One million fans around the world have signed a petition to bring Heeseung back to K-pop boy band ENHYPEN while allowing him to pursue solo activities. 

Fans started a petition on Change.org titled “Allow Heeseung to Pursue Solo Activities Without Leaving ENHYPEN” on March 10. 

At about 12:29 a.m. on March 12 (Philippine time), the petition reached a little over one million signatures as more fans joined to ask Belift Lab, ENHYPEN’s agency, and HYBE, the parent company of the agency, to reconsider the decision. 

The petition garnered more than 500,000 signatures before noon on March 11 (Philippine time) and reached more than 800,000 signatures at about 8 p.m. 

The petition for Heeseung reached a little over one million on March 12 (Screenshot from Change.org)

Belift Lab announced on March 10 that Heeseung will be leaving ENHYPEN and pursue a solo career by releasing his album under the agency. ENHYPEN will continue with six members.

Fans were shocked and saddened with the sudden decision as there was no clue beforehand that ENHYPEN would undergo member change. ENHYPEN just made their comeback last January through the album  “The Sin: Vanish.” 

Comments on the petition read, “ENHYPHEN is 7. they deserve to stay as a group” and “Enhypen always 7 BRING HEESEUNG BACK.”

ENHYPEN (Facebook)

Heeseung (Facebook/ENHYPEN)

Heeseung (Facebook/ENHYPEN)

Here is the full text of the petition:

“To BELIFT LAB and HYBE,

“We, fans and supporters of ENHYPEN, are deeply concerned by the announcement that Heeseung will depart from the group in order to release a solo album.

“While we fully support Heeseung’s artistic growth and the opportunity for him to explore solo music, we strongly believe that a solo career should not require leaving ENHYPEN.

“Across the K-pop industry, many artists successfully balance group promotions and solo activities at the same time. Members of groups under your own company and other labels regularly release solo albums, participate in collaborations, and pursue individual careers while continuing to remain active members of their groups.

“Heeseung is an essential part of ENHYPEN’s identity as a vocalist, performer, and strong supporting member within the team. His presence contributes significantly to the group’s musical color, teamwork, and the bond that fans have built with ENHYPEN over the years.

“As fans, supporting both ENHYPEN as a group and Heeseung as an individual artist does not have to be a conflict.

“Therefore, we respectfully ask BELIFT LAB and HYBE to:

“Allow Heeseung to release his solo album while remaining a member of ENHYPEN

“Support parallel group and solo activities, as is common across the industry

“Protect the integrity of ENHYPEN as a complete group

“This request comes from a place of love, support, and long-term commitment to ENHYPEN and its members.

“ENHYPEN’s strength has always been the seven members growing together. We hope the company will reconsider this decision and pursue a path that allows Heeseung’s solo artistry to flourish without separating him from the group.

“We support Heeseung.

“We support ENHYPEN.

“And we believe both can exist together.” 

Here is Belift Lab’s announcement on March 10: 

“[NOTICE] 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.”