Former ENHYPEN member Heeseung made his first official public appearance under his new stage name, EVAN, drawing attention with a striking blond transformation as he begins his solo career.

EVAN attended a photocall event on Wednesday afternoon at a Musinsa Megastore in Seoul’s Seongdong District for a global colored contact lens brand. The appearance marked his first official schedule since announcing his departure from ENHYPEN and rebranding himself as a solo artist.

Sporting platinum blond hair, EVAN paired the look with a sleek black suit, creating a refined, princely image that immediately caught the attention of fans and media. He greeted attendees warmly, posing with heart gestures and offering friendly waves throughout the event.

The outing carried added significance as it came after his abrupt exit from ENHYPEN last month — a move that sparked backlash among some fans online, with calls for him to reverse the decision.

EVAN debuted in 2020 as part of ENHYPEN, a globally popular K-pop group. As the eldest member and main vocalist, he contributed to multiple hit releases and also showcased his songwriting and producing abilities on tracks such as "Highway 1009" and "Dial Tragedy."

On March 10, his agency Belift Lab announced his departure, saying he had developed a clear musical direction and would pursue independent activities. The group has since reorganized as a six-member act.

Despite the controversy, both EVAN and ENHYPEN have moved forward with their respective paths. On April 8, EVAN officially introduced his new stage name — which he said he has used since childhood — and launched his social media channels, sharing a message about wanting to connect with fans through more honest music.

His new profile photos further highlighted a shift away from his previous polished idol image toward a more understated and personal aesthetic.

After his first public appearance, attention is turning to how EVAN will shape his identity as a solo artist and what direction his music will take in the highly competitive K-pop landscape.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

Source: Korea Times News