EVAN, formerly known as Heeseung of ENHYPEN, has officially stepped into a new chapter — but his first solo mini album, DEATH OF ME, is doing much more than introducing a new stage name. At a September 7 media showcase in Seoul, the singer opened up about his decision to leave ENHYPEN, his conversations with BELIFT LAB, the concerns surrounding his departure and the deeply personal experiences that shaped his first solo project.
What initially looks like a straightforward K-pop solo debut quickly becomes something more revealing. Behind the eight-track record is an artist confronting fear, creative limits, his past and even the possibility of being forgotten — while trying to prove what EVAN can become on his own.
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Why Did EVAN Leave ENHYPEN? The Decision Was Years in the Making
The biggest question surrounding EVAN’s new era has naturally been his departure from ENHYPEN.
And according to the singer himself, it was not a sudden decision.
Speaking at his DEATH OF ME showcase at Kyung Hee University’s Grand Peace Palace in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, EVAN explained that he had spent a considerable amount of time thinking about how he wanted to make and present music. He eventually shared his work with agency staff and discussed his future direction before deciding to pursue a solo career.
“While making music over the years, I thought a lot about how I should present it. After sharing the results of my work with the company staff and having discussions, I decided to walk the path of a solo artist after long consideration.”
That explanation lines up with BELIFT LAB’s original March announcement.
The agency said it had held in-depth discussions with ENHYPEN’s members about their individual goals and the group’s future. Those discussions ultimately led to the conclusion that Heeseung had a distinct musical vision.
BELIFT LAB announced that he would leave ENHYPEN while the group would continue as six members, with Heeseung preparing a solo album under the label.
So, despite the shock surrounding the change, EVAN did not leave BELIFT LAB altogether. Instead, he moved into a different role within the same agency, changed his stage name from Heeseung to EVAN and began building his solo career.
His first move arrived in June with the digital single RIDE OR DIE. Crucially, BELIFT LAB confirmed that EVAN participated in the entire creative process, including writing, composing and producing the song — an early sign that creative control would be central to his new era.
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EVAN Addresses the Disappointment and Controversy Around His ENHYPEN Departure
But leaving a hugely established group was never going to happen without emotion.
During the showcase, EVAN directly acknowledged the disappointment and concern expressed by fans following his departure. Rather than ignoring the difficult reaction, he thanked those who continued to support him while admitting that he understood why some people were hurt or worried.
“First, I want to express my deep gratitude to those who send me interest and affectionate voices. Although it was a decision made after deep discussion during the process of going solo, I deeply understand the disappointment and concerns voiced by fans.”
He also addressed the controversy surrounding the transition, noting that protest emails and concerned messages had been sent to members of the media.
“Regarding that part, I would like to express my deep apologies for causing disruptions to work.”
Rather than attempting to settle every concern with more explanations, EVAN said he ultimately wants his music and actions to speak for him.
“I think the greatest way to repay this is by showing it through my music and sincere actions as EVAN. I will continue to work hard to become an artist who presents even more cool and good influence.”
BELIFT LAB had previously asked fans to continue supporting both ENHYPEN and Heeseung as they moved into separate chapters. ENHYPEN is now listed by the agency as a six-member group consisting of Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo and Ni-Ki.
And that brings the story to the music itself.
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What Is EVAN’s DEATH OF ME Album About?
Released on September 7 at 6 PM KST, DEATH OF ME is EVAN’s first mini album as a solo artist and contains eight tracks:
| Official detail | Information |
| Artist | EVAN |
| Album | DEATH OF ME |
| Release | September 7, 2026, 6 PM KST |
| Format | First solo mini album |
| Tracks | 8 |
| Title track | “Death of Me” |
| Other tracks | “Ride or Die,” “Not Enough,” “Noise,” “Twilight,” “Immature,” “Overflow,” “Going Home” |
The showcase itself took place ahead of the album’s 6 PM KST release, with singer Hanhae hosting the event. EVAN performed the title track “Death of Me” as well as “Going Home.”
But the real headline is just how much of the album came directly from EVAN.
He wrote lyrics for all eight songs and composed seven, with “Noise” the only track he did not compose. He also participated in the record’s production.
That level of involvement makes the album feel less like a conventional idol solo debut and more like a statement of authorship.
“This album is about taking the reins of various emotions and moving forward. My ideas were reflected throughout the entire album. The most important thing was to capture my honest inner self.”
EVAN described DEATH OF ME as a “mirror” — something that reflects both fear and his desire to continue moving forward.
“It gives the feeling of facing oneself. When you listen to the album and the songs, there is fear, but it also contains honest and raw stories about wanting to move forward. I used the expression ‘mirror’ because I think it reflects my inner self.”
Musically, the project refuses to stay in one lane. The title track draws from pop-R&B, while “Twilight” incorporates UK garage influences, “Immature” moves toward alternative rock and “Going Home” explores dream-pop.
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The Meaning Behind ‘Death of Me’ Reveals EVAN’s Biggest Fear
The title track is where the album’s central idea becomes especially intense.
EVAN said “Death of Me” developed from moments during the preparation of RIDE OR DIE when he felt that he had reached his musical limits. The song became a reflection of his determination to push beyond those boundaries.
“It is a song that captures my strong determination standing at a new starting line.”
The preparation itself was physically demanding. EVAN described doing push-ups, running and repeatedly practising choreography, experiences that became connected to the song’s message about refusing to surrender when confronted by perceived limitations.
“There were a lot of moments while preparing this album when I thought I had reached my musical limit. This song is about not giving up when I run into that wall.”
But then comes the darker meaning behind the album title.
Around the release, EVAN explained that the concept was influenced by the idea that a person truly disappears when they are forgotten. He connected that thought to the fear of an artist no longer being able to reach listeners.
“When my music no longer reaches people, my reason for existing as an artist disappears.”
Suddenly, DEATH OF ME is not simply about an ending.
It becomes a statement about refusing to disappear.
EVAN Reveals the Childhood Experience That Shaped His Music
The most personal revelation, however, comes from EVAN’s past.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, he revealed that he had been treated for malignant lymphoma during childhood, when he was in fourth grade. He said the experience had a lasting influence on the way he thinks and what he values. The theme of hope running through DEATH OF ME also made the experience feel naturally connected to the album.
“The treatment process is harsh and agonizing. Going through that treatment left a lasting impact on who I am today.”
EVAN explained that telling this story was important because he wanted his music to reveal his genuine self rather than only presenting a polished public image.
“In order to show my true inner self through my music, I felt I had to tell this story.”
There was also a wider reason for sharing it.
EVAN said he hopes his experience can encourage young people and families facing childhood cancer.
“There are people across the country suffering from pediatric cancer. If this story reaches them, I hope it can be a small comfort and source of hope.”
That revelation gives the album’s recurring themes of fear, hope, uncertainty and resilience another dimension.
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What Does EVAN Want to Achieve After ENHYPEN?
For EVAN, DEATH OF ME is ultimately about establishing an identity that exists beyond his previous group.
He wants to be recognised for his songwriting, production, performances and stories — not simply as a former ENHYPEN member beginning a solo career.
His ambition is already looking beyond this first release.
“My big goal in my own way is to stand on larger and more stages. If I can show my performances in many places, and if people become interested, pay attention to my stories, and listen to my album, I think I will be able to well convey the ultimate message I hold.”
He also sees music as a way of helping people through difficult periods in their lives.
“I think it is an important calling for me to give people the strength to overcome difficult and exhausting situations through music.”
That may ultimately be the clearest explanation of what EVAN wants this new era to represent.
He has left ENHYPEN, but he has not walked away from music. Instead, he has changed his name, taken greater creative control and turned deeply personal experiences into the foundation of his first solo project.
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EVAN’s New Era Is Only Just Beginning
DEATH OF ME arrives at a complicated moment — one shaped by an unexpected group transition, difficult emotions and enormous expectations.
Yet EVAN appears determined not to spend this chapter permanently looking backward.
His focus is now on moving forward as EVAN, establishing himself on his own terms and allowing the music to explain the artist he wants to become.
The former ENHYPEN member’s first mini album is therefore not merely a debut.
It is his attempt to answer a much bigger question: Who is EVAN when the group name is no longer beside him?
For now, his answer is DEATH OF ME — eight songs built around fear, hope, creative ambition, personal history and the determination to keep moving even when the road gets difficult.
Sources and Disclaimer
This article was prepared on the basis of a thorough review of the supplied verified source material, including official BELIFT LAB/EVAN and ENHYPEN Weverse announcements, Yonhap News Agency, SBS News, The Korea Times and the original supplied allkpop report. The supplied source list identifies the official DEATH OF ME showcase announcement, Heeseung’s departure announcement and RIDE OR DIE release announcement alongside the relevant Korean media reports.
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Disclaimer: This article has been fact-checked against official agency/artist announcements and relevant Korean media reports available as of September 8, 2026. Statements attributed to EVAN are reproduced from the cited reports and official materials; translations may vary slightly between Korean and English-language publications.
Sources
- BELIFT LAB / EVAN Weverse — Official announcement for DEATH OF ME
EVAN 1st Mini Album “DEATH OF ME” Release and Debut Showcase - BELIFT LAB / ENHYPEN Weverse — Official announcement regarding Heeseung’s departure
ENHYPEN’s Future Activities - BELIFT LAB / EVAN Weverse — Official RIDE OR DIE release announcement
EVAN “RIDE OR DIE” Digital Single Release - Yonhap News Agency — EVAN’s DEATH OF ME showcase and comments on his departure
Yonhap: Evan shares innermost self on debut EP “Death of Me” - SBS News — EVAN explains his decision to leave ENHYPEN and pursue a solo career
SBS News: EVAN explains why he left ENHYPEN for solo debut - The Korea Times — EVAN discusses DEATH OF ME, his departure and personal experiences
The Korea Times: EVAN channels fear of being forgotten into music - allkpop — Original report supplied for this article
allkpop: EVAN speaks about leaving ENHYPEN at his “DEATH OF ME” showcase
Disclaimer: This article has been fact-checked against official agency/artist announcements and relevant Korean media reports available as of September 8, 2026. Statements attributed to EVAN are reproduced from the cited reports and official materials; translations may vary slightly between Korean and English-language publications.
Featured Image Credit: BELIFT LAB
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