ENHYPEN’s Heeseung Leaves Group for Solo Career
The former lead vocalist of the South Korean septet is set to go solo under Belift Lab
Enhypen: Photo: courtesy of Belift Lab.
On March. 10, 2026, BELIFT LAB, the South Korean entertainment platform and subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, announced in an official statement on their social media channels that Heeseung of ENHYPEN will be quitting the septet and embarking on his solo career. Addressing the short notice of this decision, the agency’s statement spotlighted the reason for the same, stating: “BELIFT LAB has given much thought and consideration into ENHYPEN’s future direction and goals. 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.” Lastly, it also reassured fellow ENGENES (fanbase name) that scheduled and future activities will remain the same for the now six-member ENHYPEN.
The statement also confirmed that Heeseung will henceforth be preparing for his solo album under Belift Lab.
Likewise, Heeseung himself took to Weverse, the fan-forward platform, to announce his official departure through a handwritten letter. Thanking their fans, the ENGENES for their unwavering support, he emphasized how the past six years were as overwhelming as they were memorable. Expressing his token of gratitude, the lead vocalist wrote: “I never want to forget those moments, and I want to continue being someone who cheers for ENHYPEN more than anyone else.” Elaborating on his sudden yet deliberate decision, he mentioned: “ENGENE, as you all know, I’ve been working on my personal work, and I’ve spent a lot of time hoping to show it to the ENGENE. There were a lot of things I wanted to show, but I also didn’t want to put my own ambitions ahead of the team.” Ending it on a heartfelt note, he penned: I will be the one who runs with what ENGENE have given us so far in mind. ENGENE! Thank you, and I love you.”
Heeseung was the group’s lead vocalist and also actively contributed to the song-writing and production process, such as the track “Highway 1009.” The 25-year-old was selected alongside Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-Ki through the IDOL survival show I-Land, which aired during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Naturally, fans and K-Culture enthusiasts have been taken by surprise, given that the members had recently celebrated five years since their debut on Nov. 30, 2020, and also rolled out their latest album, The Sin: Vanish, on Jan.16, 2026. A few sceptics also pointed out the discrepancy of Heeseung not being offered the option of pursuing a solo career as part of ENHYPEN, something his peers like Yeonjun of TXT have already done.
Some even went out to point out how all members of the South Korean boy band were spotted at a recent fan-sign event.
Few even remarked on the uncanny coincidence of Heeseung leaving on the same date as Zayn Malik exiting One Direction eleven years ago.
