Evan, formerly known as Heeseung of Enhypen, began his solo career with his first EP, “Death of Me,” putting his own ideas and personal stories at the center of his music on Monday.
However, the release brings back a question that has followed the singer since he left Enhypen in March: What will distinguish Evan from the artist audiences already knew as Heeseung?
Evan withdrew from the group after discussions with Belift Lab and decided to remain under the agency as a solo artist.
“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted to present my music and in what way I wanted to show it,” said Evan at a press showcase in eastern Seoul on Monday. “After sharing the work I had been making with the company and having extensive discussions, I decided after much consideration to pursue the path of a solo artist.”
Yet sonically, the music Evan has presented so far does not mark an obvious departure from his former group.
The title track “Death of Me,” a pop R&B track built around the declaration “Ain’t the death of me,” tells a story of confronting his limits and refusing to be stopped as Evan begins a new chapter of his career. But its dark, forceful production and performance-driven presentation may feel familiar to listeners accustomed to the music he performed with Enhypen.
Asked whether there had been music he wanted to pursue but could not as a member of Enhypen, Evan declined to draw a direct comparison.
“There were many people involved in the process of transitioning to a solo career, so it is difficult for me to answer that question on my own,” said Evan.
Evan appears to be drawing the distinction through authorship and personal storytelling rather than a dramatic change in sound. He participated in the production of all eight tracks on “Death of Me,” which also includes the two songs from his June solo single “Ride or Die,” and said his own ideas and experiences were included throughout the record.
Evan described the album as a “mirror,” reflecting both his anxieties about what lies ahead and his desire to continue pushing forward.
“There is fear about what lies ahead, but there are also very honest and raw stories about wanting to keep moving forward and achieve more,” he said. “I think the album reflects my thoughts exactly as they are.”
Evan stressed that “Death of Me” should not be read simply as an account of his decision to leave Enhypen and become a solo artist. Rather, he said the album draws from stories and values he has developed since childhood.
“I realized from a young age how important hope can be, and that message is reflected in this album,” said the singer, referring to his battle with malignant lymphoma as a child. “If you listen through all of the tracks, I think you’ll be able to find a glimmer of hope in the lyrics of each one.”
Commercially, Evan’s solo career is already off to a promising start. “Death of Me” sold more than 461,000 copies on its first day, topping Hanteo Chart’s daily album chart for Monday. The title track also topped Bugs’ real-time chart shortly after its release and entered Melon’s Hot 100 at No. 5.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com
