ENHYPEN is a popular South Korean boy band that has taken the K-pop world by storm. Since their debut in 2020, they have gained a massive following and achieved incredible success. In this article, we’ll explore ten fascinating facts about ENHYPEN that you might not know. Whether you’re a new fan or a longtime ENGENE (ENHYPEN’s fandom name), you’re sure to learn something new about this talented group.
1. The Meaning Behind Their Name
ENHYPEN’s name is more than just a cool-sounding word. It has a deep meaning that reflects the group’s goals and values. The name comes from the word “hyphen” (-), which is a symbol used to connect words. Just like a hyphen, ENHYPEN aims to connect, discover, and grow together. They want to bring people together through their music and create new meanings, just like how a hyphen connects words to form new ideas.
2. Formed Through a TV Show
Unlike many K-pop groups that are formed by their company, ENHYPEN was created through a survival reality show called “I-LAND.” The show aired in 2020 and featured 23 trainees competing for a spot in the final group. Thousands of hopefuls applied, but only 23 made it onto the show. In the end, seven talented young men were chosen to form ENHYPEN. It was an exciting and nerve-wracking journey for the members, and fans got to watch their growth and bond throughout the show.
3. A Mix of Backgrounds
While all the members of ENHYPEN are Korean, they have diverse backgrounds that add an international flavor to the group. For example:
- Jay is Korean-American and comes from Seattle, Washington.
- Jake is Korean-Australian.
- Some members were educated abroad.
This mix of backgrounds helps ENHYPEN connect with fans from all over the world and brings a unique perspective to their music and performances.
4. Record-Breaking Debut
ENHYPEN’s debut in November 2020 was nothing short of spectacular. Their first mini-album, “BORDER: DAY ONE,” was a massive hit. It sold over 300,000 copies in its first week, which is an incredible achievement for a rookie group. This success made it the best-selling debut album by any K-pop group in 2020. It’s clear that even from the beginning, ENHYPEN had a strong fanbase eager to support them.
5. Multitalented Members
Each member of ENHYPEN brings something special to the group. They’re not just singers and dancers; they have a wide range of talents:
- Heeseung is known for his powerful vocals and ability to hit high notes.
- Jay is a skilled rapper and is fluent in English.
- Sunghoon was a competitive figure skater before joining the group.
- Ni-ki, the youngest member, competed on the show “World of Dance” before joining ENHYPEN.
These diverse skills and experiences contribute to ENHYPEN’s dynamic performances and versatile music style.
6. Breaking Records and Winning Awards
Despite being a relatively new group, ENHYPEN has already achieved some impressive milestones:
- They won their first award, the “Next Leader Award,” at the 2020 Fact Music Awards, just weeks after their debut.
- Their first full-length album, “Dimension: Dilemma,” sold over a million copies in 2021, earning them a Diamond certification in Korea.
- They became the fastest K-pop boy group to become million-sellers.
- ENHYPEN is the first and only K-pop act in history to have all of their albums certified by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
These achievements show just how quickly ENHYPEN has risen to the top of the K-pop industry.
7. Global Popularity
ENHYPEN’s popularity isn’t limited to South Korea. They have a massive international fanbase:
- Fans from over 120 countries tune in to watch their online events.
- They’ve been praised internationally as the “4th Generation Hot Icons” and “Global K-pop Rising Stars.”
- In 2022, they embarked on their first world tour, “Manifesto,” performing 21 concerts across various countries.
This global appeal demonstrates ENHYPEN’s ability to connect with fans from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
8. Unique Concepts and Storytelling
One thing that sets ENHYPEN apart is their interesting concepts and storytelling in their music and videos. They often explore deep themes and use creative imagery:
- Their music often touches on the idea of being on the “border” between different states, like trainee and idol, or youth and adulthood.
- They’ve incorporated references to classic literature, such as Shakespeare’s sonnets and Greek mythology, into their concepts.
- Each album and music video adds to an ongoing story, creating a rich universe for fans to explore and theorize about.
This attention to storytelling and concept adds an extra layer of depth to their music and performances.
9. Dedicated to Improvement
The members of ENHYPEN are known for their strong work ethic and desire to constantly improve. For example:
- Heeseung is famous among fans for his dedication to perfecting his skills. If he’s not good at something, he’ll practice until he masters it.
- The group is known for their synchronized dance performances, which require hours of practice to perfect.
- They often share behind-the-scenes content showing their practice sessions and preparations for performances.
This commitment to growth and improvement is a big part of why ENHYPEN continues to get better with each comeback.
10. Close Bond Despite Age Differences
Despite their different ages and backgrounds, the members of ENHYPEN share a close bond:
- The oldest member, Heeseung, was born in 2001, while the youngest, Ni-ki, was born in 2005.
- When they debuted, most of the members were still teenagers.
- Despite the age gap, they treat each other like brothers and support each other both on and off stage.
- They often share funny moments and inside jokes during their vlogs and live streams, showing their comfortable relationship.
This strong friendship between the members contributes to their great teamwork and chemistry on stage.