Heeseung’s Surprise Departure Leaves ENHYPEN Fans Heartbroken
Trending on Billboard
As of Tuesday, March 10, ENHYPEN has officially transitioned from a seven-member group, following the unexpected departure of member HEESEUNG, leaving fans known as ENGENE in disbelief.
HYBE’s BELIFT LAB announced HEESEUNG’s exit via social media, stating that the 24-year-old would be “parting ways” to pursue solo activities after six years with the group. The announcement prompted an outpouring of shock and concern from the fanbase on social media. In a letter posted on Weverse, HEESEUNG mentioned he had chosen to follow “the direction the company suggested” regarding his solo career after considerable reflection. However, many fans expressed skepticism, questioning whether the decision was entirely his own.
“Just two days ago, HEESEUNG said that they’re planning to go back to Europe, so what happened?” one user wrote on X, sharing a video of the singer discussing ENHYPEN’s plans for future performances in Europe.
“Clearly, HEESEUNG’s departure was unplanned. How is it that this announcement was made so suddenly?” another fan questioned on the platform. “Is it really that urgent? The timing seems so off, honestly.”
“I just don’t understand why HEESEUNG has to leave the group to pursue his music,” wrote a concerned fan. “Can’t both exist at the same time? I feel like my heart is breaking into pieces. ENHYPEN won’t be the same without him; I just wish things could be different, that he could chase his dreams without leaving the group he’s worked so hard with.”
Another fan humorously suggested, alongside a crying video, “Okay, fun idea @ENHYPEN: how about you collaborate with this solo artist under BELIFT named HEESEUNG?”
Numerous fans have united to initiate a petition on Change.org to protest HEESEUNG’s departure. The petition garnered over 200,000 signatures within just five hours of its launch.
Billboard has reached out to HYBE for further comment.
The reaction extends beyond the fanbase; fellow artists are also taken aback by the news. A circulating video captures Yoon Yechan of boy band 82MAJOR reacting in real-time to the announcement, visibly shocked before exclaiming, “What?!”
ENHYPEN debuted as a septet in 2020, featuring HEESEUNG alongside bandmates JUNGWON, JAY, JAKE, SUNGHOON, SUNOO, and NI-KI. The group recently made headlines for topping Billboard’s Top Artists chart for the first time, propelled by their January release, THE SIN: VANISH, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, selling 113,000 copies in its opening week, according to Luminate.
In his Weverse statement, HEESEUNG expressed gratitude for his time with the group. “For me, six years was a time filled with moments that were overwhelming and precious beyond words,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to continue supporting ENHYPEN.
He elaborated on his decision to step away, acknowledging the personal projects he wished to pursue. “I’ve been working on my personal work and I’ve spent a lot of time hoping to show it to the ENGENE,” HEESEUNG explained. “There were a lot of things I wanted to show, but I also didn’t want to put my greed ahead of the team.”
