The wait is finally over for EVAN (formerly Heeseung of ENHYPEN). Months after leaving the popular boy group in March 2026, the singer has officially announced the release date for his long-awaited solo debut single ‘RIDE OR DIE’. Following weeks of speculation and hints dropped on social media, his agency BELIFT LAB dropped the first teaser photos on June 10, sending global fandoms into a frenzy.
The digital single is scheduled to drop on June 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM KST.
A Debut Two Years in the Making
EVAN, who now operates under his English name to mark this new chapter, first debuted with ENHYPEN in 2020 after surviving the survival show I-LAND. Known for his versatile vocals and songwriting skills, he co-wrote several fan-favorite tracks while in the group, including Highway 1009 and Sleep Tight.
For ‘RIDE OR DIE,’ EVAN has taken complete creative control. According to the official statement from BELIFT LAB, he participated in “writing the lyrics and music to producing the recording, and poured his feelings for his fans into the digital single.”
The single will feature two tracks, designed to showcase contrasting sides of his personality: one described as sharp and bold, the other calm and sophisticated.
‘You Can’t Tell Me He Wasn’t Hoping to Release This With the Group’
While fans are celebrating the announcement, the song’s title has also stirred a wave of emotional reactions and heated debates online.
Sharp-eyed fans quickly connected ‘RIDE OR DIE’ to a heartfelt letter Heeseung posted on the fan community platform Weverse back in January 2026. At the time, ENHYPEN had just finished promotions for their track Knife. In the lengthy message to fans (known as ENGENE), Heeseung wrote:
“No matter what problems come up in the future or what difficult things happen to me… the reason I can think, ‘Let’s just keep going forward first!’ is because ENGENEs are by my side. Every single ENGENE is important to me, and from now on we’re even more ‘ride or die.’”
The repetition of the exact phrase has led many to believe that the solo track was conceived and potentially planned for release while Heeseung was still a member of ENHYPEN. This realization has split the fandom.
Some fans expressed heartbreak, believing the situation proves he was pushed out by the company despite wanting to release the song with the group.
“25th january…he said this in 25th january after they finished knife promotions. He called ‘engenes’ his ride or die! You can’t tell me that he wasn’t hoping to release something within the group!!! Fuck belift you ruined something so beautiful!!!” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Others see it as a meaningful bridge between his past and future, interpreting the title choice as a nod to the fans who have stayed with him throughout the transition.
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The Road Ahead: KCON and Festival Appearances
The release of ‘RIDE OR DIE’ is just the beginning of EVAN’s solo career. He is scheduled to perform on several major stages in the coming months, solidifying his return to the spotlight.
Upcoming Schedule:
- June 22 – Digital single ‘RIDE OR DIE’ release
- June 28 – Busan One Asia Festival (BOF) 2026
- August 16 – KCON Los Angeles 2026 (his first major solo stage in the U.S.)
As June 22 approaches, the excitement continues to build. Whether fans view the title as a bittersweet memory or a fresh start, one thing is clear: EVAN is ready to show the world who he is as an artist.
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