ENHYPEN
The international boy band ENHYPEN, which consists of seven members, debuted on November 30, 2020, with the release of their EP "BORDER: DAY ONE" on the BE:LIFT Lab label. Talented members Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki make up the group. A harmonious fusion of talent and charisma is produced by each member contributing their special talents and charisma to the ensemble.[1]
Formation and Concept[edit]
The name "ENHYPEN" was chosen to represent the connection between words through hyphens and the members' journey of connecting, discovering, and growing together. The group was formed through the survival show I-LAND, a joint project by HYBE and CJ E&M Entertainment. ENHYPEN members do not have official positions within the group, except for the leader. The goal is for each member to excel in all positions and possess well-rounded skills.
A Multinational Group[edit]
ENHYPEN proudly embraces its multinational composition, with members hailing from different countries. The group consists of one Japanese member, Ni-ki, one Korean-American member, Jay, one Korean-Australian member, Jake, and four Korean members.[2] This diverse mix adds depth and variety to their music and performances, enabling them to connect with fans worldwide.
I-LAND Journey and Debut[edit]
Several ENHYPEN members, including Heeseung, Sunghoon, Jay, and Jungwon, were trainees at HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment) before joining BE:LIFT Lab for their participation in the Mnet survival program I-LAND. In the final episode, seven members were chosen out of nine finalists. Six were selected through global rankings, while Sunoo was chosen by the producer Bang Si Hyuk and other directors. This marked the official formation of ENHYPEN.
Expanding Their Universe: "DARK MOON: Altar of the Moon"[edit]
To further engage with fans and create a unique world, ENHYPEN collaborated with HYBE and Naver Webtoon to create a fantasy webtoon called "DARK MOON: Altar of the Moon." This project allows fans to delve into a captivating storyline intertwined with the group's music and concepts, providing an immersive experience beyond their performances and music releases.
On-Stage Debut and World Tours[edit]
ENHYPEN made their highly anticipated on-stage debut on KBS' Music Bank in December, performing their debut song "Given-Taken." Since then, they have garnered a dedicated fanbase and have embarked on two successful world tours: "ENHYPEN World Tour 'Manifesto" in 2022 and "ENHYPEN World Tour 'Fate" in 2023. Their electrifying performances have captivated audiences around the globe.
The Choreography Team and Dorm Arrangements[edit]
Ni-ki, recognized as the unofficial leader of the choreography team, takes charge of leading and teaching the group members the intricate dance routines. Their dorm arrangements reflect their close bond, with four members (Sunghoon, Jungwon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki) sharing one room, two members (Jay and Jake) in another room, and one member (Heeseung) in a separate room.[3]
Achievements and Milestones[edit]
ENHYPEN has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short period. On August 8, 2022, they made history by securing a spot in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, setting a record for the quickest ascent for a boy group. They also joined the ranks of other renowned idol groups like BTS, Seventeen, NCT DREAM, and TXT by becoming a million-seller group in their initial release, surpassing 1 million album sales in just 1 year and 8 months since their debut.
Their album "Dark Blood" made an astonishing record by selling over a million copies on the first day of its release. Furthermore, on January 24, 2023, ENHYPEN surpassed 1.5 billion streams on Spotify, marking the shortest period for any Korean artist to achieve this milestone. Their first world tour witnessed another milestone as they became the first K-pop group to sell out three consecutive shows at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines.
Wide Range of Appearances[edit]
ENHYPEN has made appearances on various popular programs, allowing fans to get to know them on a more personal level. They have been guests on shows such as "Weekly Idol," "After School Club," "Idol League," "Fifteen Nights on a Business Trip 2," and "K-909." The group has also graced multiple radio programs, including "DAY6's Kiss the Radio," "BTOB's Kiss the Radio," "Late Night Idol," and "Jun Hyo-sung's Dream Radio." These appearances have helped ENHYPEN expand their reach and gain recognition globally.
Magazine Features and Endorsements[edit]
ENHYPEN's captivating visuals and fashion sense have caught the attention of various magazines. They have been featured in renowned publications such as "DAZED," "ViVi," "Seventeen," "ELLE MAN," "Numéro TOKYO," and "Esquire." The group has also participated in advertisements for brands like "Abib," "BYS Cosmetics PH," and "Kolon Sports," further solidifying their presence in the fashion and beauty industry.
Ambassadorships and Collaborations[edit]
ENHYPEN has been appointed as ambassadors for prestigious brands, showcasing their influence and popularity. In 2021, they were chosen as the House Ambassadors for Ami Paris, reflecting their impact on the fashion scene. On June 9, 2023, it was announced that ENHYPEN had become the newest ambassador for the iconic fashion brand Prada. Additionally, the group was selected as the global ambassador for the brand "Bench" in 2023, strengthening their position as trendsetters in the industry.
Noteworthy Songs and Music[edit]
ENHYPEN has released several impactful songs that have resonated with fans worldwide. Some of their popular tracks include "Drunk-Dazed," "FEVER," "Polaroid Love," "Future Perfect," and "Bite Me." These songs showcase the group's versatility and ability to experiment with different genres, further solidifying their position as rising stars in the K-pop industry.
Accolades and Awards[edit]
Despite being a relatively new group, ENHYPEN has already achieved significant recognition in the form of awards. Just two weeks after their debut, they won the "Next Leader Award" at the 2020 Fact Music Awards. They have since gone on to win several other awards, including "Best New Artist (Singer)," "Global Rising Artist," "Rookie of the Year," "Best Performance Award," and "Artist of the Year (Bonsang)." These accolades acknowledge their talent and potential, positioning ENHYPEN as one of the most promising groups in the industry.
ENHYPEN has swiftly risen to prominence since their debut, captivating audiences with their talent, diversity, and unique concepts. Their global appeal, engaging performances, and captivating personalities have earned them a dedicated fanbase and numerous achievements. As they continue to explore new musical horizons, collaborate with renowned brands, and showcase their talent, ENHYPEN is undoubtedly set to leave an indeliblemark on the K-pop industry, solidifying their position as a rising multinational boy group. With their unwavering dedication and passion for their craft, ENHYPEN is poised to achieve even greater success in the future, captivating the hearts of fans worldwide.