Kep1er Confirms Disbandment in This Month: What Led to the Decision

Unfortunately, Kep1er will be parting ways this month after a 3-year period.

On April 25, Star News published an exclusive report stating that Kep1er, a K-pop girl group consisting of Choi Yujin, Xiaoting, Mashiro, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Bahiyyih, Young Eun, and Yeseo, will be concluding their 2-year and 6-month journey.

Kep1er Group’s Agreement for Contract Extension Falls Through, Group to Disband in July

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Kep1er gained widespread recognition after participating in Mnet’s audition program, “Girls Planet 999,”which concluded in October 2021.

The show resulted in the formation of a multinational girl group project, consisting of 9 members from different countries, including 6 Koreans, 2 Japanese, and 1 Chinese.

After the release of their debut mini-album, “FIRST IMPACT,”in January 2022, the group received an overwhelming response beyond Korea. Their popularity skyrocketed in Japan, allowing them to expand their music to a global audience.

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Regrettably, the duration of the girl group project is restricted to only 2 years and 6 months, with an expiration date of July 2024.

The key executives from all the agencies, with their vast influence, power, and unlimited potential, have initiated plans to convene a meeting in 2023 to consider extending the project’s duration.

Wake One, the agency responsible for managing Kep1er, also implied to fans the potential for a contract extension by stating:

“We will continue to negotiate with each other to extend Kep1er’s activities.”

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It was expected that Kep1er would be the inaugural idol group created through a survival show with the potential to extend their contract. This possibility was not only exciting for Wake One, but also for the members and their respective agencies.

However, the disappointing update was that the agreement ultimately did not work out, leading to Kep1er’s decision to dissolve in July.

What’s Next for Members After Kep1er’s Disbandment?

Similarly to previous girl groups formed through audition shows, the members will go back to their individual agencies by the end of July.

It is also likely that Shen Xiaoting, Hikaru, and Mashiro, who are international members, will return to their respective countries to begin a new chapter in their lives.

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In contrast, prior to their separation, Kep1er is organizing a variety of events to bid farewell to their fandom, the Kep1ians.

On May 8, the nonet will reveal their 1st Japanese full-length album, “Kep1going,”as well as their final Korean album. They will spend their remaining time as a group performing and fulfilling their scheduled events.