EVAN, formerly known as ENHYPEN’s Heeseung, has officially begun his solo career, but the early chart performance of his debut single fell below expectations.
The singer left ENHYPEN in March 2026, shocking fans who had long considered him one of the group’s most important members. After more than three months of preparation, he returned under the stage name EVAN while continuing his individual career with BELIFT LAB. On June 22, EVAN released his first digital single, Ride or Die, along with B-side track Overflow.
EVAN presents a rock-driven identity
Rather than continue the refined pop and electronic sound associated with ENHYPEN, EVAN adopted a darker alternative rock style for his solo debut.
He reportedly participated in the songwriting, lyrics, and overall creative direction of the project. The Ride or Die music video emphasized this transformation with blonde hair, leather clothing, facial scratches, broken glass, and dramatic scenes shot around cars and heavy rain.
The song’s powerful guitars, drums and emotional vocals received praise from listeners who appreciated EVAN’s willingness to leave his comfort zone. Others, however, argue that the rock genre may be more difficult to promote to the general Korean public.
Ride or Die quickly falls from the charts
Despite the attention surrounding his departure from ENHYPEN, Ride or Die achieved a weak performance on several major Korean music platforms. According to the report, the song peaked at number 371 on Melon’s daily chart on the day of its release, but fell out of the Top 1,000 by June 23.
He reportedly failed to get into Genie’s card. Bugs produced stronger initial results, with the track reaching number 4 on the real-time chart and number 87 on the daily chart. However, after two days it also disappeared from the real-time chart.
The early data surprised some fans because Heeseung previously performed as a key member of one of K-pop’s most successful fourth-generation boy groups. While Ride or Die has struggled digitally, its early days don’t necessarily determine EVAN’s long-term future. His challenge will be to transform his new artistic identity into a stable solo audience beyond the fandom and recognition he has achieved through ENHYPEN.
Sources: K14
