K-pop sensation Kep1er has undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from a nine-member powerhouse to a dynamic septet. This change comes after former members Mashiro and Kang Ye-seo opted not to renew their contracts, marking a pivotal moment in the group’s journey. Courtesy of KLAP Entertainment
For K-pop phenomenon Kep1er, the recent departure of two members has proven to be a catalyst for growth rather than a setback. What could have spelled uncertainty for this project group, born from the 2021 survival show “Girls Planet 999,” has instead ignited a fierce determination among the remaining seven members.
In a move that sent ripples through the K-pop industry this May, seven members of Kep1er announced their decision to renew their contracts, effectively extending the group’s lifespan beyond its initially planned July conclusion. This bold move ensured that Kep1er’s story was far from over, defying industry expectations.
Kep1er’s contract extension is groundbreaking in the world of K-pop project groups. Unlike their predecessors from Mnet’s audition shows, such as I.O.I, WANNA ONE, and IZ*ONE, who disbanded after their initial contracts, Kep1er has broken the mold, carving out a new path in the ever-evolving K-pop landscape.
During an exclusive interview with The Korea Times at a trendy café in Seoul’s Gangnam District, the seven members of Kep1er exuded an air of confidence and excitement as they discussed their future plans.
“Securing contract renewals for all seven of us was no small feat,” Shen Xiaoting shared, her eyes gleaming with determination. “But our shared dream and vision for Kep1er’s future made it possible.”
Kep1er members (from left): Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yu-jin, Seo Young-eun, Kim Chae-hyun, Kim Da-yeon, Shen Xiaoting, and Hikaru. Courtesy of KLAP Entertainment
Shen continued, reflecting on their aspirations, “So far, we’ve only performed concerts in Japan. We’re all eager to showcase our talents in Korea and explore other international stages. This shared goal was a major factor in our decision to stay together.”
Choi Yu-jin, the group’s eldest member, offered insight into the personal motivations behind their contract renewal.
“Each of us has so much untapped potential,” Choi revealed. “While I can’t disclose all the details, we made sure our new contracts include opportunities for solo ventures. Fans can look forward to seeing us explore diverse projects and showcase our individual talents.”
Despite Mashiro and Kang’s departure from Kep1er, the remaining members emphasized that their bond remains unbroken. The two former members recently re-debuted in the new girl group MADEIN, but their connection to Kep1er endures.
“Our group chat with all nine of us is still buzzing with activity,” Kim Da-yeon shared with a smile. “We keep in constant touch, cheering each other on and following each other’s performances. I recently expressed how much I missed Mashiro and Kang, so we’ve planned a reunion dinner once we wrap up promotions for our new album.”
The group erupted in laughter as Kim revealed their reunion plans: a cozy Chinese hot pot gathering, or “huo guo” as they affectionately called it.
Kep1er is set to drop their highly anticipated mini-album “TIPI-TAP” this Friday. Courtesy of KLAP Entertainment
Riding high on their renewed energy, Kep1er is poised to make a splash in the K-pop scene this Friday with the release of their sixth mini-album, “TIPI-TAP.”
The seven members acknowledged the challenges of creating an album without their former bandmates but emphasized their commitment to delivering a stellar product.
“I won’t sugarcoat it – the preparation process was tough,” Kim Chae-hyun admitted candidly. “We grappled with concerns about managing as a seven-member group, especially when it came to distributing parts. Despite our best efforts, we worried about filling the void left by Mashiro and Kang.”
She added, “Ultimately, we chose to put our faith in our loyal fans and in each other. This album is a testament to that trust. I believe when people see us perform the title track, they’ll feel the passion we have for our craft.”
The members described the new album’s title track as a perfect showcase of Kep1er’s signature charm, blending hyperpop with unexpected elements. Huening Bahiyyih, the group’s American member, highlighted a unique aspect of the song – the incorporation of gqom, a South African rhythm rarely heard in K-pop.
“While gqom is prevalent in international music, it’s still relatively unexplored in K-pop,” Bahiyyih explained. “After extensive discussions about expanding our musical horizons, we decided to weave gqom into the chorus. It turned out to be an ideal fit for us, and we’re thrilled with the fresh sound it brings to our music.”
Kep1er burst onto the scene in 2022 with their debut track “WA DA DA,” following the success of their nine original members on Mnet’s 2021 survival show “Girls Planet 999.” Courtesy of KLAP Entertainment
Kep1er’s meteoric rise began with their 2022 debut track “WA DA DA,” which set a record as the fastest K-pop girl group debut song to reach No. 1 on a local music show. As they embark on this new chapter, the members are hopeful that their latest release will mirror that success.
“The title track of this album shares the same addictive quality as ‘WA DA DA,'” Shen noted. “We hope listeners will see ‘TIPI-TAP’ as an evolution of ‘WA DA DA,’ but with an exciting new genre twist.”
Kim Da-yeon shared her aspirations for the song’s performance, saying, “We’re aiming for widespread recognition and hope to climb the domestic music charts again. Hitting No. 1 on music shows would be incredible.”
Huening Bahiyyih set her sights even higher, declaring, “It’s my dream to see Kep1er break into international charts, especially the Billboard Hot 100.”
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