Stay tuned for Pyo Kyung-min's latest K-pop stories, where she digs into the backstories that matter. She’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts at pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr. After all, every article gets better with insights from those who love the scene, just like she does!
What Heeseung's exit means for ENHYPEN, fans
Heeseung of K-pop boy band ENHYPEN / Belift Lab
By Pyo Kyung-min
700,000 fans demand clarity despite singer's handwritten letter
The announcement that Heeseung of K-pop boy band ENHYPEN will leave the group and pursue a solo career sparked a wave of surprise, with fans expressing grief and confusion while speculating about what the decision means for both the singer and the group.
Belift Lab, the HYBE Labels subsidiary that manages ENHYPEN, announced Tuesday that the singer would depart the seven-member act but remain with the company to pursue a solo career.
Since debuting in November 2020 through the survival program "I-LAND," ENHYPEN has built a strong global following, driven by its distinctive fantasy vampire concept and polished performance style. Heeseung, widely recognized as the group's main vocalist, has been regarded as one of the musical anchors of the team by fans, known collectively as ENGENE.
Heeseung's hand-written letter announcing his departure from K-pop boy band ENHYPEN, uploaded Tuesday on fan platform Weverse / Courtesy of Belift Lab
In a handwritten letter shared with fans on Tuesday, the singer described the decision as the result of "extensive discussions" with the agency about how to present his individual work.
"The six years I have spent have been filled with moments too precious to describe," he wrote. "After sharing the results of my personal work with the company and discussing how best to present it, I made the big decision to follow the direction the company suggested so that I could approach ENGENE with an even better version of myself."
He added that he hopes to meet fans again soon through his new music while continuing to support ENHYPEN from outside the group.
From left are K-pop boy band ENHYPEN members Jake, Jungwon, Heeseung, Sunoo, Sunghoon, Ni-Ki and Jay. Courtesy of Belift Lab
Grief, suspicion, support
The news came as a shock to many fans and quickly spread across social media. Discussion surged on platforms such as X, formerly known as Twitter, and Weverse, with fans sharing reactions and messages of support for both the group and the singer. Some supporters also organized online campaigns calling for greater clarity about the decision.
By 5 p.m. on March 11, some 700,000 people had signed a petition on Change.org urging Belift Lab and HYBE to reconsider the move.
"We, fans and supporters of ENHYPEN, are deeply concerned by the announcement that Heeseung will depart from the group in order to release a solo album," the petition states.
"While we fully support Heeseung's artistic growth and the opportunity for him to explore solo music, we strongly believe that a solo career should not require leaving ENHYPEN," the petition continues, adding that many K-pop artists pursue individual projects while continuing group activities.
Heeseung of K-pop boy band ENHYPEN, center, announced Tuesday that he will leave the seven-member group to pursue a solo career. The group will continue as a six-member act. Courtesy of Belift Lab
That sentiment has been echoed widely across the fandom. For some supporters, the issue is less the possibility of a solo career than the circumstances surrounding the decision itself.
The timing of the announcement has also drawn backlash. It came shortly after ENHYPEN released its seventh mini album, "The Sin: Vanish" in January, extending the group’s global momentum and making the sudden lineup change particularly unexpected.
On Instagram, one fan wrote that the decision left supporters with unanswered questions.
"As a loyal, devoted fanbase we deserve the truth," the comment read. "Multiple other artists under the company have pursued solo careers whilst being part of a group — why is this not possible for someone as successful as Heeseung?"
Other fans have taken a more conciliatory approach, urging the fandom to support both sides during the transition.
"Let's support Heeseung, it must be hard for him too," another fan wrote online. "Now we have to support ENHYPEN as six and Heeseung as a soloist."
The departure of K-pop boy band ENHYPEN member Heeseung, second from right, from the group sent shockwaves through the group's fandom. Courtesy of Belift Lab
Both sorrow and support have been evident in comments on The Korea Times' article and Instagram post about the announcement. One fan described the singer as "the ace and vocal backbone of the group since their debut," noting that many supporters would continue to back him if his solo work reflects his artistic direction.
At the same time, the fan questioned whether the explanation of "exploring new ways of expression and musical paths" fully clarified the circumstances behind the decision.
Some fans have voiced suspicions about the company's role, arguing that the lack of a detailed explanation has fueled speculation that the singer may have been pressured to leave, although no evidence has been presented to support such claims.
Neither the company nor the artist has linked the departure to health issues, but concerns about the artist's well-being have nonetheless become part of the wider conversation among fans.
A recent fan cheer guide recording for the group's song "Big Girls Don't Cry" has resurfaced online, appearing to show Heeseung briefly dozing off during filming. The clip circulated widely among fan communities, prompting renewed discussion about the physical and mental pressures Heeseung might have experienced behind the scenes.
For ENHYPEN, the coming months will test how the group adapts to its new six-member structure and how well it can maintain its momentum. For Heeseung, the focus now turns to establishing himself as a solo artist while carrying the expectations of a fanbase that has long associated him with the group.
For many fans, the hope is that both can move forward without losing what made the group meaningful to them in the first place.
"We support Heeseung. We support ENHYPEN," the Change.org petition concludes. "We believe both can exist together."