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entertainment
March 11, 2026
3 min read

ENHYPEN’s Heeseung Announces Departure from Group to Pursue Solo Career

ENHYPEN’s Heeseung Announces Departure from Group to Pursue Solo Career

In a sudden turn of events that has left the global K-pop community in shock, BELIFT LAB has officially announced that Heeseung will be leaving ENHYPEN to embark on a new journey as a solo artist.

On the 10th, the agency released a formal statement regarding the future direction of the group and Heeseung’s career. According to the announcement, the decision was made after long and deep discussions between the members and the company.

Official Statement from BELIFT LAB

BELIFT LAB explained that as the group discussed their next goals and future path, it became clear that Heeseung has a very distinct musical vision he wishes to explore.

"We have had in-depth conversations about the future each member envisions for themselves and the team. In the process, we confirmed Heeseung’s clear musical direction and have decided to respect his wishes," the agency stated.

As a result, ENHYPEN will continue its activities as a 6-member group (Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki), while Heeseung will officially "become independent" from the team.

A Heartfelt Letter from Heeseung

Following the news, Heeseung shared a long, handwritten letter on the fan platform Weverse, expressing his gratitude and explaining his decision directly to ENGENE.

Reflecting on his six years with the group since their debut in 2020, Heeseung wrote: "The past six years have been filled with moments more precious and overwhelming than words can describe. Thanks to the members I shared so many emotions with, and the ENGENEs who always filled the empty spaces, I was able to take steps toward a dream that once felt out of reach."

Heeseung, known for his contributions to ENHYPEN’s discography (such as "Highway 1009"), revealed that he has been developing his own music for a long time. "I have been spending a lot of time on my personal work, hoping to show it to you. While I wanted to share it, I didn't want my personal ambition to overshadow the team's needs," he admitted.

What’s Next for Heeseung and ENHYPEN?

Despite leaving the group, Heeseung is not leaving the agency. He will remain a BELIFT LAB artist and is currently preparing for his solo debut album.

The agency asked fans for their continued support for both the newly reorganized ENHYPEN and Heeseung’s solo path: "We understand this news may be difficult for fans to accept, but we ask for your generous understanding as this choice was made for the future of both ENHYPEN and Heeseung."

Heeseung concluded his letter by promising to return soon: "I am working hard to meet you again as soon as possible. My desire to show you an even better version of myself is more sincere than anything."

[NOTICE] ENHYPEN's Future Activities

Hello, this is BELIFT LAB.

We would like to express our gratitude toward ENGENE for their unwavering support for ENHYPEN and provide information on ENHYPEN's future activities.

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.

As such, HEESEUNG will be parting ways with ENHYPEN, and ENHYPEN will continue official activities henceforth as a group of six members.

It’s difficult to relay the whole process through a short notice, but this decision comes after extensive deliberation. We understand that this news is a lot to process and may be received with mixed reactions. Nevertheless, we hope you understand that this decision was made for the future of ENHYPEN and HEESEUNG.

ENHYPEN remains committed to sharing energetic performances with ENGENE. HEESEUNG will be preparing a solo album as an artist under BELIFT LAB.

We ask for ENGENE's continued love and support for ENHYPEN and HEESEUNG as they start a new chapter of their journey.

Thank you.