ENHYPEN's Heeseung Will Not Rejoin the Group Amid Fan Protests

ENHYPEN's Heeseung has officially departed from the group, a decision confirmed by BELIFT LAB amidst rising fan protests. Following his announcement to pursue a solo career, fans have expressed their disappointment and anger, mobilizing across various platforms to advocate for his return. The agency has stated that Heeseung's artistic direction is respected, but fans believe he should be allowed to explore solo opportunities while remaining part of ENHYPEN. This situation has led to significant reactions from the fandom, highlighting the complexities of balancing group commitments with individual aspirations in the K-pop industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 01:17 IST

Heeseung's Departure Confirmed

Heeseung will not be returning to ENHYPEN, as confirmed by BELIFT LAB. This announcement comes in response to increasing protests and online petitions from fans who are urging for the return of the recently departed member. The news follows ENHYPEN's performance at the Melbourne Music Festival, which marked their first act without Heeseung. The absence of the seven-member lineup, now consisting of Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, left many fans feeling disheartened, leading to significant reactions on social media. On March 16, the agency reiterated its decision, further fueling fan outrage. Heeseung, the eldest member of the group, had announced his departure on March 10 to focus on a solo career.

BELIFT LAB's Official Statement

BELIFT LAB communicated with The Korea Herald, emphasizing that Heeseung's departure is final. The agency stated that the 24-year-old artist has a distinct artistic vision, and they respect his choice to pursue endeavors outside of ENHYPEN. "Heeseung will not be returning to ENHYPEN. He has a clear artistic direction he wants to pursue, and we decided to respect that," the statement read. They further elaborated that a full solo career outside the group is the best option for everyone involved, noting that ENHYPEN's rigorous schedule makes it challenging for members to engage in individual projects while maintaining group commitments.

Fan Reactions to the Announcement

Fans swiftly responded to BELIFT's announcement. One user expressed on X (formerly Twitter), "It seems they are implying that if he wants to pursue his solo career, he must leave the group due to their busy schedule, but this only worsens the situation." Another fan remarked, "They failed to mention the real reason—BELIFT not allowing him to go solo while still being part of the group, unlike other HYBE sub-labels."

Mobilization of Fan Communities

As frustration grew against HYBE and BELIFT LAB for permitting Heeseung's exit, fans rallied for his return. The ENGENE fandom organized across various platforms to advocate for the lead vocalist's reinstatement. They initiated petitions, dispatched protest trucks to HYBE, funded digital billboard campaigns, and held in-person demonstrations. Fan groups from countries such as India, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia released a joint statement supporting Heeseung's artistic pursuits while opposing the notion that a solo career necessitates leaving the group. "We fully support Heeseung’s artistic growth and the opportunity for him to explore solo music. However, we strongly believe that a solo career should not require leaving ENHYPEN," the international fan communities stated.

Background on ENHYPEN

ENHYPEN debuted in 2020 as a seven-member group under a joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE, formed through the survival competition show I-Land. The name ENHYPEN symbolizes connection, akin to a hyphen linking different words, representing members from diverse backgrounds coming together to grow and connect with their fans. Over the years, ENHYPEN has gained recognition for its cinematic storytelling, dark fantasy themes, and a rapidly expanding global fanbase, quickly establishing itself as one of the fastest-rising acts in the fourth generation of K-pop.