EVAN’s (Heeseung) First Solo Release Connected To ENHYPEN, Triggering Backlash

Following his departure from ENHYPEN in March 2026, many have waited patiently for Heeseung (now known as EVAN) to make his solo debut.

On June 10, the first teaser of his solo music was shared, revealing its release date and title. “Ride Or Die,” a digital single, is set to be released on June 26, ahead of EVAN’s first solo performance at KCON LA 2026.

While there may not seem to be anything beyond the teasing of the release, fans have connected it to something that Heeseung previously said.

Back in January, around the time that ENHYPEN finished up “Knife” promotions, Heeseung shared a post on Weverse for fans.

ENGENEs!!

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

The inclusion of the phrase “ride or die” has been seen as a spoiler for his upcoming solo debut and taken as proof that Heeseung planned to release the song as a member of 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_) June 10, 2026

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) June 10, 2026

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

— suzy❤︎ RIDE OR DIE (@bitevxn) June 10, 2026

On the other hand, some see it as confirmation that Heeseung pre-planned his departure.

shamelessly promoting the album in the farewell letter? SHAMELESS. THICK FACE.

— lemon 🌰 JUNENOO 🦊 (@lemonkyum_) June 10, 2026

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) June 10, 2026