ENHYPEN’s Heeseung has officially departed to pursue a solo career, marking a significant turning point for the award-winning K-pop group as they continue as six members with an already historic legacy.
ENHYPEN, the seven-member K-pop sensation formed through the 2020 reality series I-LAND, has become one of the fastest-rising groups globally, selling out stadiums and breaking records. Now, the group enters a new era as member Heeseung has officially parted ways to focus on a solo career under BELIFT LAB, the group’s agency announced on March 10, 2026. This decision, reached after extensive deliberation, respects Heeseung’s distinct musical vision while ensuring ENHYPEN continues with its six remaining members—Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-Ki.
Heeseung’s Exit: A New Solo Journey
BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency, announced the departure on March 10, 2026, via a post on X. The statement explained that after thorough discussions, the label respected Heeseung’s distinct musical vision. “HEESEUNG will be parting ways with ENHYPEN, and ENHYPEN will continue official activities henceforth as a group of six members,” it read. Heeseung will remain under BELIFT LAB to develop a solo album.
Heeseung himself addressed fans on Weverse, expressing his commitment to personal growth. “I spent a long time discussing and deliberating with many people at the company regarding the work I’ve been creating—specifically, how best to present it to you all,” he wrote. “After much deep reflection, I have made a significant decision to follow the direction proposed by the company, with the goal of returning to you all as an even better version of myself.” He emphasized that his personal ambitions would not override the team’s needs, a testament to his dedication to ENHYPEN’s legacy.
During his time with ENHYPEN, Heeseung evolved from a vocalist to an emerging producer. He spearheaded “Highway 1009,” the group’s first fan-dedicated track, collaborating with all seven members on lyrics. “I’ve been writing for some time, but since this was the first time I produced officially for our album, it felt surreal to me,” he told Rolling Stone. The experience deepened his bond with the members, teaching him about their individual charms. He has also been open about overcoming self-doubt, telling Teen Vogue in 2023, “I think I want to get rid of everything that makes me doubt myself… so that I can be really self-confident and keep on going.”
Heeseung’s departure closes a significant chapter but also opens a new one. With a solo album on the horizon, fans can anticipate his individual artistry while continuing to support ENHYPEN’s collective journey. The group’s resilience has already been proven through their sold-out world tours and festival appearances, and they now carry forward with the same energy that earned them a devoted global fandom known as ENGENE.
The Remaining Members of ENHYPEN
With Heeseung pursuing his solo path, ENHYPEN continues as a six-member group. Each member brings unique strengths that have defined the group’s sound and performances. Here’s a closer look at the artists carrying ENHYPEN forward.
Jungwon
Yang Jungwon, born February 9, 2004, in Seoul, South Korea, is ENHYPEN’s leader and a vocalist. As the group’s guiding force, Jungwon has emphasized the importance of being present and enjoying performances without overthinking external perceptions. “I want to be less conscious of how other people will think of me… I just want to be in that moment and really enjoy it,” he told Teen Vogue in 2023. Beyond leadership, Jungwon is a skilled Taekwondo practitioner and possesses a hidden talent for making cat noises, a fact his members confirm as “a true talent.”
Jay
Park Jongseong, known as Jay, was born on April 20, 2002, in Seattle, Washington, and moved to Korea at age nine. He serves as a rapper and vocalist, bringing an American influence to ENHYPEN’s sound. Described by leader Jungwon as having “endless curiosity,” Jay has been studying French and honing his guitar skills. He maintains a positive mindset, telling Teen Vogue in 2023, “I’ve found that I can conquer obstacles more effectively when I adopt a positive rather than a negative perspective,” noting that this approach keeps him healthy both mentally and physically.
Jake
Sim Jaeyun, known as Jake, was born on November 15, 2002, in South Korea and raised in Australia. A singer, rapper, and dancer, Jake never imagined a K‑pop idol career, but his experience as a violinist and athlete prepared him for performing in front of crowds. “I always really liked to be up onstage when I was performing the violin, or even when I was playing soccer, there was some sort of crowd,” he shared with GQ Australia in 2024. Jake acknowledges the pressure that comes with ENHYPEN’s rapid success, especially after becoming the fastest K‑pop boy band to perform at Tokyo Dome. “Our goal isn’t just to be the first—it’s to keep growing and reaching even greater heights,” he said. If the group ever reaches No. 1 on the Hot 100, Jake hopes “we get to celebrate and have a chill party with the guys.”
Sunghoon
Park Sunghoon, born December 8, 2002, is a vocalist from South Korea with a surprising past as a figure skater. He was scouted by Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) while skating, initially joining dance to improve his skating skills. “I joined, but I didn’t really have any intentions of becoming an artist,” he admitted on the Daebak Show podcast with Eric Nam. His inspiration grew after seeing BTS and fellow trainees, leading to two years of training before debuting in I-LAND. Sunghoon lives by the philosophy of presenting the best version of himself in every moment, crediting daily small efforts for his progress. Watch him recount his unexpected journey:
Sunoo
Kim Sunoo, a vocalist born June 24, 2003, was raised in Suwon, South Korea. His early performances for family earned him applause and pocket money, foreshadowing his stage career. Though introverted in his early years, moving to Suwon at age seven helped him come out of his shell. Sunoo describes himself as the spontaneous member, quick to embrace new interests. In a 2023 Q&A with Teen Vogue, he mentioned his love for the K‑drama Moving and gaming, adding a playful dimension to the group’s dynamic.
Ni-Ki
Nishimura Riki, known as Ni‑Ki, was born December 9, 2005, in Okayama, Japan. He serves as ENHYPEN’s main dancer and vocalist and is the group’s youngest member and only fluent Japanese speaker. Performing in Japan motivates him to connect naturally with audiences: “We give our best at every concert, but performing in my home country definitely puts me in a different mindset,” he told Billboard Korea. Despite his confidence, Ni‑Ki admits to mentally dwelling on minor stage mistakes, but he reminds himself that “It’s all just the process of learning from your mistakes.” Offstage, he’s the group’s prankster; in a Variety interview, members voted him most likely to play a prank because “he just does what he wants.”
ENHYPEN’s story continues with the same drive that propelled them to Tokyo Dome and Coachella. The six members—Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni‑Ki—are poised to write the next chapter, carrying forward the love and support of ENGENE worldwide. Heeseung’s solo path serves as a reminder of the group’s commitment to individual growth as well as collective success.
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