Heeseung Unexpectedly Changes His Name After Leaving ENHYPEN, Hit With Backlash
After withdrawing from ENHYPEN on March 10 to pursue a solo career, Heeseung has officially taken his first step toward releasing solo projects.
On April 8, the idol, together with BeLift Lab, revealed his new stage name: EVAN.
The announcement came through his newly launched solo profile on the company’s website. According to BeLift Lab, EVAN represents a “versatile vocalist” with a trendy and refined tone. They highlighted his past as HEESEUNG of ENHYPEN, pointing to his stable vocals, stage presence, and growing involvement in songwriting and production.
The name change signals a clear shift. Rather than carrying over his established identity, Heeseung is starting fresh with a new persona. Alongside the rebrand, a new Instagram account for EVAN has also been launched.
heeseung finally has his own instagram!!!! oh my god everyone follow him now! 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/f3xTP7F1Dj
— h. (@heeseungggiiee) April 8, 2026
Fans have largely welcomed the move, seeing it as a bold reset and a chance for Heeseung to fully express himself. But not everyone is convinced.
i don’t even know how to react to all of this. one part of me is happy for him, bc that was something he wanted, he has always wanted to share his music with the world and to grow as an artist. but the other part is still in mourning stage and doesn’t want to move on…
— lumi ⭑.ᐟ (@4shdow) April 8, 2026
He doesn’t even want to be associated with his group or stage name anymore that he’s debuting under a completely new name. This is Kind of embarrassing for those protesting and demanding to get him back in the group lol.😭 https://t.co/MuBZRnvmAe
— isa (@solmerv) April 8, 2026
Some netizens questioned the decision to abandon his original stage name entirely, while others doubted whether he can succeed without his former group’s recognition.
He really thinks he is going to be a successful soloist ijbol
— jumjum💜🥀 (@ttemihh) April 8, 2026
no shade but no one will call him by that name 😭
— s (@ningeddon) April 8, 2026
Oh he’s going to be stuck in nugudom for eternity
— 🌺 (@naithecurator) April 8, 2026
As reactions remain split, all eyes are now on EVAN’s next move and whether this abrupt rebrand will pay off.
