[Dispatch=Yuha Nel Reporter] "Now, this is my second chapter." (Evan)

Singer Evan has stepped onto a new starting line. Six years after his group debut, he is taking his first steps as a solo artist. Now, he shares his own story under his own name.

He has not led with grandiose descriptions. The message Evan wants to convey through music is simple yet clear. It is 'hope.' He has infused his music with the values he has built while living as artist Evan and as a human Lee Heeseung.

Evan said, "I am anticipating and excited about the fact that I am showing my first stage (as a solo artist)" and "I hope this album touches the hearts of many people."

Evan held a media showcase commemorating the release of his mini first album 'DEATH OF ME' on the afternoon of the 7th at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

'DEATH OF ME' is an album containing the will to move forward while holding the reins of emotions crossing in multiple directions. It unfolds Evan's story, standing at a new starting line, through music.

The new album contains a total of 8 tracks: title track 'DEATH OF ME', 'Not Enough', 'Noise', 'Ride or Die', 'Twilight', 'Imposer', 'Overflow', and 'Going Home'.

Evan compared this album to a mirror. "It is an album that projects my thoughts and inner self as they are," he said, explaining "There is fear about the future, but the will to move forward is also laid bare."

He has infused musical depth accumulated through various endeavors throughout the album. Evan participated in production for all tracks, directly designing his color as a solo artist.

Evan normally carries a songwriting notebook and records thoughts and words that come to mind. He recalled, "I paid attention to every small word. During the initial draft, I stayed up for a week," and "I completed the song through repeated revisions."

The title track 'DEATH OF ME' is a pop R&B track. It contains the will to move in the direction he has chosen without being shaken by external interference. The chorus maximizes a confident attitude with an overwhelming melody.

Evan directly participated in songwriting and composition. Centered on the message 'Ain't the death of me', he expressed a commitment to not losing himself in any situation.

He presented the title track stage for the first time that day. Evan brought out the atmosphere of the song through restrained movements. He filled the stage alone with relaxed stage manner and a confident expression.

The point is the isolation move in the chorus. He added strength and weakness to the movements of his neck and shoulders in sync with the melody. He stopped the rapidly flowing movements instantaneously, capturing attention.

Evan pointed out, "When you suddenly flow and then stop to correct the choreography, they call it a 'wow point' these days," and "it's personally my favorite part."

The key word of the music video is LIVE. It simultaneously contains the meanings of 'being alive' and 'performance'. It captures Evan's image, which comes to life most clearly when standing on stage.

Evan withdrew from ENHYPEN in March. After that, he changed his stage name and announced he was standing alone. In June, he officially began solo activities by releasing the digital single 'Ride or Die'.

He is aware of various perspectives regarding his new beginning. Evan said, "I am grateful for the much interest and affectionate voices. I deeply understand the disappointment and concerns of the fans," and "I will repay you with authentic actions as Evan."

One reason for choosing solo was the story only he could tell. He wanted to put the values and experiences he has formed since childhood into his music. The inner emotions he encountered through childhood cancer treatment and recovery processes are also infused throughout the music.

Standing on a stage alone is not yet completely familiar. He must now be solely responsible for the stage that the group used to fill. Evan said, "I am constantly thinking about how to fill the stage," and "I am still in the process of learning."

He also sent congratulations on ENHYPEN's achievements. Regarding the Billboard 200 number one, he said, "It is an accomplishment that cannot be easily achieved. I am very proud," and "I think the best we can do is show good appearances in our respective places."

Evan's goal through music is clear. It is to become an artist who delivers hope to people. He emphasized, "My calling is to give (listeners) the strength to overcome difficult and exhausting situations when they face them."

His values were influenced by a famous line from the manga 'One Piece': 'When does a person die? When they are forgotten by people.'

Evan believed that the moment his music and story no longer reach someone, his meaning as an artist could also fade. That is why he confessed he wants to make music that continues to reach someone, rather than being remembered for a long time.

That beginning has already started. Evan recently took the stage at various global venues including 'KCON LA' and the Grammy Museum performance. Next month, he is scheduled to decorate the opening stage of an NBA festival as well.

He said, "I want to stand on more stages in the future," and "The biggest goal is for many people to take interest in my story, listen to the album, and receive my ultimate message."

Now, he is beginning his second chapter. Evan said, "I have learned and felt various experiences and know-how on stage so far," and "Now it is time to show. I will make an effort to fill my own stage again."

Evan will release 'DEATH OF ME' at 6 p.m. on the 7th.

<Photo=Lee Ho-jun Reporter>