Fans are revisiting comments made by ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon in 2025 regarding the possibility of solo activities for the group’s members, a topic now carrying added weight following the departure of Heeseung. The discussion highlights a growing concern among fans about the future of individual pursuits within the group, and the constraints placed upon them by their agency, BeLift Lab.
During an interview celebrating ENHYPEN’s anniversary last year, Sunghoon expressed a desire for a balance between group work and individual expression. He stated his hope that members could explore solo performances while continuing to operate as a cohesive unit. This sentiment, initially seen as optimistic, is now being re-examined in light of recent events.
“I want to preserve working together far into the future. I’d like to see everyone do solo performances later on while still keeping the team together,” Sunghoon said, as captured in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @ahgasela on March 15, 2026.
🐧: i hope that in the future You can each have our own solo stages, while still continuing together as a team…. pic.twitter.com/LnnqFInEjV
— 샐마•𝗘𝗡-| bring heeseung back (@ahgasela) March 15, 2026
The renewed focus on Sunghoon’s statement comes after BeLift Lab confirmed Heeseung’s departure from ENHYPEN on March 15, 2026, to pursue solo releases and activities. This decision has sparked protests from fans who feel the agency’s structure makes it difficult for members to balance group commitments with individual aspirations. Many fans are now questioning whether Sunghoon’s vision of simultaneous group and solo work is realistically achievable.
“remember sunghoon’s words please….! sign the petition and do anything else that can bring belift down so we can eventually get heeseung back to us https://t.co/FDs0YNkr3f,” wrote user @cuddlyheeseung on X, reflecting the frustration felt by many within the ENHYPEN fandom.
remember sunghoon’s words please….! sign the petition and do anything else that can bring belift down so we can eventually get heeseung back to us https://t.co/FDs0YNkr3f
— 안나 ☆ fan acc (@cuddlyheeseung) March 15, 2026
BeLift Lab has maintained that Heeseung’s departure was a mutual decision allowing him to focus on individual projects. However, the agency as well stated that ENHYPEN’s demanding schedule made it impractical to pursue solo releases while remaining a member of the group. This assertion has been met with criticism, with some fans interpreting it as a potential “threat” to the remaining six members, suggesting that pursuing solo work may necessitate leaving the group.
The agency’s stance, as reported by multiple sources, has fueled concerns that other members may face a similar choice if they wish to explore individual musical endeavors. This has led to a broader discussion about the challenges faced by K-pop groups in balancing collective success with individual artistic expression. Sunghoon, a former figure skater who debuted with ENHYPEN in November 2020, according to Wikipedia, represents a unique case within the group, having transitioned from a demanding individual sport to a collaborative musical environment.
As ENHYPEN navigates this latest chapter, the future of solo activities for its members remains uncertain. The agency’s approach will likely be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, as it could set a precedent for other K-pop groups facing similar challenges. The situation underscores the complex dynamics between agencies, artists, and fans in the highly competitive world of K-pop.
The coming months will be crucial in determining how BeLift Lab addresses these concerns and whether it can find a way to support both the group’s collective identity and the individual aspirations of its members. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
