Former ENHYPEN member EVAN has officially launched his solo career with the release of “Ride or Die,” and fans are already calling it one of the strongest K-pop solo debuts in recent years.
The singer, formerly known as Heeseung, dropped the track and its music video on June 22. The release quickly gained attention online as listeners praised EVAN’s bold new sound and creative direction after his departure from ENHYPEN earlier this year.
In March 2026, Belift Lab confirmed that Heeseung would leave ENHYPEN to focus on a solo career.
Since then, many fans have been waiting to see how he would reintroduce himself as an artist. With “Ride or Die,” EVAN made it clear he wanted to take a different path from the polished pop and EDM style often linked to his former group.
Instead, the new single leans heavily into rock and alternative music. The change surprised many listeners, but it also earned strong praise across social media.
Fans described the song as “fresh,” “addictive,” and a perfect fit for EVAN’s voice and personality, Koreaboo reported.
One fan wrote, “I’m convinced this is one of the best solo debuts we’ve ever seen.” Another shared, “This is literally the best solo debut ever.”
EVAN Wins Fans Over With Bold New Sound
Many listeners also said the track becomes even better after several plays, with one fan posting, “It gets better with every listen. It’s so catchy and fresh.”
Supporters especially praised EVAN for taking a risk with his sound instead of following a safer formula. Several fans called “Ride or Die” proof that he is ready for a successful long-term solo career.
At the same time, EVAN’s debut day also became part of a heated online debate. Before the official release, protest trucks appeared outside HYBE’s building from fans still asking for ENHYPEN to remain seven members.
While some supporters appreciated the gesture, many others criticized the timing.
Several netizens argued that sending protest trucks on EVAN’s solo debut day took attention away from an important milestone in his career.
According to TheMercuryNews, one fan wrote that he “deserves support for his new path,” while another said the focus should have been on celebrating his music and hard work.