The artist formerly known as Heeseung.
Photo: Getty Images
Plenty of singers release music under mononyms: Beyoncé, Adele, Prince, Madonna, and Rihanna — if she ever finishes that album. How do we feel about Evan? On April 8, former Enhypen member Heeseung adopted a new stage name for his solo career. “EVAN is a name I’ve cherished since childhood, one that holds many of my most precious memories,” he said in a statement. “Through this name, I hope to reach fans with music that fully expresses my most honest and natural self.” He shared the first photos of his new era on a newly launched Instagram account, @h_evva_n. In a press release, HYBE label Belift Lab said the minimalist portraits “strip away embellishment to reveal a raw, understated charisma” and capture “an artist at the very beginning of his identity, before any external definition is applied.” Evan was much more succinct in his caption, which simply reads, “#Evan.”
Belift Lab sent shock waves through the K-pop industry on March 10 by announcing that Heeseung was leaving Enhypen after six years — but would remain signed as an individual act. “It became clear that Heeseung has his own distinct musical vision,” the label said. “It’s difficult to relay the whole process through a short notice, but this decision comes after extensive deliberation.” In a handwritten letter shared to Weverse, Heeseung said he thought “deeply” about this decision for a long time, noting that he wanted to share many individual projects he’s worked on but didn’t want to put his own ambitions before Enhypen. He described his time in the group as some of the brightest memories of his life and affirmed that he wants to continue supporting the remaining six-member lineup “as someone who will always cheer them on.” Still, some fans questioned whether he actually wanted to leave. Following the news of his departure, protest trucks (and some in-person protesters) showed up at HYBE’s building to express their discontent, while a petition requesting that Heeseung release solo music but also remain in the group received more than 2 million signatures. So far, it looks like he and Belift are sticking to hoping that this configuration will be Evan better for him.
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