EVAN’s Heeseung Faces Backlash Over ENHYPEN Connection in First Solo Release
Heeseung is facing backlash after fans connected his solo debut teaser to his departure from ENHYPEN.
Following his exit from ENHYPEN in March 2026, fans have eagerly awaited Heeseung’s solo debut under his new stage name, EVAN. On June 10, the first teaser for his digital single “Ride Or Die” dropped, with the release set for June 26. This comes just before EVAN’s first solo stage at KCON LA 2026.
The controversy began when fans linked the phrase “ride or die” in the teaser to a heartfelt message Heeseung shared on Weverse back in January, right after ENHYPEN’s “Knife” promotions ended.
ENGNEs!!
Thank you for continuously watching our performances and giving us your love throughout this promotion period. We tried some new things this time, and seeing ENGENEs enjoy the title track and the other stages we wanted to show you gave me so much strength.
Just being able to wrap up these promotions well gives me the courage to keep moving forward once again.
During these promotions, I could also feel that many ENGENEs were worried about certain things, and I know some of you felt anxious about me.
It was a moment that made me realize once again that I need to become healthier and show an even better version of myself. Right now, though, I’m in really good condition! Haha, so you don’t need to worry.
I’m someone who wants to get even closer to you and understand what’s in your hearts. Even though I can talk to you like this, there are many times when I can’t directly see and feel each ENGENE’s expressions face-to-face. That’s why I wanted to share my thoughts this way, at least.
No matter what problems come up in the future or what difficult things happen to me, the reason I can think, Let’s just keep going forward first! is because ENGENEs are by my side. That’s what gives me the strength to feel that way.
Every single ENGENE is important to me, and from now on we’re even more ‘ride or die.’
I’ll keep working hard to prepare lots of things for ENGENEs, so let’s keep walking forward together hand in hand.
I love you, ENGENE.
— Heeseung
Fans quickly reacted on social media, accusing Belift of ruining what they saw as a beautiful plan Heeseung had to release “Ride Or Die” while still in ENHYPEN.
25th january…he said this in 25th january after they finished knife promotions. He called ‘engenes’ his ride or die!
You can’t tell me that he wasn’t hoping to release something within the group!!! Fuck belift you ruined something so beautiful!!!
— m. heesunjune ºᵗ⁷ (@lowkhee_)
Others expressed anger and disbelief that the solo release was pushed after his departure.
heeseung really was gonna release ride or die while he was in enha… fuck belift oh my fucking god I hate them so fucking much
— ً (@wonikeun)
Some fans believe the letter proves Heeseung didn’t plan to leave and was pressured by the company.
Okay yk what I’ll say it idc, i think that letter just proves that he didn’t expect to leave the group and the company pressured him to, he thought he’ll continue his activities while doing his solo cus he kept saying engenes and he even spoiled the album name idk
— suzy︎ RIDE OR DIE (@bitevxn)
However, others see the letter as evidence Heeseung pre-planned his exit.
shamelessly promoting the album in the farewell letter? SHAMELESS. THICK FACE.
— lemon JUNENOO (@lemonkyum_)
Sooooo does someone have that engene letter he wrote back in january where he said that he is engenes ride or die? And people still believe it was not intentional and planned
— Bee loves helium but needs a break (@ReformedBee)
As the situation unfolded, fans remain divided over whether Heeseung’s solo debut was a surprise or part of a pre-planned move. Meanwhile, EVAN’s “Ride Or Die” is set to drop on June 26, marking a new chapter for the former ENHYPEN member.