K-pop girl group Kep1er has released its debut full-length album, signifying the culmination of its two-and-a-half-year journey as a nine-member group. The group is now entering a new phase as a septet, with the majority of its members renewing their contracts.
Kep1er, a project girl group originally formed through Mnet’s 2021 audition program, “Girls Planet 999,” includes members Yujin, Mashiro, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, Youngeun and Yeseo.
All members, except Mashiro and Yeseo, recently renewed their contracts with WAKEONE and Swing Entertainment, which have managed the group, signaling a fresh start for Kep1er as a seven-piece act.
This decision has been viewed as groundbreaking, challenging the conventional fate of short-lived project groups formed through local audition programs. Typically, such groups disband after two to three years when members’ contracts expire.
Examples 카지노사이트 include WANNAONE from Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2” and IZ*ONE from “Produce 48,” both of which are now inactive.
At a press event held at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Monday, Kep1er members expressed their joy at being able to retain the group’s name, while also sharing their sadness about moving forward without two members.
“We’ve talked a lot about our future since last year, and we didn’t want to end the time we’ve spent together,” explained Yujin, Kep1er’s eldest member and leader. “So, most of the members decided to continue under Kep1er’s name.”
Yeseo, who concluded her contract, became emotional while sharing her thoughts about wrapping up her Kep1er journey.
“The time spent with the members as Kep1er has been a cherished memory. Despite any shortcomings, I believe I did my best to build our activities on trust. Even though this chapter has come to a close, I hope you’ll remember us as nine sisters,” Yeseo said.
Mashiro, another member set to leave Kep1er, also expressed her feelings, saying, “I want to wrap up my time as Kep1er on a good note. Please give us your warm attention and love for the upcoming album.”