The singer formerly known as Heeseung has reached the Billboard 200 Top 50 with his first solo mini album, marking a major step in his new career under the name EVAN.
Former ENHYPEN Member EVAN Debuts at No. 49 on Billboard 200 With ‘DEATH OF ME’
EVAN, formerly known as Heeseung of ENHYPEN, has secured his first solo entry on the Billboard 200.
His debut mini album, “DEATH OF ME,” entered the main US albums chart at No. 49 on the chart dated October 3, according to Billboard’s latest rankings. The result places EVAN inside the Top 50 less than seven months after his departure from ENHYPEN was announced.
The album also debuted at No. 2 on the World Albums chart and No. 7 on Top Album Sales. EVAN reached No. 1 on the Emerging Artists chart and entered the Artist 100 at No. 51, showing that his first physical solo project generated attention across multiple Billboard categories.
‘DEATH OF ME’ Turns EVAN’s Solo Transition Into a Chart Success
Released on September 7, “DEATH OF ME” is EVAN’s first mini album since beginning his career as an independent solo artist.
The eight-track project includes the title song “Death of Me” as well as music first introduced through his June single “Ride or Die.” Rather than relying entirely on outside producers, EVAN participated in the creative process across all eight tracks, contributing to their production and placing his personal experiences at the center of the album.
The title track uses a dark pop R&B sound to express the determination to confront personal limits without allowing them to end his journey. Across the wider album, EVAN moves through R&B, pop punk, alternative rock, disco pop and dream pop rather than committing to a single genre.
That variety reflects the identity he has described for his new career. Instead of being categorized only as a traditional K-pop soloist, EVAN has said that he wants to become an “alternative artist” capable of moving between different sounds.
From Heeseung to EVAN
BELIFT LAB announced on March 10 that Heeseung would leave ENHYPEN after extensive discussions while remaining with the company as a solo artist. ENHYPEN subsequently continued as a six-member group.
On April 8, he formally introduced EVAN as his new stage name. He explained that the name had been meaningful to him since childhood and represented a more honest and natural version of his artistic identity.
The transition was closely watched because Heeseung had spent approximately six years as one of ENHYPEN’s principal vocalists. Leaving an internationally successful group created both high expectations and difficult questions about how he would distinguish his solo music from his previous work.
EVAN began answering those questions with “Ride or Die” in June before presenting a more complete artistic statement through “DEATH OF ME.”
His Billboard 200 debut does not depend on separating himself entirely from his past. Instead, it shows that a meaningful portion of the audience that knew him as Heeseung is willing to follow the music he now creates as EVAN.
EVAN’s Personal Fear Inspired the Album
The album’s title was inspired by EVAN’s fear of being forgotten as an artist.
During his Seoul showcase, he referred to the idea that a person truly dies only when they are no longer remembered. For EVAN, that concept became connected to music and his purpose as a performer.
He explained that if his music could no longer reach listeners, his reason for existing as an artist would disappear. “DEATH OF ME” therefore represents his refusal to let that connection end.
The concept gives the project a deeper meaning within his career. The album was released during a period when EVAN was rebuilding his public identity, addressing disappointed fans and accepting that his decision to leave ENHYPEN would continue to generate debate.
Rather than treating the album as the death of his former self, EVAN presented it as a commitment to keep moving forward.
Strong Album Sales Support the Billboard Entry
“DEATH OF ME” recorded 461,488 physical sales on its first day, according to Hanteo Chart. It later surpassed 530,000 copies during its first week, giving EVAN half-million-seller status with his first mini album.
The title track also earned music show wins, while the album expanded his reach beyond South Korea through international charts and promotional appearances.
These numbers demonstrate the commercial strength of the fandom supporting his transition. However, the Billboard 200 result carries additional importance because the chart combines physical sales, digital sales and streaming activity in the United States.
A No. 49 debut does not mean EVAN has completed the process of establishing a separate identity. His creative direction will continue to be measured through future releases, particularly as listeners consider how his sound differs from the music he performed with ENHYPEN.
Still, the result provides a strong foundation. EVAN has now shown that his name can appear on a major US chart without being presented as part of a group.
A New Chapter With Proven Global Demand
EVAN’s first months as a solo artist have involved more than a simple name change.
He has taken on greater creative responsibility, performed independently at major events including KCON LA and directly confronted the uncertainty surrounding his career decision. His Billboard 200 debut now gives that transition a measurable international achievement.
The question surrounding EVAN is beginning to shift. It is no longer only whether Heeseung could succeed after ENHYPEN. It is what kind of artist EVAN can become now that he has the opportunity to build an identity around his own music.
“DEATH OF ME” entering the Billboard 200 at No. 49 does not provide the final answer, but it gives his solo career an undeniably powerful beginning.