ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki Responds to Heeseung Mentions Despite Agency Restrictions
ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki is facing controversy over his reaction to a mention of Heeseung during a fancall event.
The controversy began after Heeseung’s sudden announcement to leave ENHYPEN shocked fans. Still, the group had to carry out scheduled fancall events.
During one of these calls, a staff member reportedly tried to cut off the call when someone attempted to mention Heeseung. Instead, a fan showed Ni-Ki a Japanese uchiwa paddle fan with Ni-Ki’s name on one side and Heeseung’s on the other.
Ni-Ki gave a thumbs up to the fan showing Heeseung’s name — a small but emotional gesture that moved fans deeply.
A fan who attended the event shared on Twitter:
I will always be a HEEKI girl …
I showed up for Ni-ki today despite everything that had happened. One thing is for sure, their brotherhood can never be taken away. He gave a thumbs up when I showed Heeseung’s name — it’s a small gesture, but it carries a lot of comfort.
— Lorraine (@ch_lorraine) March 11, 2026
Fans reacted emotionally to Ni-Ki’s reaction and praised the company for allowing this subtle display.
This was so smart thank you sm for doing this little gesture I just know the boys are rooting for us in this !
— eda⁎⁺ (@blessedsimed) March 11, 2026
Oh wow, the way you can see his eyes looking back to the staff behind the camera to make sure it’s not gonna get him in trouble :(( our poor baby
— jaywonah (@jjaywonah) March 11, 2026
thank you so much for this
— ale :3 sevEN (@cuorhee) March 11, 2026
Thank you so much for doing this
— Triyyy ~ ENHYPEN IS 7 (@triniyy_hee97) March 11, 2026
Soon after, mixed reactions showed up online. Some fans felt the fan’s gesture put Ni-Ki in an uncomfortable spot because of the company’s alleged restrictions on talking about Heeseung.
ni-ki doing a thumbs up when op showed him an uchiwa with heeseung’s name
— kira (fan account) (@allforchulsoo) March 11, 2026
Others called out fans for being disrespectful and not considering the group’s situation:
why do y’all put them in uncomfortable positions, they’re probably still figuring out how to react. and the thing is I’m 100% sure y’all won’t be doing this to heeseung in the future putting images of the group in his face
— a. sun ★ fan acc (@whereisnoo) March 11, 2026
y’all are so disrespectful
— zar (@lemooonaa) March 11, 2026
Y’all are not real fans why would you put your fav in such an uncomfortable position
— Celine⁷ (@hskheartshaped) March 11, 2026
The incident highlights the tensions inside the fandom following Heeseung’s departure and the tightrope the remaining members must walk amid company restrictions. Fans continue to watch closely how ENHYPEN handles the fallout.