#SHOWBIZ: 'I wanted to live': K-Pop idol Evan reveals childhood cancer battle

SEOUL: Former Enhypen member Evan, now performing under the stage name Evan, has revealed for the first time his battle with childhood cancer. In a candid interview with Weverse Magazine, the 25-year-old singer spoke about his younger years and the personal struggles that defined his early life. Born with a penchant for mischief, Evan was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, at the age of 10.

The diagnosis came after persistent coughing and difficulty breathing during a football game. Despite the grueling treatment process, Evan credits his mother for inspiring him to stay strong. He fondly recalled playing guitar and hosting talent shows for fellow patients, dreaming of becoming a singer since the age of six. The emotional toll of his hospital stay weighed heavily on Evan, leaving him with lasting memories of watching patients pass away and battling exhaustion and hair loss upon his return to daily life.

These experiences led Evan to retreat into his shell during middle school. Now, with his first solo mini album, Death of Me, Evan is transforming those painful memories into art. In his track Noise, he reflects: "I wanted to use the start of my music under the name Evan to tell people that good days do eventually come around." The album's title track, Death of Me, is deeply personal, with lyrics inspired by Evan's own struggle: "No matter how far down I went, I felt over and over that it was never really the end.

I hope Ever (his fandom name) hears that message and finds some hope in it." Evan, who debuted with Enhypen in November 2020 after placing fifth on the survival show I-Land, left the group in March to pursue a solo career. He made his official return with the single Ride or Die in June.