Evan's new beginning has begun.
On the 7th at 6 p.m., at the Peace Hall of Kyung Hee University in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, a media showcase was held to commemorate the release of singer Evan's first mini album 'DEATH OF ME' ('Death of Me').
Evan's first mini album 'DEATH OF ME' captures Evan's resolve to hold the reins of emotions tangled in many directions and move forward, and includes songs that contain Evan's most sincere inner self.
The title track of the same name expresses Evan's steadfast will, standing at a starting point rather than an end, with a weighty pop R&B sound. Evan participated directly in the lyrics and composition to deliver a message that no one can stop him and that he will not lose himself with an unwavering attitude.
Following his debut single 'RIDE OR DIE,' Evan again took charge of producing all the tracks on this mini album, leading the overall work. His abilities as a self-producing artist who creates and sculpts his own footsteps are expressed through this album.
At the event, Evan said, "My ideas are reflected a lot throughout the album. The most important thing was to put the story that comes from my sincere inner self into the songs. In the process of realizing that, many staff members helped, so I feel good that the album has become a compilation of very good ideas."
About the title track 'Death of Me,' Evan explained, "It is a song that contains my strong will standing at a new starting line. While preparing my debut single, I often reached musical limits. It might be good to refer to my documentary, where there were parts showing practice such as doing push-ups while singing. This title track expresses the strong will not to reach such limits."
Evan, who participated in the lyrics and composition of all the tracks, mentioned the difficult journey the song went through, saying, "The draft for the title track 'Death of Me' came out and then was completely overturned and the lyrics were rewritten. Even after a draft came out, we revised it repeatedly, and through that process the title track 'Death of Me' emerged."
He debuted in 2020 as Heeseung, a member of the group ENHYPEN, and gained global popularity and much love after his debut. Then, in March he drew attention with a sudden team departure and transition to a solo singer.
At the showcase, Evan spoke directly about why he left ENHYPEN. He said, "While making music, I considered how to present music in the future and in what ways to show it. I shared the results of my work with the company and had many discussions, and at the end of those talks I decided to pursue a career as a solo artist."
He said, "As a result, I was able to successfully complete my debut single, and it is also a new starting point for me. I think I will be able to show various sides of myself. I will work hard so that I can repay what has been given to me through music."
However, because he left the team and turned solo at an anniversary when contract renewals are usually discussed, fans' concerns and worries were high. Evan said, "I want to express great gratitude for the many caring and loving voices directed at me. Although the decision was made after very deep discussions during the process of standing on my own, I deeply understand the fans' feelings of disappointment and their worried comments."
He added, "So as Evan, I think the best way to answer this going forward is to show this part through music and my sincere actions and to repay them with that. I will continue to work hard to become an artist who shows more cool and positive influence."
After Evan left, ENHYPEN has been thriving, achieving No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with their recent mini album No. 8 'THE SIN : BLISS' and newly setting a No. 1 record on Billboard Japan as well.
Watching the achievements of the group he left may bring regret or pressure. Evan candidly expressed, "I feel very proud. Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 was a goal that is not easy to achieve, and I also think the best thing is for each of us to work hard and show good performances in our respective places."
Evan described this album as "like a mirror," adding, "It made me feel like I was facing myself. If you listen to the songs, there is fear about the future, but there are also honest and stark stories about wanting to achieve more. I think the album reflects my thoughts and inner self as they are."
On his musical direction, Evan said, "My goal is to present music that fully contains who I am. To achieve that, I believe I must be fully immersed in the music."
He also said, "I hope you see this album as one that naturally blends the values and stories that were formed since I was young. Because I realized from a very young age that hope is important, I hope you see that message reflected in the album."
Recently, Evan revealed that he battled childhood cancer. Explaining why he disclosed his treatment belatedly, he said, "Because this album contains my inner self, I wanted to unfold all my stories naturally. In the process of explaining the album, I naturally confessed a moment that greatly influenced my values. This period contains the message I want to deliver, and because I experienced it, I hope you focus on how important the album's message is."
Evan confessed, "The treatment process for childhood cancer is harsh and painful. So it would be a lie to say that the process I underwent did not affect who I am today. I hope you see this story as a moment that had to be told in the process of showing my inner self as it is."
Finally, Evan offered consolation for those suffering from childhood cancer, saying, "There must be people suffering from childhood cancer. If this story reaches them, I want to convey a small story of comfort and hope."
Meanwhile, Evan's first mini album 'DEATH OF ME' will be released at 6 p.m. on the 7th.
[Photo] reporter Park Joonhyung
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