| “ |
Catch your eye, catch your mind. Hello, we are Kep1er! |
” |
| —Kep1er | ||
Kep1er (Korean: 케플러, Japanese: ケプラー; read as Kepler) is a seven-member multinational project girl group under WAKEONE and KLAP Entertainment. Formed through Mnet's reality survival show Girls Planet 999 as a nine-member group, they made their debut on January 3, 2022 with their first mini album, First Impact.
Their name combines 'Kep', which means catching dreams, and the number 1, which means the nine girls coming together as one to be the best. It is also a reference to the planet 'Kepler', the Kepler space telescope and inspired by German astronomer Johannes Kepler.
History[]
2021: Girls Planet 999 and pre-debut[]
Final lineup for Girls Planet 999
On January 11, Mnet released a teaser about the the upcoming auditions for the future competitive girl group reality show, Girls Planet 999.[2] It would consist of female contestants from or representing Korea, China, and Japan who all shared the same dream of debuting.
Girls Planet 999 premiered on August 6, while the live finale was broadcasted on October 22, with the girls who ranked in the top nine to debut in the show's product group Kep1er. During the finale, nine different contestants were revealed to make their debut; Chaehyun ranked first overall, presumably becoming the group's future center, Huening Bahiyyih ranked second overall, Yujin ranked third, Dayeon ranked fourth, Youngeun ranked fifth, Yeseo ranked sixth, Hikaru ranked seventh, Mashiro ranked eighth, and finally, Xiaoting ranked ninth overall and was the last contestant revealed to debut.
On October 22, following the conclusion of Girls Planet 999, they opened the staff and group's Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts.[3] On the group's social media accounts, a teaser was posted showcasing the group's official logo which had previously been revealed during the final episode of the show.[4] On October 25, an article was published on Naver, revealing that the group would carry out their activities as a group for roughly the next two and a half years and are currently already starting preparations for their debut album.[5]
The group's fan café and V Live channel officially opened on November 2 and 3, respectively.[6][7] On November 4, Kep1er held their first V Live.[8] On November 9, the group’s first YouTube video was uploaded onto their YouTube channel.[9]
2022: Debut with First Impact, fandom name and colors, Queendom 2, Doublast, Japanese debut, "Sugar Rush", Troubleshooter, first fanmeeting[]
Concept for First Impact
On November 22, 2021, the group's website officially opened, revealing that the group will debut in December 2021.[10] On November 24, 2021, the group's SNS posted teaser photos and announced that they will make their debut on December 14, 2021. Later on November 29, 2021, it announced that they will debut with their first mini album, First Impact. However, on December 5, 2021, it was announced that the group's debut will be postponed after a staff member tested positive to COVID-19. On December 8, 2021, it was announced through the group's fan cafe that the album would be postponed to January 3, 2022.[11]
On January 3, the group announced their fandom name and colors.[12]
On February 21, Mnet revealed that the group will be participating in their reality show, Queendom 2, which aired on March 31.[13]
Concept for Doublast
On May 27, WAKEONE confirmed that Kep1er is preparing for a comeback in June following Queendom 2's finale. The group already completed filming for the music video and are in the final stages of production for their upcoming album.[14] On June 3, a teaser photo revealed the group's second mini album, Doublast, would be released on June 20.[15][16]
On July 21, the group announced their plan to release their Japanese debut with their first single, "Fly-Up", which was released on September 7.[17]
On September 16, UNIVERSE revealed that Kep1er would be participating in their UNIVERSE Music project with the release of the digital single "Sugar Rush", which would be released on September 23.
On September 20, the group revealed the design of their official light stick.[18]
On September 26, a teaser poster revealed that Kep1er will be releasing their third mini album, Troubleshooter, on October 13.[19]
On August 29, Kep1er announced their first fanmeeting 2022 Kep1er Fan Meeting <Kep1anet>, which is to be held on October 10 at SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium offline and online via LiveConnect.[20][21]
2023: "Fly-By", first Japan tour, Lovestruck!, "Rescue Tayo", Magic Hour, "Fly-High"[]
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On January 16, 2023, a teaser poster revealed that Kep1er will comeback with their second Japanese single "Fly-By", on March 15.[22]
On February 14, a poster revealed across the group's Japanese social medias announced the group will hold their first ever Japanese tour, titled Kep1er Japan Concert Tour 2023 'Fly-By', from May 20 to June 11.[23]
On March 1, WAKEONE revealed that the group will be making a comeback, with its release date set for April 10.[24] On March 20, it was announced that they will the releasing their fourth mini album, Lovestruck!, on April 10.[25]
Concept for Magic Hour
On July 1, it was announced that Kep1er will release a special album with the children's TV show Tayo, "Rescue Tayo".[26]
On August 4, Star News reported that Kep1er will be releasing a new album in September.[27] On August 30, it was announced that Kep1er will be releasing their fifth mini album, Magic Hour, on September 25.[28]
On September 21, in Kep1er Daum Cafe announced that Yeseo would temporarily sit out activities due to health.[29] She was assumed to have returned after being seen at the Magic Hour showcase with the rest of the members.
On October 10, a teaser film revealed that Kep1er will be having a Japanese comeback on November 22.[30] The comeback will be with their third Japanese single "Fly-High".[31]
2024: Kep1going, Kep1going On, contract renewal, Mashiro and Yeseo's departure, upcoming release[]
Concept photo for Kep1going
On January 12, 2024, news outlet MHN Sports reported that WAKEONE wish to extend the group's contract but they have yet to reach an agreement with the members' respective agencies. Kep1er is scheduled to end their activities on July 3, 2024.[32]
On February 13, Kep1er announced that they will be coming back with both, Korean and Japanese albums in 2024.[33]
On February 14, Kep1er announced that they will be coming back in Japan on May 8.[34] Later, it was confirmed that they will release their first Japanese full-length album Kep1going.[35]
On April 3, it was confirmed that Kep1er started working on their next album, reportedly scheduled for release in May. Additionally, WAKEONE is in positive discussions about a contract extension.[36]
On April 25, STARNEWS reported that the group would disband in July after discussions to extend their contracts fell through. According to the report, Kep1er plans to release one final album and hold a farewell concert to express gratitude to their fans before officially concluding their activities. WAKEONE responded that they are still in discussions regarding the extension of the group's activities.[37]
On May 13, the group unveiled the logo motion video for their first full-length album Kep1going On, set for release on June 3.[38]
On May 16, STARNEWS reported that seven of the members had successfully extended their contracts with WAKEONE. The group would be reorganized as a seven-member group with Mashiro and Yeseo joining MADEIN. 143 Entertainment later stated that they are still discussing contract renewals with CJ ENM for Mashiro and Yeseo.[39]
On May 30, it was announced the members, excluding Mashiro and Yeseo, had renewed their contract with WAKEONE. Both members officially departed from the group after Kep1er's Japanese concert on July 15.[40]
On September 30, it was announced that Kep1er has signed an exclusive contract with KLAP Entertainment. The agency would be co-managing the group alongside WAKEONE.[41]
On October 7, it was announced that they will be releasing an album on November 1.[42]
Aftermath[]
- Mashiro and Yeseo returned to 143 Entertainment. On July 16, 143 Entertainment announced that both would be re-debuting as members of their newest girl group MADEIN. They were both officially introduced as members on July 29. They officially made their debut on September 3, 2024 with the EP Rise.
Members[]
Only 5 Kep1er members have official positions.[43]
| Rank | Name[n 1] | Nationality | Position(s)[43] | Agency | Year(s) active | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | Japanese | |||||
| 3 | Yujin | 최유진 | ユジン | Korean | Leader | Cube Entertainment | 2021–present |
| 9 | Xiaoting | 샤오팅 | シャオティン | Chinese | Lead Dancer | TOP CLASS Entertainment | 2021–present |
| 1 | Chaehyun | 김채현 | チェヒョン | Korean | Main Vocalist, Center | WAKEONE | 2021–present |
| 4 | Dayeon | 김다연 | ダヨン | Korean | Main Dancer | Jellyfish Entertainment | 2021–present |
| 7 | Hikaru | 히카루 | ひかる | Japanese | N/A | Avex Artist Academy | 2021–present |
| 2 | Huening Bahiyyih | 휴닝바히에 | ヒュニン・バヒエ | Korean-American | IST Entertainment | 2021–present | |
| 5 | Youngeun | 서영은 | ヨンウン | Korean | Maknae (2024-present) | Biscuit Entertainment | 2021–present |
| Former | |||||||
| 8 | Mashiro | 마시로 | ましろ | Japanese | Co-Leader | 143 Entertainment | 2021–2024 |
| 6 | Yeseo | 강예서 | イェソ | Korean | Maknae (2021-2024) | 143 Entertainment | 2021–2024 |
Discography[]
Korean[]
Studio albums[]
Mini albums[]
Digital singles[]
Collaborations[]
|
Participation releases[]
|
Japanese[]
Studio albums[]
Singles[] |
Digital singles[]
|
Concerts[]
Japan tours[]
- Kep1er Japan Concert Tour 2023 'Fly-By' (2023)
- Kep1er Japan Fan Concert 2024 <Fly-High> (2024)
- Kep1er Japan Concert 2024 'Kep1going' (2024)
Concert participation[]
- 2022 UNI-KON[44] (2022)
- HallyuPopFest London 2022 (2022)
- KCON 2022 LA (2022)
- HallyuPopFest Sydney 2022 (2022)
- KCON 2022 Japan (2022)[45]
- KCON 2023 Thailand (2023)
- Seoul Festa 2023 'K-POP SUPER LIVE' (2023)
- KCON 2023 Japan (2023)[46]
- PEPSI SUMMER FESTA 2023 (2023)[47]
- THE SUPERSTAGE by K-POP in Manila (2023)[48] (cancelled)[49]
- KCON 2023 LA (2023)[50]
- KPOP NATION in Poland (2023)[51]
- KCON LA 2024 (2024)[52]
- KCON Germany 2024 (2024)[53]
Fanmeetings[]
- 2022 Kep1er Fan Meeting <Kep1anet> (2022)
- 2023 Kep1er 2nd Fan Meeting <Kep1er‘s Strange Market> (2023)
Japan fanmeetings[]
Filmography[]
Reality shows[]
- Kep1er-view (Mnet, 2021)
- Kep1er Zone (U+Idol Live, 2022)
- Queendom 2 (Mnet, 2022) - contestant[54]
- Kep1er Zone 2 (U+Idol Live, 2022)
- KEPtain Heroes (Youtube, 2022)
- Kep1er Zone in Thailand (U+Idol Live, 2023)
- Kep1erving (Youtube, 2023)
Endorsements[]
On February 15, 2022, S2ND, a makeup brand, announced that they have selected Kep1er as their endorsement models.[55]
Awards and nominations[]
- Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kep1er
Trivia[]
- Multiple members were members of other groups.
- Dayeon was a contestant on Produce 48.
- Xiaoting was a contestant on Produce Camp 2020.
- On Girls Planet 999, Kep1er was teased as a "global girl group".
- The group is made up of members from South Korea, Japan and China.
- They are first ever Mnet produce project-group that successfully extended their contracts.
Gallery[]
- Main article: Kep1er/Gallery
Notes[]
References[]
- ↑ YouTube: Kep1er 케플러 l 케플러의 첫 유튜브 라이브가 찾아옵니다다다
- ↑ [Girls Planet 999] Global Audition ‘당신을 <Girls Planet 999>에 초대합니다’
- ↑ Soompi: “Girls Planet 999” Debut Group Kep1er Opens Official Social Media Accounts
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (October 23, 2021 tweet)
- ↑ (KR) Naver: ‘걸스플래닛999’ 최종 데뷔 그룹명 Kep1er 확정 “본격 데뷔 준비 돌입”(공식)
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (November 2, 2021 tweet)
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (November 3, 2021 tweet)
- ↑ Kep1er 1st V LIVE (November 4, 2021)
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (November 9, 2021 tweet)
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (November 22, 2021)
- ↑ Update: Kep1er Announces New Release Date For Postponed Debut Album “FIRST IMPACT”
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Announces Official Fandom Name And Colors
- ↑ @MnetKR on Twitter: (February 21, 2022)
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Confirmed To Make June Comeback After “Queendom 2” Finale
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (June 3, 2022)
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Confirms Comeback Date With Refreshing New Mood Photo Teaser
- ↑ @kep1er_jp on Twitter (July 21, 2022)
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Reveals Official Light Stick
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (September 26, 2022)
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (August 29, 2022)
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (September 8, 2022)
- ↑ @kep1er_jp on Twitter (January 16, 2023)
- ↑ Allkpop: Kep1er to hold their first Japanese arena tour since debut
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Announces April Comeback Date
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Gears Up For April Comeback With 1st Teaser For “LOVESTRUCK!”
- ↑ @POYOMusicICONIX on Twitter (July 1, 2023)
- ↑ (KR) Naver: 케플러, 9월 컴백 확정..4세대 '올라운더' 돌아온다
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Announces September Comeback With 1st Teaser For “Magic Hour”
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er’s Yeseo To Temporarily Sit Out Activities Due To Health
- ↑ @kep1er_jp on Twitter (October 10, 2023) (1)
- ↑ @kep1er_jp on Twitter (October 10, 2023) (2)
- ↑ MHN Sports: 케플러 활동 연장 재계약 논의는 계속된다, 남은 기간은 6개월
- ↑ @official_kep1er on Twitter (February 13, 2024)
- ↑ @kep1er_jp on Twitter (February 14, 2024)
- ↑ @kep1er_jp on Twitter (February 14, 2024)
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er Confirmed To Be Preparing For New Album + In Discussions For Contract Extension
- ↑ Soompi: Kep1er's Agency Responds To Disbandment Rumors
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: Kep1er Announces June Comeback Date With Teaser For 1st Full Album
- ↑ Soompi: 7 Kep1er Members Reported To Extend Contracts + Mashiro And Yeseo's Agency Briefly Comments
- ↑ Soompi: 7 Kep1er Members Officially Extend Contracts + Mashiro And Yeseo To Conclude Activities With Group
- ↑ (KR) SpoTV News: [단독]7인조 된 케플러, 클렙 손 잡았다
- ↑ @official_kep1er on X (October 7, 2024)
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 KpopStarz: Only 5 Kep1er Members Have Official Positions — Here’s Why Kep1ians are Upset
- ↑ UNI-KON 2022 Line-up. UNIVERSE Twitter (2022-06-23). Retrieved on 2022-06-26.
- ↑ Soompi: KCON 2022 Japan Announces 1st Lineup Of Performers
- ↑ Soompi: KCON 2023 Japan Announces 1st Performer Lineup
- ↑ @IVEstarship on Twitter: 썸머 페스타 2023 (May 25, 2023)
- ↑ @OctoArtsEnt on Twitter: Announcement (May 9, 2023)
- ↑ (KR) ETNews: [단독] 산다라박 마마무+ 케플러 라필루스, 필리핀 K-POP 콘서트 결국 ‘무산’
- ↑ Soompi: KCON 2023 LA Announces 1st Performer Lineup
- ↑ @mykpopnation on Twitter (August 24, 2023)
- ↑ Soompi: Update: KCON LA 2024 Announces 2nd Lineup Of Artists
- ↑ Soompi: KCON Germany 2024 Announces 1st Lineup Of Artists
- ↑ Soompi: VIVIZ, LOONA, WJSN, Brave Girls, Kep1er, And Hyolyn Confirmed To Star In “Queendom 2”
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 @s2nd_official on Instagram (February 15, 2022)
- ↑ @s2nd_jp on Twitter (February 20, 2022)
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