Singer EVAN, 24, who left the group ENHYPEN, has directly explained the reasons for transitioning into a solo artist.
EVAN held a press showcase for the release of his 1st mini album, "DEATH OF ME," at 2:00 PM today at the Peace Hall of Kyung Hee University in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, and performed the title track of the same name. He shared his overwhelming feelings ahead of his full-scale activities, saying, "I am thrilled to present my first stage. I hope this album reaches the hearts of many people."
EVAN left ENHYPEN last March, six years after promoting with the group, and changed his stage name from Heeseung to EVAN. He made a fresh start as a solo artist by releasing his digital single "RIDE OR DIE" last June.
Regarding the process of turning solo, EVAN stated, "While making music all this time, I thought a lot about how I should present it. After sharing the results of my work with the company staff and having discussions, I decided to walk the path of a solo artist after long deliberation."
He continued, "Thankfully, I finished my first promotional activities and am able to make a safe comeback with my 1st mini album, which feels undeservedly wonderful, so it feels very surreal. Actually, this is both a comeback and a new starting point. I think I will be able to show various sides of myself, and I will make sure to repay what you have given me through my music."
The 1st mini album contains a total of 8 tracks, including his debut single. Explaining the album overall, EVAN said, "This album is about taking the reins of various emotions and moving forward. My ideas were reflected throughout the overall album. The most important thing was to capture my true inner self. Many staff members helped me in the process of realizing that," adding, "It became an album that encapsulates that entire process."
EVAN described the album in one word as a "mirror." He said, "It gives the feeling of facing oneself. When you listen to the album and the tracks, they contain fear, but also the desire to move forward, along with honest and raw stories. I used the expression mirror because I think it reflects the inner self."
Regarding the regret surrounding his departure, EVAN stated, "First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the voices of interest and affection directed toward me. Although the decision was made after deep discussions during the process of standing alone, I deeply understand the disappointment and worried remarks from the fans." He added, "I think the biggest reward will be showing this through my music and sincere actions as EVAN, and answering with that. I will continue to work hard to become an artist who presents even more cool and good influence."
It was reported that protest emails and worried opinions were also delivered to the press during this process. Regarding this, EVAN apologized, saying, "Regarding that matter, I sincerely apologize for causing disruptions to work."
Speaking about the title track, EVAN explained, "It is a song that captures my strong determination standing at a new starting line. While preparing the digital single, there were many times when I reached my musical limits," and added, "You can refer to my documentary—doing push-ups, running while doing them, and repeatedly practicing dancing—capturing the determination to overcome those limits is what this title track is about."
As for his future direction, he added, "My own big goal is to stand on larger and more stages. If I show my stages in many places, and if that sparks interest, makes people pay attention to my stories, and leads them to listen to my album, I think I will be able to successfully convey the ultimate message I hold. I think giving people the strength to overcome exhausting and difficult situations when they encounter them through music is an important mission for me."
EVAN's 1st mini album "DEATH OF ME" will be released through various music sites at 6:00 PM today.
Photo by Baek Seung-chul
(SBS Entertainment News Reporter Kang Kyung-yoon)
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