EVAN on ENHYPEN After Departure and His Solo Transition: "I'm Proud of Them"

EVAN has addressed the concerns and disappointment that followed his transition from group activities to a solo career, while also sharing his thoughts on ENHYPEN's recent success.

EVAN held a media showcase for his first mini-album "DEATH OF ME" at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace on September 7.

During the showcase, EVAN was asked about the mixed reactions that accompanied his decision to pursue a solo career, including disappointment expressed by some fans.

"I first want to say that I'm very grateful for all the attention and affection people have shown me," EVAN said."I'm also well aware of the disappointment fans may have felt during that process."

Rather than attempting to resolve those concerns through words alone, EVAN said he believes his future actions as an artist will provide the clearest answer.

"I believe the best way I can repay that is by showing a better version of myself and continuing forward sincerely," he said."I will work to become an artist who delivers good music and a positive influence."

EVAN stopped short, denying to go into the specific circumstances surrounding his transition to solo activities.

"I think you're asking about the process of my transition to solo activities," he said."Since there are many people involved in that process, it is a little difficult for me to answer that on my own."

While he drew a line around the details of that process, EVAN spoke openly when asked about ENHYPEN.

ENHYPEN recently reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the group's first time topping Billboard's main albums chart since its debut. EVAN said he was"proud" of the achievement.

"Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 is not an easy goal to achieve," he said."I think the best thing I can do is also continue working hard so that we can each show good sides of ourselves from where we are."

The transition from a group to a solo career has also brought a more immediate change for EVAN on stage: he is now responsible for filling that space alone. Asked how his approach to performance has changed, EVAN said his fundamental attitude toward the stage remains largely the same.

"A stage is ultimately an empty space," he said."Not only me, but all artists who stand there work to fill that space through their performances."

EVAN explained that he has continually thought about how to communicate what he wants to say through his performances. As a soloist, however, he is still learning how to take control of the stage by himself.

"As EVAN, I'm continuing to learn how I should lead the stage," he said.

For him,"DEATH OF ME" therefore represents not only his first mini-album, but another starting point from which he can put what he has learned throughout his previous years on stage into practice.

"As I said earlier, this comeback is another starting point for me," EVAN said."I think it's now time to show what I've learned and felt on stage until now."

EVAN's first mini-album"DEATH OF ME" was released on September 7. The eight-track project includes the title track"Death of Me," alongside"Not Enough,""Noise,""Ride or Die,""Twilight,""Immature,""Overflow" and"Going Home."