Heeseung Exits ENHYPEN to Go Solo — K-Pop's Founding Ace Steps Out Alone
Lee Heeseung is done being part of the group. On March 10, Belift Lab confirmed that ENHYPEN's main vocalist and oldest member is leaving the seven-member act to pursue a solo career. He'll stay signed to the label, a solo album is in the works, and ENHYPEN carries on - now six members.
The announcement surprised fans but the label framed it as a long time coming. "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," Belift Lab said in its official statement. The remaining lineup - Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki - will continue group promotions as planned.
Hours later, Heeseung went on Weverse with a handwritten letter. He didn't hedge. "The six years I've spent have been filled with moments so overwhelming and precious that it's hard to fully put them into words," he wrote, thanking both his fellow members and the group's fanbase, ENGENE, for carrying him toward what had once felt like an impossible dream. He was also direct about the tension he'd been quietly managing: there was plenty he wanted to release, but he didn't want to put his own ambitions above the group. Now, with a different framework in place, he says he plans to move fast. "I am working hard on an album so I can meet you all again soon."
The 24-year-old had been building toward this for years. Before ENHYPEN existed, Heeseung trained under Big Hit Entertainment for over three years - longer than most - and placed fifth on I-LAND, the 2020 survival show that assembled the group's original lineup. He debuted with them on November 30, 2020, on the mini-album Border: Day One, and quickly became the act's most versatile performer: main vocals, center positioning, songwriting credits, and a reputation for live performances that didn't waver under the pressure of full-group choreography. This is the first lineup change ENHYPEN has seen since that debut.
Fan reaction was mixed. Some accepted the news while welcoming his next chapter. Others pushed back on the logic - plenty of K-pop idols manage solo releases while staying in their groups, and Heeseung's arrangement (remaining at the same label, potentially crossing paths with his old bandmates on show stages and award circuits) struck some as awkward. Belift Lab hasn't elaborated beyond its official statement, and the finer points of what made full separation necessary - rather than a parallel solo track - remain unaddressed.
What's clear is that Heeseung has been sitting on material for a while and believes he now has room to release it properly. Belift Lab said further details on his solo plans will follow.
