Fans are still recovering from the news that HEESEUNG has departed ENHYPEN — but a personal letter from the performer might assuage concerns ENGENE has over his exit.
Shortly after label BELIFT LAB revealed Tuesday (March 10) that the boy band would be trimming down to six members so that HEESEUNG could pursue solo projects — sparking a wave of mixed emotions from fans of the group — the 24-year-old performer uploaded a handwritten note to Weverse. In a translation of the letter shared by parent company HYBE with Billboard, he writes that he’s “aware of the concerns and many conversations surrounding” his choice, but that it was made “after thinking deeply about it for a long time.”
“Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life,” he adds of his time with bandmates JUNGWON, JAY, JAKE, SUNGHOON, SUNOO and NI-KI. “I will never forget them, and I want to continue supporting ENHYPEN as someone who will always cheer them on.”
ENHYPEN debuted in 2020, quickly becoming one of the top K-pop groups to watch. Just a couple of months before HEESEUNG’s departure, the then-septet dropped EP THE SIN : VANISH, debuting atop the Top Album Sales chart and reaching No. 1 on the Top Artists chart for the first time ever.
In its initial announcement that he would be leaving the group after six years together, BELIFT emphasized, like HEESEUNG did in his letter, that the split was in service of his future career as a soloist. “It became clear that Heeseung has his own distinct musical vision,” the company wrote, noting that the artist would remain signed to the label. “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.”
But ENGENE had mixed reactions indeed. Despite BELIFT’s assurances, many fans on social media have wondered whether there was more to the story, or if HEESEUNG hadn’t actually left ENHYPEN of his own volition. “clearly Heeseung’s departure was unplanned, how is it that this announcement was done on a whim?” one person wrote on X. “Is it really that urgent? The timing seems so off honestly.”
For now, though, all fans have to go off of is BELIFT’s announcement and HEESEUNG’s letter. Read his full message to ENGENE below.
Hello, this is HEESEUNG.
First of all, I know many ENGENEs must have been surprised to hear my news, and I imagine this sudden message may have left you with many questions. That’s why I wanted to speak to you directly.
The past six years have been filled with moments that are difficult to put into words — moments that were overwhelmingly meaningful and incredibly precious to me. Sharing so many emotions with the members and having ENGENEs always there to support us helped me move closer, step by step, to a dream that once felt out of reach. I truly believe none of this would have been possible without you.
Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life. I will never forget them, and I want to continue supporting ENHYPEN as someone who will always cheer them on.
Over time, I shared the work I had been creating with the company, and we spent a long time discussing with many people how it might best be presented. After thinking deeply about it for a long time, I ultimately made a big decision in line with the direction that was discussed, in hopes of returning to you in a better way.
As many of you know, I have continued working on personal projects, dedicating a lot of time to them with the hope that one day I could share them with you. There were so many things I wanted to show you, but at the same time, I didn’t want my own ambitions to come before the team.
I’m aware of the concerns and many conversations surrounding this, and I’m working hard to prepare so I can meet you again soon. My sincere hope is to return to you with an even better version of myself.
ENGENEs have always shown endless love and support to someone who still has so much to learn, and because I know how surprising and worrying this news may feel, I also feel truly sorry. At the same time, I understand that these feelings come from how much you care about me.
I will carry the love ENGENEs have given me in my heart as I move forward.
ENGENEs,
Thank you, and I love you.
