ENHYPEN debuted on November 20, 2020. The survival show I-LAND has an absolute chokehold on K-pop fans back then, and the final lineup announcement led to the creation of the group we know as ENHYPEN today.
Formed by Belift Lab (a joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE Corporation), the seven members came out of a literal competition. The expectations were high, but they were ready to tackle them all from day one.
In this article, we’re going to give you a breakdown of how ENHYPEN became the 4th Generation legends they are today. If you’re just dipping your toes into their discography or getting to know them, this article is the perfect place to start.
ENHYPEN Debut Overview: Key Facts
Before we begin to look at the details, let’s go over a few key facts about ENHYPEN. If you’re ever in a trivia contest to prove your ENGENE status, this table is your best friend:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut Date | November 30, 2020 |
| Debut Album | Border: Day One (Extended Play/EP) |
| Title Track | “Given-Taken” |
| Label | Belift Lab (part of HYBE Corporation) |
| Formation | Survival show I-LAND (Summer 2020) |
| Fandom Name | ENGENE (announced October 9, 2020) |
| Generation | 4th Gen K-pop |
These are only the basic facts of the start of their journey in the K-pop industry. What they really did was kick off the iconic “Border” lore that has us all obsessed.
Ready to go back to Day One?
When Did ENHYPEN Debut?
The date we mark in red on our calendars every year is November 30, 2020. That said, the reveal didn’t just happen out of thin air. The excitement began to build almost instantly after the seven-member lineup was confirmed on September 18, 2020.
ENHYPEN had already gathered fans before they debuted. A lot of people had watched them train, fight, and grow under intense scrutiny in the I-LAND building.
Did you know that ENHYPEN had amassed over a million followers on Twitter before they even dropped their first song? Imagine the pressure on a rookie group!
When November 30 finally arrived, they dropped their debut EP and the iconic title track. Their first major live broadcast of “Given-Taken” happened a few days later on KBS’s Music Bank. If I’m being honest, it actually felt like watching my own children cross the finish line!
Debut Album and Title Track
ENHYPEN executed their cinematic debut with their first EP, Border: Day One. This EP was more than just a collection of songs; it actually gave birth to an entire universe, the “Border” series.
The theme of the album was the raw and complex emotions of being on the edge; of the boundary between their old lives as trainees and their new identity as global idols.
The title track from the album is called “Given-Taken.” And if you ask me, there’s no other song that could have captured their difficult journey better. The sound was dark, mysterious and moody.
The real lore is contained within the title song: Was their debut success Given to them by the producers and the audience on I-LAND, or did they Take it themselves through their sheer talent and hard work?
The music video subtly introduces their signature vampire-fantasy concept. If you haven’t watched the MV yet, check it out here.
And to say that all of their hard work paid off would only be an understatement. They surpassed a jaw-dropping 150,000 stock pre-orders in just two days. This set a whole new standard for rookie groups in their generation.
ENHYPEN Members and Debut Ages
ENHYPEN as a group is very diverse. These seven people come from Korean, Japanese, American, and Australian backgrounds.
At the time of their debut (in 2020), all the members were very young. Here’s a list of all the members with their birthdays and ages at debut:
| Member | Birth Date | Approx. Age at Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Heeseung | October 15, 2001 | 19 |
| Jay | April 20, 2002 | 18 |
| Jake | November 15, 2002 | 18 |
| Sunghoon | December 8, 2002 | 17 |
| Sunoo | June 24, 2003 | 17 |
| Jungwon (Leader) | February 9, 2004 | 16 |
| Ni-Ki (Maknae) | December 9, 2005 | 14 |
To be honest, I was shocked to find out Ni-Ki’s age. He had an extraordinary stage presence and impressive dance ability, even at 14 years old.
Let’s go through each of the members’ profiles one by one, and also how they contributed to the debut:
1. Jungwon (Leader)
Despite being in the maknae line of the group, Jungwon is the leader of ENHYPEN. During the survival show, Jungwon impressed both producers and fans with his strong leadership skills and emotional maturity.
He has incredible vocals that anchor ENHYPEN’s sound and his background in Taekwondo gives him a quiet intensity on stage. His calm energy has truly held the group right from the beginning.
2. Heeseung
Known as the Ace, Heeseung is the oldest member and main vocalist. Having been a Big Hit trainee for years, he brought the kind of experience to the debut lineup that guided the others during the intense I-LAND missions.
His raw versatility in both singing and dancing offered a true foundation to ENHYPEN’s performances. He’s the hyung that everyone looks up to!
3. Jay
Jay is the group’s rapper and dancer. He is famously known for his intense dedication and his motto: P.A.S.S.I.O.N. Born in America, his fierceness is captivating when he’s on stage.
One of the unforgettable things about Jay is his effective technique and high-energy expressions, which is evident in his choreography. Jay is also often the group’s spokesperson and confidently engages with fans and the media.
4. Jake
Jake is our resident Australian charm! He was selected from global auditions and quickly became popular due to his warm, approachable visual and natural charisma.
He balances his soft image with a powerful stage presence. He’s the definition of a golden retriever idol!
5. Sunghoon
The Ice Prince successfully translated his discipline from a decade of internationally competitive figure skating into his idol career. His years on the ice is evident in the fluid, elegant lines in his dancing.
Fans particularly love Sunghoon’s visual appeal, which makes him a key visual for the group. Moreover, he offers a duality by his sometimes bashful or quietly humorous personality.
6. Sunoo
Our sunshine boy, Sunoo, truly grabbed everyone’s hearts during the debut era! He had a shorter training period than the others (just 10 months) but he proved that sometimes, you’re just born with the star factor!
His signature facial expressions, his winks, and his ability to perfectly hit those high notes and captivating glances are his superpower. He’s often the mood-maker, the one who cracks jokes, and the member who isn’t afraid to be goofy or cute.
7. Ni-ki
If Sunoo is the sunshine, Ni-Ki is the undeniable King of the Stage. Ni-Ki (born Nishimura Riki) is our Japanese powerhouse. He is the dancing powerhouse of the group and the youngest member, debuting at only 14 years old!
Honestly, watching him, you forget he’s the youngest. He has incredible control over his body and expressions. He is frequently recognized as one of the best in the entire 4th Generation.
ENHYPEN’s First Music Show Win
ENHYPEN’s first win came on May 4, 2021, on SBS MTV’s The Show, with their second EP’s title track, “Drunk-Dazed.” This album marked their first comeback after their debut.
Drunk-Dazed is a highly energetic and chaotic song, which was the perfect follow-up to the conceptual darkness of their debut. This win officially earned ENHYPEN the title of “Monster Rookies.”
ENHYPEN’s Label and Generation
ENHYPEN launched under Belift Lab, which operates under the wider umbrella of HYBE Corporation (the parent company of Big Hit Music). They are officially categorized as part of the 4th Generation of K-pop, defined by groups debuting from 2019 onward.
ENHYPEN vs Other Groups: Popularity and Impact
What allowed ENHYPEN to cut through the noise at debut? Their commitment to concept uniqueness.
In late 2020, many rookie groups opted for bright and typical youthful concepts. On the other hand, ENHYPEN debuted with a sophisticated, dark, and highly lore-heavy vampire fantasy theme. This cinematic approach instantly separated them from their rookie peers.
What followed was immediate, explosive success, which led them to sweep multiple “Rookie of the Year” awards. They built a global fanbase (ENGENE) and consistently charted internationally, including the Billboard 200.
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Conclusion: Belift Lab Launched ENHYPEN On November 30, 2020
The debut of ENHYPEN was on November 30, 2020. A high-stakes survival show produced a global phenomenon. They won hearts almost immediately and created a fanbase so big that it earned them the title of “Monster Rookies.”
With their unique concepts and some of the best dancers in the group, they were able to create visuals that attracted fans from all over the world. Plus, the diversity of the members allowed them to connect to people easily on a global level.
Years later, they continue to make amazing music and sweep people off their feet. If you’re new here, I’d recommend checking out their debut EP Border: Day One.
FAQs
ENGENE Day, the anniversary of their official fandom name announcement, is celebrated every year on October 9th.
Heeseung, Jay, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Jungwon have all graduated high school. Ni-Ki has graduated Japanese middle school but could not enroll in high school.
ENHYPEN is a globally diverse group with three members who are not ethnically Korean: Jay (Korean-American), Jake (Korean-Australian), and Ni-Ki (Japanese).
Based on global streaming and music video views, their most popular song is often considered “Fever” from the Border: Carnival EP.
ENHYPEN performed a cover of the BTS song “I Need U” as a Spotify Single in February 2024.
