EVAN Wins Global K-Artist at 2026 TIMAs Ahead of DEATH OF ME Release
Key takeaways
Quick summary- 1His 1st mini-album releases on Sept 7 at 18:00 (KST).
- 2EVAN received the “Global K-Artist” award at the 2026 TMElive International Music Awards on Aug 23.
EVAN in ‘DEATH OF ME’ concept photo (NATURAL Ver.)
Source: BELIFT LAB via Weverse
This summer holds multiple firsts for K-pop star and soloist EVAN. Perhaps better known as Heeseung, he debuted in the boy group ENHYPEN
on Nov. 30, 2020 and made his solo debut on June 22, 2026 after departing from the group in March.
Since then, he has released his digital single ‘RIDE OR DIE’ at debut and performed at KCON LA on Aug. 16, holding his first solo showcase and first convention stage as a soloist, respectively. Now, this past weekend holds another first for this K-pop idol.
The 2026 TMElive International Music Awards or TIMAs was held at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong over the weekend of Aug. 22. With performances from Asian and Western artists alike, EVAN once again took the stage opening with his song ‘Overflow’, covering 1K’s Chinese hit ‘就忘了吧’ (‘Forget It Already’), and closing with his title track ‘Ride or Die’.
The performance came one week after his spotlight at the Grammy Museum, adding his name to a list of alumni that currently includes fellow K-pop artists Rosé of BLACKPINK
, Taemin of SHINee, and Taeyang of BIGBANG
. Four years ago, EVAN was at the Grammy Museum with his former group ENHYPEN
as Heeseung—now, he’s carving his own path forward.
The “Global K-Artist” trophy marks EVAN’s first award since going solo, however it is not the first individual award he has received. In February, he received the male UPICK Global Choice award at the D Awards in Seoul. While the award he received from the D Awards was purely from fan-vote, “Global K-Artist” also factored in global chart data for 30% of the score. Considering he currently only has two songs to his name as a soloist, the win over a group like TOMORROW X TOGETHER
With his debut mini-album, DEATH OF ME, EVAN has taken a hands-on approach to his music, participating as a lyricist and composer on every song of the album, even acting as a producer on the majority of them. As a soloist, EVAN has expressed his commitment to showing his unique color to his fans, and he is able to do that with music he has worked on down to its composition. BELIFT LAB announced via Weverse that the album expresses EVAN’s “honest inner self and steadfast determination for the future through a diverse range of sounds.”
As a new soloist who clearly has the freedom to realize that vision, fans are sure that many more firsts are ahead for him.
EVAN’s 1st mini-album, DEATH OF ME, releases on Sept. 7 at 18:00 (KST).
Related groups
BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung.
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TXT (Tomorrow X Together) is a South Korean boy group formed by BIGHIT MUSIC and debuted on March 4, 2019. The group consists of five members: Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai. Known for their powerful performances, creative storytelling, and diverse musical styles, TXT has become one of the leading fourth-generation K-pop groups. Their music explores themes of youth, friendship, growth, dreams, and self-discovery, allowing fans around the world to connect with their journey. Since debuting with The Dream Chapter series, TXT has released numerous successful albums and hit songs including “CROWN,” “Run Away,” “Blue Hour,” “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You),” “Sugar Rush Ride,” and “Deja Vu.” The group has earned multiple awards, topped international music charts, and built a dedicated global fanbase known as MOA (Moments of Alwaysness).
BLACKPINK is one of the most influential K-pop girl groups in the world, known for their powerful performances, global chart success, and distinctive blend of pop, hip-hop, EDM, and rap. Formed by YG Entertainment, the group consists of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. Since their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK has achieved numerous milestones, including record-breaking music videos, sold-out world tours, and collaborations with internationally recognized artists. With a dedicated global fanbase known as BLINK, BLACKPINK continues to shape the modern K-pop industry through their music, fashion influence, and worldwide cultural impact. The group has earned recognition for hit songs such as “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” “How You Like That,” “Pink Venom,” and “Shut Down,” while establishing themselves as one of the most successful and recognizable Korean music acts of all time!
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