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Fans rally for Heeseung's return after sudden departure from Enhypen

Published: 11 Mar. 2026, 10:59 Updated: 11 Mar. 2026, 18:52

LIM JEONG-WON
[email protected]

Heeseung, a former member of boy band Enhypen [NEWS1]

Fans are fiercely protesting the abrupt departure of singer Heeseung of boy band Enhypen. International fans have already gathered more than 513,000 signatures on a petition calling for his return just a day after the announcement of his departure.

“Following the announcement by Belift Lab about Heeseung leaving the group, thousands of fans are expressing deep concern and demanding transparency,” a fan wrote in a letter to the Korea JoongAng Daily on Wednesday.

“Enhypen has been active as a seven-member group since their debut, and Heeseung has played a crucial role in the group's music, performance and identity,” another letter said. “This news is a huge shock to many fans.

Enhypen’s agency Belift Lab announced Heeseung’s departure in a statement on Tuesday.

“The company discussed the band’s future and goals with Enhypen,” Belift Lab said. “In the process, it was determined that Heeseung has a clear musical direction he wishes to pursue, and we decided to respect his decision.”

While the agency said Heeseung’s departure was “a decision made after long and careful consideration,” some fans have raised doubts about whether the decision was voluntary on Heeseung’s part.

Boy band Enhypen [BELIFT LAB]

“Many fans around the world are confused and concerned about the situation, and are hoping for a clearer explanation and more transparent communication,” one letter from a fan said.

“While we fully support Heeseung's growth as an artist, we believe his decision to leave the group and pursue a solo career deserves reconsideration,” another letter read. “Many artists in the K-pop industry successfully pursue both group and solo careers, and we hope Heeseung will be afforded the same opportunity.”

Enhypen fans, known by the nickname Engene, have started a petition on Change.org calling for Heeseung to pursue solo activities without leaving the band.

Enhypen was formed in 2020 through Mnet’s television music survival show “I-Land.” It debuted with the EP “Border: Day One” the same year and has since released songs including “Given-Taken” (2020), “Drunk-Dazed” (2021) and “Tamed-Dashed” (2021).

BY LIM JEONG-WON [[email protected]]