Evan (Lee Hee-seung) Launches Solo Career with DEATH OF ME Showcase in Seoul

On September 7, 2026, the echo of a university hall in Seoul’s Dongdaemun district turned into a launchpad for Evan, the former ENHYPEN member Lee Hee‑seung. At Kyung Hee University’s Hall of Peace in Hoegi‑dong, he unveiled his debut mini‑album DEATH OF ME with a showcase that also marked the album’s digital drop at 6 p.m. local time.

His solo debut follows a March 2026 exit from ENHYPEN, the six‑member group that rose to prominence through the 2020 survival show I‑Land and has been managed by Belift Lab, a joint venture of CJ ENM and Hybe Corporation that became a Hybe subsidiary in 2023. After parting ways, Evan remained under contract with Billiflab, the agency that had overseen his work with ENHYPEN, and began crafting material for a project that would be entirely his own.

Billiflab confirmed that the split stemmed from conversations about the group’s future trajectory and the individual ambitions of its members. The agency said, ‘During this process, we confirmed that Hee‑seung (Evan) has a clear musical aspiration and decided to respect that,’ thereby acknowledging ENHYPEN’s transition to a six‑member lineup. Evan, in turn, offered measured remarks during the showcase; when asked why he couldn’t pursue his preferred musical direction while still in ENHYPEN, he noted that the decision involved many parties and was difficult to explain directly.

DEATH OF ME contains eight tracks, including the title track of the same name. Evan produced the entire project, granting him full creative control. The EP follows his June 22 single ‘Ride or Die,’ released under Belift Lab, and his earlier contribution as co‑writer of ‘Sleep Tight’ on ENHYPEN’s 2026 EP The Sin: Vanish.

The showcase featured live renditions of the title track and previews of the other songs, offering audiences a first glimpse of the darker, more introspective sound that sets Evan’s solo work apart from the pop‑centric output of ENHYPEN.

Music‑industry observers see Evan’s move as part of a wider trend of K‑pop artists seeking greater autonomy. By retaining his agency contract while taking full control of his solo material, he exemplifies a model that balances corporate support with artistic independence. Holding the event at a university venue also signals a deliberate effort to connect with the younger demographic that consumes K‑pop through digital platforms.

The digital release of DEATH OF ME adds to Billiflab’s already busy schedule, as the agency continues to manage ENHYPEN and other acts. No further promotional activities for Evan have been announced beyond the showcase, but the EP will be available worldwide on major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and local Korean platforms.

Within hours of its release, the title track entered the top 20 of the Korean Gaon Digital Chart, according to preliminary data from domestic streaming services. Internationally, the EP has appeared on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, indicating a positive reception beyond South Korea.

Overall, Evan’s solo debut with DEATH OF ME marks a significant milestone in his career. The showcase in Seoul and the album’s digital launch signal the beginning of a new chapter, while the agency’s statements confirm a respectful transition that honors his artistic goals. Future promotional activities and tour plans remain undisclosed.