Heeseung will leave ENHYPEN to pursue a solo career, according to an announcement from Belift Lab on March 10. The label said the decision came after “much thought and consideration” about the group’s future and conversations with each member about their individual creative directions.
Shortly after the announcement, a petition began circulating online urging the company to reconsider the separation with more than 700,000 signatures sent as of March 11, 3 p.m. PHT. The campaign, posted on Change.org, asks the label to allow the artist to release a solo album while remaining a member of the group. Organizers behind the petition say their request comes from a place of support for both the singer and the group.
“While we fully support Heeseung’s artistic growth and the opportunity for him to explore solo music, we strongly believe that a solo career should not require leaving ENHYPEN,” reads the caption of the petition. The petition’s adds that many K-pop artists manage both solo work and group promotions simultaneously. Supporters argue that the vocalist’s presence has been central to the group’s musical identity and performance dynamic since its debut through the survival show I-Land in 2020.
In a statement posted on Weverse, Heeseung addressed the group’s fandom directly, acknowledging that the news may have come as a surprise. “My sincere hope is to return to you with an even better version of myself.” Heeseung says in a statement. The artist also said he intends to continue supporting the group moving forward.
