BELIFT LAB has announced EVAN’s first official project as a solo artist: “RIDE OR DIE,” a digital single set for release 22 June. The announcement was posted across both BELIFT LAB and EVAN’s social media accounts, accompanied by a teaser image that depicts EVAN washed out in black leather.

A description on the BELIFT LAB website describes EVAN as “a versatile vocalist defined by a trendy, sophisticated tone,” who is “now poised to define a new chapter as a solo artist” with a “sound shaped entirely by his own unique color and emotional depth.” There has been no indication of the genre or tone that this first single will showcase, but the teaser image and title suggest a darker side to the artist.

The announcement follows several posts across EVAN’s Instagram displaying new music in the process of creation, and his first appearance as a solo act at an event for the brand contact lens brand Claset in Seoul – sporting a new, striking blonde hair colour.

EVAN initially debuted as HEESEUNG in the BELIFT LAB group ENHYPEN, announcing his sudden departure earlier this year on 10 March with a subsequent reveal of his plans to debut as a solo artist. The group have seen major commercial success this year, with their latest mini album – and final project with HEESEUNG – ‘THE SIN: VANISH’ selling over two million copies in its first week, and setting a new streaming record for the group with 9.51 million official streams worldwide. Notably, he remains with BELIFT LABS, disputing any rumours of issues within the company. For this reason, it can be concluded that Heeseung’s new venture as EVAN is one led by personal ambition and a desire to develop a sound outside the group's established identity.

That EVAN remains with BELIFT LAB is the telling detail that this was a departure driven by ambition. The question "RIDE OR DIE" will begin to answer is whether the identity he's building as a solo artist is distinct enough to stand on its own terms, separate from everything ENHYPEN already established.