Heeseung, a former member of the boy band Enhypen, officially began the next chapter of his career with a new stage name: Evan.

The singer opened a new Instagram account under the new name on Wednesday.


The account’s profile picture shows his face with "minimal makeup" and without accessories to “express Evan in the purest form before he is colored or defined into any new being,” according to his agency Belift Lab.

“The name Evan is something that I used as a child and bears precious memories,” the singer said. “I aim to present 'Evan' with a completely new mindset. I will approach fans with music that embodies the most honest and natural side of myself.”

Other details of his imminent second debut or new song have yet to be released.

Belift Lab announced last month that Evan would leave Enhypen but remain with the agency as a solo artist. Enhypen will continue with six members.

The agency had refrained from stating specific details about the decision, only saying that it was “made after long and careful consideration.”

Enhypen fans have been protesting the move, and many were divided over Evan’s new profile photo.

“I [am] not even calling him Evan. His name is [...] Heeseung,” read one comment with 470 likes as of Thursday morning.

Another read, “Stop saying he should go back to Enhypen. Can you just respect him?” with 230 likes as of the cited time.

Enhypen was formed in 2020 through Mnet’s television music survival show “I-Land.” It debuted with the EP “Border: Day One” that same year and has since released songs including “Given-Taken” (2020), “Drunk-Dazed” (2021) and “Tamed-Dashed” (2021).

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]