February 12, 2026 – ENHYPEN is currently riding high on the wave of their latest album THE SIN: VANISH, which smashed records by selling over 2.07 million copies in its first week and securing their fourth consecutive double-million seller status . The group has sold out global tours, won three Daesang (grand prize) awards in 2025, and even had their song SHOUT OUT selected as the official support song for the Milan Winter Olympics .
But despite these jaw-dropping numbers everywhere else, there is one place where ENHYPEN feels they are still not reaching: their home country, South Korea.
In a recent reflective interview, ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon spoke honestly about the group’s awareness in Korea. His candid remarks immediately sparked a fierce backlash from fans—not toward Jungwon, but toward the group’s management company, BELIFT LAB.
Fans are now flooding social media with one clear demand: “PROMOTE YOUR ARTISTS BETTER.”
Jungwon’s Honest Confession: “We Want More People in Korea to Know Us”
During an interview conducted around the release of THE SIN: VANISH, Jungwon addressed the group’s goals for 2026 and beyond. While reflecting on the immense global success ENHYPEN has achieved, he did not shy away from acknowledging a lingering gap.
Jungwon stated, “It’s very important to release an album at the beginning of this year. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, and we have three members born in the Year of the Horse. I believe we can achieve great results.” However, he also shared a more sobering thought regarding their domestic standing .
Although exact transcripts of his full quote about Korean popularity vary across sources, fan accounts and translated media reports consistently highlight that Jungwon expressed a strong desire for more recognition from the South Korean general public. He noted that while ENHYPEN fills stadiums overseas and tops Oricon and Billboard charts, the group still feels relatively unknown on mainstream Korean music programs and variety shows.
This honesty struck a nerve. For many ENGENE (ENHYPEN’s fandom), Jungwon was not complaining—he was stating a fact that the company has failed to fix for years.
Massive Global Numbers vs. Quiet Domestic Charts
The contrast in ENHYPEN’s popularity is stark and data-driven.
Globally, ENHYPEN is a powerhouse. Their ROMANCE: UNTOLD album was the best-selling K-pop album of 2024 worldwide, recording 3.4 million pure sales according to the IFPI . Their WALK THE LINE world tour gathered approximately 676,000 attendees across 19 cities . They have millions of dedicated fans in Japan, the United States, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Yet, in South Korea, the group often struggles to maintain presence on domestic charts like Melon Top 100 unless they release new music. Compared to their HYBE labelmates or other 4th generation peers, ENHYPEN’s television appearances, variety show guestings, and domestic media exposure are significantly limited.
Fans argue that this is not due to the members’ lack of talent or appeal, but purely because BELIFT LAB fails to book them on major Korean broadcasts or promote them to the local public.
‘Promote Your Artists Better’: The Hashtag That Won’t Go Away
Following Jungwon’s remarks, ENGENE took their frustration to X (formerly Twitter), Weverse, and online communities. The sentiment was unified: the company is failing the group in their own country.
One fan wrote, “Jungwon shouldn’t have to feel like a foreigner in his own country. BELIFT, you have a group that sells 2 million albums and you can’t even get them on Knowing Bros? Do your job.”
Another fan added, “ENHYPEN has the sales, the fandom power, the Daesangs, the Olympic anthem. Everything except domestic PR. BELIFT LAB is the only thing holding them back in Korea.”
The criticism did not emerge in a vacuum. Jungwon’s comments arrived during a period where BELIFT LAB is already under fire for multiple alleged failures regarding artist management and safety.
A Pattern of Neglect: Ni-ki’s Treatment and Sunghoon’s Safety Scare
In the weeks leading up to Jungwon’s interview, BELIFT LAB faced two major controversies that amplify why fans believe the company is dropping the ball.
Ni-ki, ENHYPEN’s only Japanese member, was allegedly sidelined during the group’s recent schedule in Hong Kong. Fans noticed that at the airport, Ni-ki was seen hiding behind a pillar while other members stood forward for photos. At the fan meeting, he appeared visibly nervous, was interrupted while speaking, and at one point, was made to stand off the stage while other members remained on it .
Fans immediately accused BELIFT LAB of mistreating Ni-ki due to his Japanese nationality amid rising Korea-China-Japan political tensions. The hashtag #FairTreatmentForNi_Ki trended with tens of thousands of posts .
Then, on January 11, 2026, member Sunghoon was chased by sasaengs (obsessive stalker fans) at Incheon Airport. Video footage showed Sunghoon running for his safety through the terminal with no male security or bodyguards accompanying him—only two female staff members. Fans were outraged that BELIFT LAB left the idol exposed to danger .
Comments at the time read: “THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE, WHERE IS THE PROTECTION FOR YOUR ARTISTS BELIFT?” and “Does BELIFT LAB not value the personal safety of artists?” .
Jungwon’s Leadership: Leading by Example
Amid the company criticism, Jungwon himself continues to set a positive example. On February 9, 2026, his birthday, Jungwon pledged 100 million KRW (approximately $75,000 USD) to the Community Chest of Korea’s Honor Society. The donation will be distributed over five years to support underprivileged children and adolescents .
Jungwon said, “As a K-pop artist who has received immense love, I’ve always believed that the attention and support I receive are never taken for granted. I hope my small act of sharing becomes a strong source of encouragement and courage for children who cannot enjoy their rightful privileges due to environmental barriers.” .
His charity work further cemented his image as a mature, thoughtful leader. Fans pointed out the irony: the leader is donating millions to help children, but his own company cannot invest in basic domestic marketing or security for him and his members.
Sunghoon’s Vision: From Ancient Vampires to Modern Icons
ENHYPEN is known for their intricate vampire concept, which has been their identity since debut. However, member Sunghoon recently shared that the group wants to evolve this image to become more accessible to the general public.
Sunghoon explained, “We achieved our debut goal of reaching the top in 5 years. Now, we’re moving from ‘ancient vampires’ to ‘modern vampires’ to get closer to the public.” .
This statement aligns perfectly with Jungwon’s wish for more domestic recognition. The members are ready and willing to adapt their concept to appeal to Korean audiences. But they need the company’s support to execute that bridge.
What Fans Want BELIFT LAB to Do Now
ENGENE are not simply venting; they are presenting clear, actionable requests to BELIFT LAB.
First, fans want the agency to secure appearances on major Korean variety programs such as Knowing Bros (Ask Us Anything), Running Man, and Yoo Quiz on the Block. These shows have high domestic viewership and are crucial for building public recognition.
Second, fans demand better music show promotion beyond the first week of comeback. ENHYPEN often ends promotions quickly to focus on international touring, leaving a gap in domestic visibility.
Third, and most urgently, fans insist on proper security protocols for all members. The Sunghoon airport incident and the Ni-ki stage placement controversy have severely damaged trust in BELIFT LAB’s duty of care.
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The Bigger Picture: HYBE’s Subsidiary Problem
BELIFT LAB is a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, home to BTS, SEVENTEEN, and LE SSERAFIM. Fans argue that while other HYBE labels actively promote their artists on Korean television, BELIFT LAB consistently falls short.
This is not the first time BELIFT LAB has been accused of poor domestic management. Since ENHYPEN’s debut in 2020, fans have pointed out that the group rarely appears on Korean broadcasts unless it is a music show. Despite having multiple variety-ready members, the group’s Korean media footprint remains small.
Jungwon’s recent remarks have now put this long-simmering issue at the forefront of K-pop conversation. A leader of a million-selling group should not have to publicly wish for his home country to know his name.
As of February 12, 2026, BELIFT LAB has not issued an official response regarding Jungwon’s comments or the renewed calls for better domestic promotion. However, ENGENE are keeping the conversation alive, trending keywords and flooding the company’s social media pages with the same message: PROMOTE YOUR ARTISTS BETTER.
The ball is now in BELIFT LAB’s court. ENHYPEN has already proven they are world-class. The only missing piece is the company’s willingness to make them stars in their own backyard.
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