ENHYPEN member Lee Hee‑seung has announced he is leaving the group to pursue a solo career — a move confirmed by BELIFT LAB that has sent fans into an emotional frenzy as of March 11, 2026.

What happened

Belift Lab, the HYBE sub‑label that formed ENHYPEN, said after discussions with every member it became clear that Heeseung “has his own distinct musical vision and we have decided to respect it.” The company confirmed Heeseung will remain under BELIFT LAB as a solo artist and that ENHYPEN will continue as a six‑member group.

Timeline and background

ENHYPEN debuted in 2020 after the survival show I‑Land, originally as a seven‑piece with Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon and Ni‑Ki. This announcement marks the first lineup change since their debut; the group released the mini‑album The Sin : Vanish in January and has been active globally, including festival appearances last year.

What Heeseung said

Heeseung addressed fans directly in a letter shared on social platforms, saying, “I wanted to tell engenes in person.” He reflected on six years with the group as “moments that were overwhelming and precious beyond words,” and acknowledged the surprise his decision may cause. He added that he has been focusing on personal work and promised to return to fans, writing, “I will prepare hard to meet you again as soon as possible.”

Why it matters now

This move shifts ENHYPEN’s group dynamic and spotlights Heeseung as an emerging solo artist within HYBE’s ecosystem. The label’s phrasing about a distinct musical vision suggests a directional split rooted in artistic priorities rather than contract termination.

Fan and industry reaction

Fans — known as ENGENE — responded on Weverse, X and other platforms with shock, grief and comparisons to other high‑profile departures in K‑pop, with some likening the split to Zayn Malik leaving One Direction. Social chatter has trended since the announcement, and emotional posts, fan edits and calls for support have flooded community channels.

What’s next

  • BELIFT LAB says Heeseung will work on a solo album under the label; no release date has been announced.
  • ENHYPEN will promote and perform as a six‑member group moving forward; how upcoming schedules will be adjusted has not been detailed.
  • Fans and industry watchers will be looking for Heeseung’s solo music style and the company’s roadmap for ENHYPEN’s next group projects.

Bottom line

Heeseung’s departure is a notable moment for K‑pop’s global scene: it closes a chapter for ENHYPEN as originally formed while launching the singer into a solo phase under BELIFT LAB. Expect more updates on solo release plans and the group’s future activities in the coming weeks.