On March 10, 2026, at 16:00 KST, a post was uploaded to the ENHYPEN Official X (Twitter) account announcing that member HEESEUNG would be leaving the group.
Fans were left completely speechless and shocked by this sudden news. The reason for the surprise is that standard K-pop idol contracts usually last for 7 years. ENHYPEN debuted on November 30, 2020, making them only 5 years and 2 months into their career—meaning HEESEUNG left before the contract renewal season.
Later that day, at 16:09 KST, HEESEUNG personally posted a message on the ENHYPEN WEVERSE community.
<HEESEUNG’s Letter to ENGENE: Literal Translation>
Hello, this is HEESEUNG.
First of all, I believe many ENGENE must have been very surprised to hear my news, and many of you might be curious about this sudden story. That is why I wanted to convey these words to ENGENE personally.
For me, the past 6 years have been a time filled with moments so overwhelming and precious that they cannot be fully expressed in words. Thanks to the members with whom I shared countless emotions, and to all the ENGENE who always tightly filled the empty spaces, I was able to take steps toward a dream that seemed unreachable. Those times will be among the shining moments that I will never forget for the rest of my life. I never want to forget those moments, and I want to remain a person who cheers for ENHYPEN more than anyone else.
While sharing the results of the work I’ve done so far with the company, I spent a long time agonizing and talking with many people about the best way to show this to you. After a long period of contemplation, following the direction that the company suggested, I have made a major decision in order to approach ENGENE with a better image.
As ENGENE knows, I have been continuing my individual work and spending a lot of time hoping to show it to you. There was so much I wanted to show, but there was also a part of me that did not want to put my own greed first within the team.
I am well aware of your worries and the various things being said. I will be working hard to prepare so that I can meet you again as soon as possible. My desire to visit you with a better image is more sincere than anyone else’s.
Because you were ENGENE who gave constant love and affection to me, even though I am always lacking, I feel a great deal of apology as I know how surprised and worried you must feel. I believe these feelings arise because you cherish me and watch over me with interest. I will become someone who runs forward while engraving the great love that ENGENE has given me in my heart.
ENGENE! Thank you, and I love you.
🥶 This is Way Too Sudden!
The official reason provided by both the agency and HEESEUNG himself is to pursue solo activities. It was stated that ENHYPEN’s musical direction no longer aligns with the musical path HEESEUNG wishes to take. A particularly noteworthy phrase in his letter was, “The company made the suggestion to me.” This suggests a somewhat confusing move: while he is leaving the team due to musical differences, he plans to remain with BELIFT LAB, the very agency that directs the team’s musical vision.
😱 Why did BELIFT LAB make that suggestion?
This is my personal take. As the Main Vocalist of ENHYPEN, HEESEUNG consistently took the most significant part of the line distributions and often stood at the Center. Furthermore, in the ENHYPEN-inspired webtoon DARK MOON, the character based on HEESEUNG is the male protagonist. This shows that BELIFT LAB designed the team around him as a core member from the start. Although ENHYPEN was formed through the survival show I-LAND, it’s no exaggeration to say that HEESEUNG was a “guaranteed debut member” from day one.
🥈 HEESEUNG: The Former TXT Debut Lineup Member
As is widely known, after failing to make the final TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) lineup, HEESEUNG moved to BELIFT LAB (a HYBE subsidiary) and participated in I-LAND. He frequently showed his close friendship with TXT members and even hosted joint live broadcasts. It seems this background may have influenced his departure. One can’t help but wonder: what if HEESEUNG had debuted with TXT instead?
🥇 Expecting a Path Like Labelmates Jungkook or Yeonjun?
Jungkook and Yeonjun, also under HYBE, have immense solo popularity within their respective groups. However, neither of them left their groups; they balanced solo projects with group activities. Typically, as idols gain experience, agencies support their solo endeavors or guarantee them during contract renewals. So why did HEESEUNG leave mid-contract before reaching the 7-year mark? Surprisingly, HEESEUNG hasn’t even released an official solo song yet. While all members of BTS, SEVENTEEN, and TXT achieved a full contract renewal, ENHYPEN HEESEUNG chose to leave unilaterally.
😓 Responsibility Toward His Position
HEESEUNG is the eldest member of ENHYPEN. After the group’s formation, many expected him to be the Leader due to his age, long training period, and skill set. However, the role went to JUNGWON, the second youngest. It is known that HEESEUNG declined the leadership role. Would his attachment or responsibility toward the group have been different if he were the leader? As the main vocalist with extensive parts, his sudden departure right before the May Concert puts a massive burden on the remaining 6 members, who now have to re-record songs and rearrange choreography formations.
😲 Video Call Fan Sign Delay – It wasn’t for nothing
ENHYPEN canceled a Video Call Fan Sign scheduled for March 2nd—just two hours before the event. The cited reason was the members’ “poor health.” However, since the members had just returned from a vacation, fans criticized both ENHYPEN and BELIFT LAB, questioning how the entire group could be sick at once. Looking back, it seems it was all related to this departure.
😬 Are they still doing the Video Call Fan Sign?
HEESEUNG’s final official activity as ENHYPEN will be a Video Call Fan Sign on March 22nd at 17:30 CST. Winners have already been selected and the existing event was simply postponed, so it is not possible to apply for the Video Call Fan Sign.
😠 Korean ENGENE Public Sentiment
- “Have you made enough money now to stop caring about the fans?”
- “No consideration for the group at all.”
- “Who do you think you are?”
- “Classic INFP behavior.”
- “Did you hate group activities that much?”
- “No guilt toward the younger members?”
- “Were you that incompatible with the members?”
- “It’s so easy to live as a celebrity.”
- “Can you just do whatever you want in life?”
- “Throwing away a job that earns so much money?”
The overall reaction from K-ENGENE is overwhelmingly negative.
😵 Final Thoughts
As someone who once truly liked ENHYPEN, I am in deep shock over the news of HEESEUNG’s departure. He played a vital role in their music. It’s disappointing as a listener to know we won’t hear that sound anymore, and his decision is hard to wrap my head around. I hope the remaining members and ENGENE can find peace during this difficult time.