut, making his departure the first lineup change in ENHYPEN's history and a major shift for the fanbase.
While many ENGENE have expressed shock and sadness online, the agency and artist are both asking fans to continue supporting ENHYPEN's six-member future and Heeseung's upcoming solo activities, as per GMA Network.
