Photo Credits: KLAP Entertainment
Kep1er is carving out an exciting new chapter as they prepare to launch their seventh mini album, BUBBLE GUM. The group, now a dynamic seven-piece ensemble, has become a recognized force in the international K-pop scene since their formation through the high-stakes reality survival show Girls Planet 999 in 2021. Emerging from a pool of 99 contestants representing Korea, Japan, and China, Kep1er quickly established its distinctive identity when the final lineup was revealed in October 2021. The competition’s global nature set the tone for Kep1er’s multicultural appeal—a factor that continues shaping their musical and visual output.
Since debuting in January 2022, Kep1er has matched their fresh sound with imaginative concepts and visuals, blending youthful vibrance with a cosmopolitan edge. Over their career, the group has released multiple EPs and albums in both Korean and Japanese markets, finding immediate commercial success. Their first EP, First Impact, sold over 400,000 copies and topped South Korea’s Gaon Album Chart, with the breakout single “Wa Da Da” making waves on international charts. Later that year, Kep1er’s Japanese single “Fly-Up” achieved gold certification by RIAJ, signaling their cross-border momentum.
Originally a nine-member act, the group now features Kim Chae-hyun, Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yu-jin, Kim Da-yeon, Seo Young-eun, Ezaki Hikaru, and Shen Xiaoting, following the recent departures of Kang Ye-seo and Sakamoto Mashiro, who completed their journey after the group’s contract renewal in mid-2024. Each member brings a rich personal history to the collective. For example, Yujin previously debuted with Cube Entertainment’s CLC, Xiaoting competed globally as a modern dancer, and Hikaru trained as an idol for years in Japan. This diversity of talent and background remains a signature trait of Kep1er, constantly pushing the group’s music and performance into new territory.
With the impending release of BUBBLE GUM, Kep1er continues their tradition of playful, vivid concept photos, showcasing each member’s flair and individuality while maintaining a cohesive group identity. The concept images tease pastel palettes, bold styling, and a bubbly, effervescent energy that prime fans for the album’s summery soundscape.
Despite navigating industry pressures and lineup changes, Kep1er persists with a positive, creative outlook. Their fans, known as Kep1ians, have watched the group weather contract expiration risks and transition smoothly under dual management by WakeOne, Swing Entertainment, and, as of late 2024, Klap Entertainment. This resilience only adds to Kep1er’s appeal, positioning them as an evolving act whose history reflects both the volatility and promise of the contemporary K-pop scene. With every comeback, Kep1er demonstrates a rare versatility and togetherness that cements their place as one of this generation’s most watched girl groups.
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