Enhypen are at a tough crossroads — and not just because they’ve lost their undisputed vocal powerhouse in a messy downsizing. Arguably, Enhypen have had two peak creative periods. The first was during their explosively exciting gothic debut, encompassing the two Border EPs. The second was in 2023-2024, stretching from Dark Blood to Romance: Untold, when they revisited their debut concept, but with a new maturity and wit. In between these heights, they frequently flounder, banking on their (considerable) performance abilities to carry them through a mish mash of unexceptional aesthetics and musical styles.
Today, we find them again in a floundering period. Exacerbated by Heeseung’s departure and the flood of new fifth (and sixth?) generation boy groups competing for K-pop audiences, this down period feels precarious. Enhypen aren’t going anywhere, but they risk being relegated to the ‘strong performers, mediocre songs’ box for good. Unless, of course, they can kick off another renaissance era.
Their most recent title track, “Bloody Paradise,” did not inspire much hope. Then, they dropped a surprise MV for B-side “Checkmate.” And suddenly, a third creative revival doesn’t seem so far out of reach.
In just a couple of minutes packed with fast cuts, dramatic lighting, and head-banging dancing, Enhypen cast a stylish but unself-serious spell. “Checkmate” has a clever narrative, with Enhypen playing NPCs who awaken into sentience and all kinds of trouble. But mostly, this is a vibes MV, and the vibes are immaculate. “Checkmate” is simultaneously eerie and funny, gritty and packed with flashes of comic book technicolor. Most of all, it’s very, very cool.
Much credit goes to MV director Song Taejong, whose silly yet fierce signature style is a great match for the frantic club energy of “Checkmate” as a song. But the members also throw themselves (literally, just look at Sunghoon) into the concept and pull it off with ease. Then again, of course they do, because while “Checkmate” might look like an anomaly, at its heart this is precisely the concept Enhypen have also thrived most in.
Casual observers often label Enhypen’s signature concept as ‘vampire,’ but while vampire visuals have featured heavily, what is really happening is a bit broader: a blend of horror visuals, swaggering performances, and more than a dash of wit. Whenever those three things come together, Enhypen usually have an artistic and commercial hit on their hands.
“Checkmate” checks all the boxes while still feeling fresh thanks to its club kid musical direction. That sonic style also feels like a solid fit Enhypen’s new formation. It’s ok to be down a singer when you’re working in a genre that’s more about rhythm and energy. And based on the endearing outtakes that close the MV, Enhypen’s members seem to be having a blast with this particular direction.
“Checkmate” is not the slam dunk that will pull Enhypen out of their slump. They probably need a song longer than two and a half minutes for that. But it does provide a glimmer of hope, and a vision for what a successful next chapter might look and sound like. As they themselves put it, “act crazier, shout it loud, checkmate.”
(Instagram, Rolling Stone, YouTube. Lyrics via YouTube. Images via Belift Lab.)
