On March 10, the agency BELIFT LAB, a label under HYBE, announced that Heeseung would be leaving ENHYPEN after six years with the group. According to the company, the decision was made because the idol wanted to pursue a different musical direction, and both sides agreed to part ways.
ENHYPEN will continue promoting as a six-member group, while Heeseung is expected to begin activities as a solo artist under BELIFT LAB. The announcement shocked many fans, with some organizing protest plans and online campaigns in hopes of persuading the company to reverse the decision and restore Heeseung to the lineup.
At the same time, discussions have emerged among fans about whether it is even possible for an idol to return to a group after leaving. One of the rare cases frequently cited is Joon Park of g.o.d, whose story remains one of the most notable comebacks in K-pop history.
In 2001, Joon Park was abruptly removed from the group after news broke that he was dating actress Kim Go Eun, a major controversy at a time when dating was considered taboo for idols. The decision was reportedly made so quickly that even the other members of g.o.d were not informed beforehand.
Joon Park later held a press conference where he tearfully spoke about the situation. In response, fans launched a large-scale campaign demanding his return. Supporters withdrew from the official fan club, returned albums and merchandise, and threatened to boycott the group’s concerts.
The other members of g.o.d also held their own press conference without the company’s approval, openly expressing their opposition to the decision. Eventually, the combined pressure from fans and members led to a reversal, and Joon Park returned to g.o.d just two months later. His return remains one of the rare instances in K-pop where a member successfully rejoined a group after being removed.
Because of this precedent, some ENHYPEN fans are hoping history might repeat itself, although many observers believe such an outcome remains highly unlikely in today’s K-pop industry. For now, the fan-led movement continues online as supporters debate whether the campaign to bring Heeseung back to ENHYPEN could ever become a reality.
Sources: K14
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