Evan, a former member of the popular K-pop group ENHYPEN, has bravely opened up about his past battle with malignant lymphoma. In a candid interview on Weverse, the 24-year-old singer shared the details of his diagnosis and how it has significantly shaped his life and music.
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During the interview, Evan, who was previously known by the stage name Heeseung, revealed that he was just in Year Four when he first encountered symptoms that would lead to his diagnosis. “I kept coughing and thought it was just a cold at first,” he recalled. However, during a soccer match, he struggled to breathe after taking only a few steps, prompting a trip to the hospital. “It was there that I found out it was cancer,” he said.
Evan spoke at length about the challenging treatment process he endured. He credited the unwavering support of his mother, who cared for him throughout his illness, as a driving force in his desire to remain strong. “I wanted to put on a brave face for her,” he said. During his time in hospital, he participated in talent shows for fellow patients, showcasing his guitar skills and serving as a host. Despite his dream of becoming a singer from a young age, he admitted that the harsh realities of his illness cast a shadow over those aspirations.
After successfully completing his treatment, Evan faced difficulties reintegrating into his previous life. He noted that adjusting back to normalcy was not as straightforward as he had hoped, particularly in terms of social interactions. “I had a lot less energy, and since my hair was still growing back from chemotherapy, I faced teasing from others,” he explained. Friends would jokingly compare his hair to grass, and he felt compelled to endure it for the sake of fitting in. As he transitioned to middle school, Evan found a few close friends but described himself as more introverted compared to his pre-illness self.
Reflecting on his childhood experience, he admitted that discussing it can still evoke pain: “It hurts to bring it back up,” he said, adding a light laugh to soften the moment. However, this chapter of his life has profoundly influenced his artistic expression. Evan is set to release a solo EP titled **Death of Me**, his first major project since departing from ENHYPEN to focus on his solo career.
In the new EP, Evan aims to convey messages of resilience and hope, drawing directly from his own experiences. He pointed to a specific lyric from one of the tracks titled “Noise”, which encapsulates this theme: “Trust me / Know I’m able / Take it slow / Ain’t no trouble / Don’t give up dawn til night.” For Evan, these words are a testament to his belief that brighter days will eventually come, based on his own journey from darkness to light.
The lead single from the EP, also called **Death of Me**, carries a powerful message that resonates deeply with Evan’s past. He mentions that the line “this ain’t the death of me” reflects his brush with mortality. “No matter how far down I went, I felt over and over that it was never really the end,” he expressed, hoping to inspire fans with a sense of optimism through his music.
ENHYPEN was formed in 2020 via the reality competition show **I-LAND**, where Evan first gained fame alongside his fellow members Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-Ki. Earlier this year, the group’s agency, Belift Lab, announced that Evan would be parting ways with the band, marking a significant change in its lineup. This decision has allowed him the freedom to pursue his personal musical aspirations.
In an interview, Evan explained his choice of his new stage name. “’Evan’ is a name I’ve used since childhood, filled with precious memories,” he revealed. By returning to a name from his youth, he hopes to reintroduce himself in a way that reflects his newfound mindset. “I will approach fans step by step with music that captures my most honest and natural self,” he added, looking forward to sharing his journey through song.
As Evan embarks on this new chapter in his career, he stands as a testament to resilience, using his platform to convey hope and inspiration to his fans and those who may be facing similar struggles. With the upcoming release of **Death of Me**, he is set to reaffirm his commitment to his music and his message of survival.