EVAN Sets First Mini Album ‘Death of Me’ for September 7 Release

Former ENHYPEN member Lee Heeseung, now performing as EVAN, will release his first mini album, “DEATH OF ME,” on September 7 through BELIFT LAB.

The project arrives as his first full-length solo release following his March 2026 departure from the K-pop group and his June solo debut with the single “RIDE OR DIE.”

EVAN’s debut showcase will follow the album’s release on the same day, held at Grand Peace Hall at Kyung Hee University in Seoul and streamed live on Weverse and HYBE LABELS’ official YouTube channel for fans unable to attend in person.

Release Schedule and Pre-Orders

BELIFT LAB announced the project on August 9. “DEATH OF ME” will be available September 7 at 6 p.m. KST, with the showcase beginning one hour later at 7 p.m. KST.

Pre-orders opened at 11 a.m. KST on August 10, 2026. Further details regarding the album release and showcase are expected to be announced at a later date through EVAN’s official Weverse account.

Transition to EVAN

The album follows a six-month transition that began with EVAN’s March 2026 exit from ENHYPEN, a move BELIFT LAB attributed to extensive discussions about his musical direction.

He later introduced the stage name EVAN, explaining that it originated from his childhood and represented the version of himself he wanted to present as an independent musician.

His official solo debut arrived June 22 with “RIDE OR DIE,” a self-produced single that explored themes of artistic freedom, identity, performance anxiety, and the uncertainty of starting over.

A documentary chronicling that transition, “About EVAN,” followed on July 18.

Album Production and Creative Control

According to BELIFT LAB, “DEATH OF ME” delivers “a confident message of taking hold of the reins of intertwined emotions and moving forward.”

The agency confirmed that EVAN participated in the album’s overall production, shaping a project the label says reflects his “honest inner self and steadfast determination for the future” across a wide range of musical styles.

The choice to release a mini album rather than a full-length LP allows EVAN to stake out a creative identity incrementally, a notable decision for an artist whose previous group work operated under a tightly managed idol framework.

By retaining production credits on the project, EVAN is signaling a hands-on approach to his solo output rather than a turn toward established songwriters.

The “DEATH OF ME” rollout positions EVAN as a fully formed solo artist by the end of the third quarter, with the September showcase serving as the formal introduction of his musical direction to a wider audience.

Sources

• Inmusicblog