Kep1er: Interstellar Talent

Kep1er, formed through the Mnet reality competition show Girls Planet 999 in 2021, quickly made a name for themselves in the K-pop industry. Managed by Swing Entertainment and WakeOne, the group began originally with nine members but were later reduced to seven in mid-2024, following the departure of Kang Ye-seo and Sakamoto Mashiro.Kep1er’s formation story is rooted in the multinational composition of Girls Planet 999, which featured 99 contestants from China, Japan, and South Korea. Several members had prior industry experience, like Choi Yu-jin, who was part of CLC, and Kim Da-yeon, who competed in Produce 48.

Kep1er's debut with the EP First Impact in January 2022 was a resounding success, selling around 400,000 copies and topping South Korea's Gaon Album Chart. The lead single "Wa Da Da" further cemented their place in the global music scene, charting on the Billboard Global 200 and World Digital Songs.

Following their Korean debut, Kep1er expanded their reach to Japan, releasing their debut single "Fly-Up" in September 2022. The single debuted at number two on the Oricon Singles Chart and was certified gold by the RIAJ, showcasing the group's international appeal.

Kep1er’s journey continued with significant milestones, including participation in Queendom 2 and the release of their second EP Doublast in 2022, followed by their Japanese single "Fly-Up.” Despite initial delays due to COVID-19, Kep1er’s early success set the stage for further achievements, such as their third EP Troubleshooter and the promotional single "Sugar Rush.” By 2023, the group embarked on their first Japanese arena tour, further solidifying their status as a rising global girl group.

The group's momentum carried into 2024, despite internal changes. Kep1er held their second Japanese concert tour and released their first Japanese studio album Kep1going. This period also saw the release of their first Korean studio album Kep1going On in June 2024. However, the year also marked a significant shift as two members, Mashiro and Yeseo, departed following contract renewals, leaving the group as a seven-member ensemble. Despite these changes, Kep1er continues to be a prominent force in the K-pop world, with their unique formation story and rapid rise to fame making them a standout act in the industry.