Evan Launches Solo Career with “Ride or Die” Digital Single

On June 22 2026, former Enhypen member Heeseung, now performing as Evan, released the digital single “Ride or Die.” It features the alternative-rock lead track “Ride or Die” and the indie-pop B-side “Overflow.” Evan is credited as writer, composer, producer, and visual-direction contributor for both songs.

Rolling Stone

Evan announced his departure from the seven-year-old boy group Enhypen three months before the solo launch. He adopted the stage name “Evan,” a name his mother used for him in English, to convey “authenticity and purity.” His Instagram, opened in April 2026, gained one million followers in three hours and now has about five million.

Rolling Stone

Evan shifted toward raw, live-band sounds after watching short rock videos online. He worked with producers Apro and Ian Jeffrey Thomas, finishing ideas in three to six hours—a speedup from his prior three-month cycles. He avoided “overly deliberate or forced” arrangements, seeking a raw expression of his new rock interest.

Rolling Stone

Belift Lab ran a track-download contest (June 22 – July 5 2026) on Melon, Bugs, and Genie, awarding five autographed photo cards. A parallel MV-streaming contest on HYBE LABELS’ YouTube channel offered the same prizes. Fan response was strong, with rapid social-media growth and praise for the new sound.

[NOTICE] Track Download Event in Celebration of the Release of EVAN’s “RIDE OR DIE”

Evan said the single is a “reintroduction” offering “messages of hope and love.” He noted his rapid production, crediting supportive colleagues, and expressed gratitude for focusing on music. He previewed live appearances at the Busan One Asia Festival, KCON LA 2026, and a Han-River busking event “The Fillin’ Live with Evan.”

Evan enters new era with “Ride or Die,” reflects on finding his 'true self'Rolling Stone

Fans praised the contrast between the high-energy rock anthem and the reflective indie-pop B-side. Rapid follower growth and contest participation show strong early engagement.

Rolling Stone

• “I decided to use the name Evan because I wanted to present this music while carrying that sense of authenticity and purity, and my plan is to continue promoting under that name going forward.” — Evan, solo artist

Rolling Stone

• “I hope many people can find hope and comfort through this single,” — Evan

Evan enters new era with “Ride or Die,” reflects on finding his 'true self'

• “It may sound a bit philosophical, but I think life is a process of finding one's true self,” — Evan

Evan enters new era with “Ride or Die,” reflects on finding his 'true self'

• “If even one person finds comfort through my music in any way, I would be satisfied.” — Evan

Evan enters new era with “Ride or Die,” reflects on finding his 'true self'

Evan will promote “Ride or Die” at the 2026 Busan One Asia Festival, KCON LA 2026, and the Han-River busking event “The Fillin’ Live with Evan.” He aims to keep releasing music that reflects his evolving identity and engages his growing global fanbase.

Evan enters new era with “Ride or Die,” reflects on finding his 'true self'Rolling Stone[NOTICE] MV Streaming Event in Celebration of the Release of EVAN’s “RIDE OR DIE”