EVAN opens up about childhood cancer battle and survival

Former ENHYPEN member EVAN, whose real name is Lee Hee-seung, has opened up about a deeply personal chapter of his life, revealing that he battled malignant lymphoma as a child. The singer shared details of his childhood cancer experience as he promotes his first self-produced solo EP, Death of Me.

The 24-year-old singer revealed that he was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma while he was in fourth grade. Malignant lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system and occurs when abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably.

Recalling the early signs of his illness, EVAN said that his first symptom was a persistent cough. At the time, he assumed that he had caught a common cold and did not consider it to be something serious. However, his condition became more alarming when he suddenly struggled to breathe while playing soccer.

EVAN explained that he had only taken four or five steps during the game when he suddenly found himself unable to catch his breath. A subsequent visit to the hospital eventually led to the discovery that he was suffering from cancer.

Despite facing such a serious illness at a young age, EVAN recalled trying to remain strong for his mother. He also found comfort in music during his time in the hospital and used his talents to entertain other patients.

The singer revealed that hospitals would sometimes organise talent shows and other activities for patients. He participated by playing the guitar and even hosting some of the events. EVAN said that he had dreamed of becoming a singer since he was six years old, although his difficult circumstances at the time left him with little emotional capacity to think about his future career.

His childhood cancer battle also left a lasting impression on him emotionally. EVAN recalled watching other young patients lose their lives while he was undergoing treatment. He admitted that during those moments, his strongest wish was simply to survive and return home.

Fortunately, EVAN successfully completed his treatment and was able to continue with his life. However, returning to school brought another difficult experience. He had less energy after treatment, while his hair was still growing back following chemotherapy. His appearance became a target for teasing from some of his classmates.

The singer recalled being mocked for his hair, with classmates comparing it to grass and joking that he looked like a monk. Although those experiences were painful, they became part of a difficult period that he eventually moved beyond.

When asked why he had chosen to speak about his cancer experience only now, EVAN admitted that he had not thought about it for a long time because revisiting those memories was painful.

His childhood experience has also influenced his music, particularly the title track and lead single Death of Me. EVAN explained that the song’s message about surviving despite being pushed to the edge carries a deeply personal meaning for him.

He said the idea behind the lyric that this “ain’t the death of me” comes from having personally experienced moments when his life was in danger. For him, the song represents survival, resilience and refusing to believe that a difficult moment is the end.

EVAN was a member of ENHYPEN from 2020 until 2026 before leaving the group to pursue a solo career. After years of performing as one of the group’s prominent vocalists, he officially began his solo journey with Ride or Die, released in March.

He has now entered another important chapter with the release of his first self-produced EP, Death of Me, on September 7. By connecting his music with his personal story, EVAN is offering fans a more intimate look at the experiences that shaped him both as an artist and as a person.