ENHYPEN's Heeseung tells fans: 'Thank you and I love you'
K-pop boy band ENHYPEN’s Heeseung wrote a letter to fans to explain his departure from the group.
Belift Lab, ENHYPEN’s agency, announced on March 10 that Heeseung will be leaving ENHYPEN to pursue a solo career.
Heeseung debuted in ENHYPEN on Nov 30, 2020 and at 24, he is the oldest member of the boy band.
As fans are trying to grapple with the news, Heeseung wrote a letter, explaining to ENGENES (ENHYPEN’s fans) what happened.
“First of all, I'm sure many of you ENGENES were surprised to hear the news, and many of you are probably curious about this sudden announcement. That's why I wanted to share this message with you, ENGENES, directly,” he said.
He added, “For me, the past six years have been filled with overwhelming and precious moments that are beyond words. Thanks to the members with whom I've shared countless emotions, and to you, ENGENES, who have always filled those voids, I was able to get closer to a dream that seemed out of reach.”
“And that time will remain one of the brightest moments I will never forget. I will never forget those moments, and I want to continue to be a supporter of ENHYPEN more than anyone else,” said Heeseung.
He said, “I've spent a long time sharing the results of my work with the company and discussing the best way to present them. After much deliberation, I've made the bold decision to follow the direction the company has suggested and return to you, ENGENEs, with a better side of myself.”
“As you all know, I've been working on my personal projects, dedicating a lot of time to show you what I can do. There was so much I wanted to show you, but I also didn't want to let my own ambitions take precedence within the team,” he said.
He said, “I understand your concerns and various stories. I will work hard to meet you again soon. My desire to return with a better image is more sincere than anyone else's.”
“As you, ENGENE, have always given me endless love and affection despite my shortcomings, I understand your surprise and concern, and I feel deeply sorry for you. But I believe it's because of the care and interest you have shown me,” he said.
Heeseung said, “I will keep the love you've shown me in my heart and continue to move forward. ENGENE! Thank you and I love you.”
Here is the full statement of Belift Lab about Heeseung’s departure from ENHYPEN:
"ENHYPEN's Future Activities
"Hello, this is BELIFT LAB.
"We would like to express our gratitude toward ENGENE for their unwavering support for ENHYPEN and provide information on ENHYPEN's future activities.
"BELIFT LAB has given much thought and consideration into ENHYPEN's future direction and goals. Through in-depth discussions with each of the members about the future they envision and the direction of the team, it became clear that HEESEUNG has his own distinct musical vision and we have decided to respect it.
"As such, HEESEUNG will be parting ways with ENHYPEN, and ENHYPEN will continue official activities henceforth as a group of six members.
"It’s difficult to relay the whole process through a short notice, but this decision comes after extensive deliberation. We understand that this news is a lot to process and may be received with mixed reactions. Nevertheless, we hope you understand that this decision was made for the future of ENHYPEN and HEESEUNG.
"ENHYPEN remains committed to sharing energetic performances with ENGENE. HEESEUNG will be preparing a solo album as an artist under BELIFT LAB.
"We ask for ENGENE's continued love and support for ENHYPEN and HEESEUNG as they start a new chapter of their journey.
"Thank you."