K-pop superstar reveals brutal symptoms that led to cancer diagnosis

K-pop star Evan, formerly known as Heeseung in the beloved boyband ENHYPEN, has made a rare revelation about his cancer diagnosis.

Evan, whose real name is Lee Hee-seung, was just a child when he started experiencing a persistent cough that initially seemed harmless.

“I kept coughing, and at first I just figured it was a cold and didn’t think much of it,” the 24-year-old told Weverse Magazine.

“But then when I was playing soccer, I took four or five steps and suddenly couldn’t breathe. I found out at the hospital later that it was cancer.”

The K-pop star was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system but can spread to other parts of the body.

Evan had to undergo months of gruelling treatment when he was in his fourth year of school, but said he put on a brave face for his mother despite the brutal symptoms.

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He formed close bonds with other children at the hospital, performing in talent shows with them to break up monotony of treatment.

Tragically, Evan lost many of the friends he made there.

“I’d watch my friends pass away and kept thinking, ‘I want to live so badly, I want to go home,‘” he said.

“Thankfully, I made it through treatment and got to go on with my life.”

Though he was relieved to be declared cancer-free, Evan struggled to return to an ordinary life at school and on the playground.

Treatment had taken a huge physical toll on him, and his slowly regrowing hair made it clear to anyone he met what he’d been through.

It set him apart from his peers, who often teased him, and Evan became more withdrawn and introverted as a result.

Evan’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the bullying that followed left a permanent impression on the 24-year-old, which he still carries today.

He previously chose not to speak about his cancer journey publicly, admitting that it hurts to relive that chapter of his life.

Evan was part of ENHYPHEN for six years before going solo and used to share the stage with Australian-born K-pop star Jake Sim.

Sim was raised in Queensland and joined ENHYPEN in 2020 after placing third on the South Korean reality show I-Land.