Bite Review: Enhypen Find a Spark in “Checkmate”

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 fa...