[Dispatch=Lee Myeong-ju] Singer EVAN takes her first steps as a solo artist.
EVAN will release her debut single "RIDE OR DIE" on the 22nd at 6 p.m. This marks her first solo endeavor since leaving ENHYPEN in March.
"RIDE OR DIE" is a new album that conveys the meaning of "staying together until the end." Through two tracks, it reveals the musical direction she will showcase.
The title track is a new song of the same name in the alternative rock genre. "Overflow" is easy listening pop. She has embedded her identity in the contrasting mood tracks.
Her substantial creative capabilities can be seen. EVAN wrote and composed all songs. She also participated in production and overall visual creative work.

<Full text of EVAN Q&A below>
Q. How do you feel about your solo debut with "RIDE OR DIE"?
I feel grateful first. I will work hard while always thinking about what music and messages I can convey to touch people and satisfy fans.
Q. What message do you want to convey through the single?
I hope many people find hope and comfort. Just as the music of artists I loved did, I think it would be wonderful if my music becomes more than hope—a reason to live for someone.
Q. Points to appreciate about the single?
I would appreciate it if you could imagine my future self while listening to the two included tracks. Since this single reflects the diverse thoughts in my heart, I believe the emotions felt in the tracks will be close to the music I will share in the future.
Q. The inspiration behind the title track "Ride or Die"?
One day I saw a video on social media of rock bands performing. Watching that, I thought about "pure music as it is," and I started with the desire to make that kind of music too. And the song "Ride or Die" came from adding elements that could bring more fun to that music. I worked on it with the mindset of doing what I want to do without worry or concern.
Q. The charm of "Ride or Die"?
The song itself is very charming, and that charm is maximized even more on stage. It's fun to see the deeper meaning and content of the song, but I think if you appreciate the stage once more, you'll have a more interesting experience.
Q. What did you focus on in the "Ride or Die" performance?
Rather than simple choreography flow, I tried to think a lot about giving narrative structure with beginning, development, climax, and resolution. I added movements with more groove and moves anyone can easily follow so it can leave a visual impression at first glance.
Q. The inspiration behind the B-side "Overflow"?
When working on "Overflow," I thought about expressing the complex emotions I had within me through music. I completed this song by honestly capturing the emotions I felt at that time as they were.
Q. "Overflow" is a song where various emotions are ventilated depending on the listener's situation—when would be good to listen to it?
I think "Overflow" is close to the ballad genre that many people enjoy. So it seems like a song that would fit any situation in daily life, whether going to school or commuting to work.
Q. Why did you arrange "Ride or Die" and "Overflow," which contain contrasting charms?
I wanted to give contrasting feelings through the two songs. In a way, it's also the genre I want to do and the genre I'm good at. I think that kind of alternative quality is my identity.
Q. Your goals for this activity and what you're most looking forward to?
I think the top priority is hearing people say "the song itself is good." If even one person finds comfort through my music in any way, I would be satisfied. There's also an event planned called "The Fillin' Live with EVAN," and since busking on the Han River is my first time, it feels very fresh. I'm also looking forward to the stages I've prepared to show fans, including the "2026 Busan One Asia Festival (BOF)" and "KCON LA 2026."
Q. Like the title track filled with the emotion of "longing," what does EVAN long for most right now?
It might sound a bit grand, but I think for everyone, life is a process of finding one's true self. I believe I too will find what is most authentically me while making music going forward.
Q. A word for the fans who have waited for the "RIDE OR DIE" release?
I want to first express my gratitude to the fans who waited. While working on this, I have never made music purely for my own desires rather than for my fans. Since I created it with the thought "I hope the fans will like it," I would appreciate it if you would keep that in mind and enjoy it. I've also prepared the stage with effort, so please look forward to it.
<Photos provided by Believe Lab>