EVAN, formerly known as ENHYPEN’s Heeseung, has marked an important milestone in his new solo chapter by entering Billboard’s major U.S. album charts with his first mini album, “DEATH OF ME.”
The release has now given the singer his first-ever appearance on the Billboard 200 as a solo artist, arriving only months after he began building a new musical identity under the name EVAN.
On September 29 local time, Billboard announced the latest chart rankings, revealing that “DEATH OF ME” debuted at No. 49 on the Billboard 200.
The chart tracks the most popular albums and EPs in the United States based on a combination of consumption metrics.
For EVAN, the result represents his first solo entry on the chart and another notable milestone following his transition from group activities to an individual career.
The mini album also performed strongly across several other Billboard charts.
“DEATH OF ME” landed at No. 7 on the Top Album Sales chart, placing it among the seven best-selling albums of the week in the United States.
It also reached No. 2 on the World Albums chart, highlighting the album’s performance in the global music market.
EVAN additionally entered the Billboard Artist 100 at No. 51, while other reports noted that he topped Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart during the same tracking period.
The Billboard results follow a busy year for the singer. In March 2026, BELIFT LAB announced that Heeseung would leave ENHYPEN and pursue a solo career while continuing activities under the agency.
The company explained that the decision followed discussions about the members’ individual musical directions and that Heeseung had a distinct musical vision. ENHYPEN subsequently continued as a six-member group.
From Heeseung to EVAN: A New Musical Chapter
The transition into his solo career began soon afterward. In April, Heeseung opened new social media accounts under the stage name EVAN, introducing a new identity separate from his previous group activities.
The stage name also became part of his solo musical direction as he prepared to establish himself as an individual artist.
His first musical release under the new name arrived in June with the digital single “RIDE OR DIE.” Released on June 22, the alternative rock track featured prominent electric guitar riffs, driving drums and experimental sounds.
The release served as EVAN’s first official step into his solo career before he moved on to his first physical mini album.
That larger project arrived on September 7 with “DEATH OF ME.”
The eight-track mini album was presented as a more personal introduction to EVAN as a solo musician.
The title track of the same name was accompanied by a music video, while EVAN participated in the composition and lyrics for the song.
The track centers on maintaining his identity and determination, giving the release a theme connected to his new beginning.
The album also made an early impact in South Korea.
“DEATH OF ME” entered the Circle Album Chart at No. 2 during the week of September 6 to 12, placing it just behind the chart’s top release that week.
The physical album’s international performance has now added another major chapter to that early success.
Reports noted that “DEATH OF ME” surpassed 500,000 copies in sales on Hanteo within three days of release, while the album also appeared on charts in Japan, the United Kingdom and other markets.
With its Billboard 200 debut at No. 49, No. 7 position on Top Album Sales and No. 2 ranking on World Albums, “DEATH OF ME” has become a significant early milestone in EVAN’s solo career.
The Billboard Artist 100 entry further reflects the attention surrounding his first mini album as he continues developing his identity beyond his years as a group member.
For EVAN, the Billboard results arrive just weeks after the release of “DEATH OF ME,” making the album an important marker in the beginning of his new musical era.
His journey from Heeseung of ENHYPEN to EVAN has already included a new stage name, a solo debut single and his first mini album.
The latest chart achievements now add another major accomplishment to that transition.
