Kep1er (케플러)

Kep1er (케플러) is a South Korean girl group that emerged from the popular Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999 in 2021. The group is composed of seven talented members: Choi Yujin, Shen Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Ezaki Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, and Seo Youngeun. While the group initially debuted with nine members, Sakamoto Mashiro and Kang Yeseo left in July 2024, bringing the lineup down to its current seven members.

The name “Kep1er” was chosen by fans and is inspired by the Kepler star system, named after the renowned astronomer Johannes Kepler. This connection reflects the group’s cosmic aspirations, aiming to shine brightly in the K-pop industry.

Kep1er made their official debut on January 3, 2022, with the release of their first mini-album, First Impact, featuring the breakout hit “WA DA DA.” The song quickly gained traction, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, helping propel the group into the limelight. Their infectious energy and fresh sound captured the attention of fans worldwide.

In 2022, Kep1er participated in Mnet’s Queendom 2, a competition show that allowed them to showcase their versatility and solidify their status as rising stars. Their success continued as they received numerous accolades, including the Favorite New Artist award at the 2022 MAMA Awards and Rookie Artist of the Year at the 2023 Hanteo Music Awards.

With a new management contract signed in September 2024 with KLAP Entertainment, alongside their original agencies, Kep1er is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Their unique performances and diverse talents continue to make them a powerful force in the K-pop scene.