BeLift Lab Issues Warning to ENHYPEN Members as Heeseung’s Departure Raises Concerns
Heeseung is facing controversy after his departure from ENHYPEN sparked backlash over agency comments.
The controversy began when Belift Lab confirmed to The Korea Herald that Heeseung will not be returning to ENHYPEN. The agency said the decision was because pursuing a full solo career outside the group was “the best arrangement for all parties involved.”
“The company concluded that pursuing a full solo career outside the group would be the best arrangement for all parties involved.
According to the agency, ENHYPEN’s schedule remains extremely demanding throughout the year, making it difficult for members to develop independent musical projects while maintaining full group activities.”
— The Korea Herald
Soon after, fans reacted strongly, calling the agency’s statement a “threatening message” aimed at the other six ENHYPEN members.
Fans took to Twitter to voice frustration over what they see as a warning: anyone in ENHYPEN who wants to release solo work risks being forced out of the group.
“So you’re telling us that if JUNGWON, JAY, JAKE, SUNGHOON, SUNOO, and NI-KI ever dare to release solo work, their only fate is exile from the group? What kind of cruel, threatening message is that to the others? That anyone bold enough to pursue their own artistry will be cast…”
— ENHYPEN ASIA (@AsiaEnhypen)
Critics pointed out that many idol group members from other HYBE labels release solo music without leaving their groups.
“that article comfirming what weve been saying belift is against grp members having individuality and if u want that U LEAVE they dont want them to have their own artistic growth and gaslighted them into believing they cant have 2 things at once”
— z (@dakrblood)
“every other idols in kpop music industry, hell every other idols in hybe,, has the freedom to release their solo work while being in the group. only it’s ‘difficult’ for ENHYPEN member?!! BULLSHIT”
— jem | ENHYPEN IS 7 (@7sengene)
As the situation escalates, concern grows over ENHYPEN’s future as a six-member group. Fans fear anyone wanting solo projects might have to leave.
“the way belift basically admitted they kicked him out”
— liv♡fan (@mffyhee)
“now this only affirms the reason why removing heeseung from the group is the ‘most fulfilling’ or ‘best arrangement’ is because @beliftlab does not have any plans for the members to pursue independent musical projects while being in the group YET SOMEHOW a lot of you have labeled…”
— 세리 (@lhsmoncheri)
“this useless company. other sub labels are able to balance their group promo and solo releases just fine. the real problem here is that your staff are incompetent. why don’t you do us all a favour, self-exit and find someone who can do your job properly @BELIFTLAB”
— ⋆ enhypen IS 7 (@enbisouus)
ENHYPEN continues as six members for now, but fans are watching closely for any signs of solo activities—and if that means more departures.