What is ENHYPEN?
ENHYPEN is a boy group under BELIFT LAB, formed through the 2020 survival audition show ‘I-LAND’, a major project by CJ ENM and Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE).
In July 2021, they released their debut Japanese single ‘BORDER: Hakanai’.
This single achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the 5th overseas male artist group to debut at number 1, following in the footsteps of artists like Jang Geun-Suk, EXO, iKON, and Stray Kids. Since their debut, the group has been making a remarkable impact with their activities.
The members consist of Heeseung, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Jungwon from South Korea, Jay from the United States, Jake from Australia, and Niki from Japan.
At the 2020 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, they received the Rookie of the Year award just two weeks after their debut, and were hailed as the “best rookies” online, setting unprecedented records.
This article will provide an in-depth look at the profiles of each member.
1. Heeseung
- Real Name: Lee Hee-Seung
- Date of Birth: October 15, 2001
- Hometown: South Korea (Gyeonggi-do)
- Traits:
As the oldest member of ENHYPEN, Heeseung excels in vocals, dance, and visuals, being described as an all-rounder and the “absolute ace”.
He is known for an episode where multiple entertainment companies were waiting for him after he went for an audition at a Korean arts high school, and he chose the company he most wanted to join. He eventually signed with his current company.
He spent the longest time as a trainee within the group, gaining admiration from fellow trainees for his leadership and exceptional skills.
2. Sunghoon
- Real Name: Park Sung-Hoon
- Date of Birth: June 8, 2002
- Hometown: South Korea (Gyeonggi-do)
- Traits:
Sunghoon has a unique background as both a trainee and a figure skater, having won a silver medal in a junior domestic competition and finishing second in the senior category at the 2016 Asian Figure Skating Cup.
Before becoming a trainee, he was already popular among fans and was inspired by BTS to pursue an idol career. His refreshing looks and well-trained body make him an intriguing character.
He is also active as an ambassador for the Korean cosmetics brand “Hince”.
3. Sunoo
- Real Name: Kim Seon-Woo
- Date of Birth: June 24, 2003
- Hometown: South Korea (Gyeonggi-do)
- Traits:
Sunoo began his journey as a singer after being scouted in middle school, and gained fame for his good looks, earning the nickname “handsome senior” in his school.
He is known for his charming and “cute” personality and has a clear, beautiful voice. Despite having only 10 months of trainee experience, he won a spot in ENHYPEN with his natural talent.
4. Jungwon
- Real Name: Yang Jung-Won
- Date of Birth: February 17, 2004
- Hometown: South Korea (Seoul)
- Traits:
Jungwon is the leader of ENHYPEN, known for his calm decision-making skills and careful consideration of others. Despite his cute appearance, his dynamic and sharp performances are a highlight.
Before joining his current agency, he was a trainee at SM Entertainment, where he became close with members of NCT and RIIZE.
5. Jay
- Real Name: Jay Jong-Seong Park
- Date of Birth: April 20, 2002
- Hometown: United States (Washington)
- Traits:
Jay was born in the U.S. to Korean parents and moved to Korea during his elementary school years. He is fluent in English, Korean, and even Japanese, having self-taught himself the language.
He contributed to GLAY’s collaboration song “whodunit-GLAY × JAY(ENHYPEN)-Share” by writing the Japanese lyrics. He was scouted in the streets, which led to his decision to pursue a career in entertainment.
Before joining his current company, Jay was a trainee at SM Entertainment.
6. Jake
- Real Name: Jake Sim
- Date of Birth: November 15, 2002
- Hometown: Australia
- Traits:
Jake was born in Australia and spent his early years there. He moved to Korea when he was 15 and became a trainee soon after. Before his music career, Jake was already fluent in both English and Korean.
He quickly became one of ENHYPEN’s most promising performers due to his dancing, rapping, and charismatic stage presence.
7. Niki
- Real Name: Ni-Ki (Riki Nishimura)
- Date of Birth: December 9, 2005
- Hometown: Japan
- Traits:
Ni-Ki, the youngest member (maknae), was born in Japan and was already a trained dancer before joining the group. He is often described as one of the best dancers in ENHYPEN, with his smooth yet powerful style.
He was scouted at a young age and showed off his talents on “I-LAND,” where he quickly gained fans for his impressive performances.
