K-pop girl group Kep1er recently underwent a lineup change from a nine-member group to a septet, as two of its former members, Mashiro and Kang Ye-seo, decided not to renew contracts to remain as members of the group. Courtesy of KLAP Entertainment By Pyo Kyung-min For K-pop girl group Kep1er, the recent departure of two members wasn't a setback — it was rather a turning point. What could have signaled uncertainty for the project group, formed through survival show "Girls Planet 999" in 2021, instead brought a new wave of determination and strength, according to its remaining seven members.
In May, the group sent shockwaves through the K-pop world by announcing that seven members, excluding former members Mashiro and Kang Ye-seo, had all renewed their contracts, choosing to remain as members of Kep1er. With the group's journey initially set to conclude in July, the contract renewals ensured that Kep1er's story was far from over. What made Kep1er's extension so remarkable is that no other project group born from Mnet's audition shows had achieved such a feat.
Popular groups like I.O.I, WANNA ONE and IZ*ONE all disbanded after being unable to extend contracts, despite their massive followings.
Kep1er, however, broke that cycle, forging a new path in the K-pop scene. Seemingly mindful of their breakthrough in the industry, the seven members of Kep1er radiated confidence as they discussed the group's future during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam D.