South Korean boy band ENHYPEN will continue as a six-member group following the departure of founding member Heeseung, BELIFT LAB confirmed on Tuesday, 10 March. The announcement marked a significant development in the band’s career, as it represents the first lineup change since their debut.
In an official statement shared across ENHYPEN’s channels, the label explained that the decision came after extensive discussions regarding both the group’s future direction and Heeseung’s personal musical ambitions. “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,” the agency said.
Heeseung will depart from the group but will remain signed under BELIFT LAB, where he is preparing to launch his solo career. The company emphasised that this outcome followed a long period of deliberation involving the artist, the other members, and management.
The remaining members — Jake, Jay, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki — will continue promoting as ENHYPEN. While no specific plans regarding upcoming releases or tour activities were disclosed alongside the announcement, the group remains active in the K-pop scene and continues to cultivate its global fanbase.
Following the announcement, Heeseung personally addressed fans, known as ENGENE, expressing gratitude to both his bandmates and supporters. He wrote:
“Thanks to the members with whom I shared countless emotions, and to ENGENE, who always filled every empty space with their support, I was able to take step after step toward a dream that once felt out of reach. I am working hard on an album so I can meet you all again soon.”
Heeseung debuted with ENHYPEN in November 2020 after participating in the survival audition programme I-LAND. The group launched their career with the release of Border: Day One and quickly established a strong international following through subsequent releases and global tours. His departure thus represents a historic moment for the band.
ENHYPEN Member Status Following Heeseung’s Departure
| Member Name | Role in Group | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Heeseung | Lead Vocalist & Dancer | Departing, preparing solo album |
| Jake | Rapper & Vocalist | Continuing with ENHYPEN |
| Jay | Rapper & Dancer | Continuing with ENHYPEN |
| Sunghoon | Vocalist & Dancer | Continuing with ENHYPEN |
| Sunoo | Vocalist | Continuing with ENHYPEN |
| Jungwon | Leader & Dancer | Continuing with ENHYPEN |
| Ni-ki | Dancer & Rapper | Continuing with ENHYPEN |
BELIFT LAB has indicated that Heeseung is currently working on a solo album, though specific details and release dates have yet to be revealed. Fans eagerly anticipate this next chapter, which promises to showcase his individual artistry while the remaining six members continue to solidify ENHYPEN’s presence in the international K-pop arena.
This move underscores the increasing recognition within the industry of artists pursuing personal creative projects alongside group commitments, reflecting a broader trend in K-pop where individual expression is encouraged within the collective framework.