The insanely charismatic “multinational girl group” Kep1er has had a remarkable first chapter of their fast-moving career, with the hit single and music video for the track, “WA DA DA” off their debut mini-album. Prior to their unimaginably massive launch, the girls came together through a rigorous competition show initiation on Girls Planet 999 – with a whopping 99 hopefuls each entering striving for potential stardom through music. Those who made it to the end and ranked amongst the top nine performers would earn a spot on the dynamic all-star rookie lineup that would eventually come to be known as Kep1er. 

After individually fighting for their shot to prove themselves as the artists they have aspired to be for so many years (or for some, who hope to maintain their experience) the promising group is now pursuing their dreams as a united front. That raw magic comes in the rare form of Kep1er’s debut mini-album FIRST IMPACT bestowing listeners with an inkling of what their cumulative talent can ultimately result in. 

FIRST IMPACT takes several respectable turns, teasing the group’s universal interpretation of classic jovial K-pop music, and on their title track “WA DA DA” the absolute, total pop package. With eye-catching choreography, light, breezy high-points to depict each member’s vocal strengths, and visually stunning direction – Kep1er optimistically comes out swinging. While the song is the first epic offering of their unity, the mini-album has much more interest in showcasing their larger-than-life ambition with a total of six tracks to appease faithful fans. 

Now that the group has managed to overcome individual obstacles to finally get here, and come out a something that relies on their shared passion, bonds, and music, we were thrilled to speak to the unconditionally gifted members of Kep1er to talk about their mainstream launch into the world of music – and uncover what unexpected roles they bring to the table. 

Hello, members of Kep1er! Congratulations on your debut after such a hardworking journey to get here! What has been the most overwhelming feeling you’ve been experiencing since sharing your mini-album with the world? 

YUJIN: Hello Aedan, thank you for celebrating with us! When finally releasing our debut album, the most overwhelming feeling was all of the great love from the fans all over the world waiting for us and rooting for us. We want to return their support and show different charms of Kep1er to Kep1ians. 

After you were placed in the group – what was it like to have entered one creative platform individually, to now be united and bonded by that unique experience as artists? 

MASHIRO: Girls Planet 999 was a competition program with 99 trainees, so there were times when I had to part with friends that I opened up to about my concerns and thoughts. Now that I am a member of a team, Kep1er, it feels like I gained a new family who can really be my rock during difficult times. 

You went on to earn such a huge following from that, and it gave you a new level of pre-rookie hype that hasn’t been seen in a while! What was your reaction to seeing your fandom grow so quickly before getting to show them your full potential? 

CHAEHYUN: First of all, we feel a bigger responsibility to not let down our global fans since they send so much love and support for us. We will improve more as an artist for the fans and keep working hard to show better performances. 

You then dropped your first title track “WA DA DA” and it’s basically the epitome of infectious pop music! How did you handle hearing your first major track together for the first time? 

XIAOTING: The members and I heard our title song “WA DA DA” at the recording studio for the first time. I still remember how excited and nervous we were when we first heard it. All of us were blown away as the music played, and especially the rap verse in the intro was exceptionally impressive. The chorus part had a catchy and cool rhythm, and I thought it was a lovely song with catchy parts such as “mua” and “oh oh”. 

FIRST IMPACT is a cool thought because it also evokes an idea of that initial impression, and this first mini-album does have a lot to offer! How much of an “impact” would you say your debut album has had on your own lives so far? 

DAYEON: I practiced and trained myself for a long time to debut, so debuting as Kep1er was truly meaningful and special for me. Since the 1^st mini-album is called ‘FIRST IMPACT’, Kep1er members worked really hard to give a strong first impact. Our debut album and the time we spent on the album are unforgettable experiences for the rest of our lives. 

To get an idea of your group’s overall style as a unit, can you tell me what song on FIRST IMPACT reflects your collective genre aspirations? 

HIKARU: Every song in the album has different charms so it is hard to pick just one… but I must say our title song ‘WA DA DA’ is the song that best represents Kep1er’s style. The reason is because I think that it well conveys the energetic and lovely characters of all 9 Kep1er members. 

Now to give readers a chance to get more familiar with each of you and your own personalities – I’ll ask a couple of questions to get an idea of where the group stands with a majority rules opportunity! To start, which member would you each say is the best at helping fellow members with vocals and, or choreography? 

HUENING BAHIYYIH: HIKARU and CHAEHYUN are a big help for vocal and choreography practices. Especially, HIKARU helps me a lot when we make gestures and she usually gives me a lot of feedback about my dance style. CHAEHYUN always lets me know where I need to work more on honestly so that’s why I can trust and rely on her. 

YOUNGEUN: YUJIN was a big help with my vocal training. YUJIN taught me a lot about how to sing stably at a live performance so I learned a lot from her. DAYEON was best at helping me with the choreography. DAYEON always checked the formation and position and helped me when we practiced our group dance; I am always thankful for her. 

YESEO: I think all the members of Kep1er are a great help for me with my vocal and dance because I’m the youngest on the team. I’m deeply grateful for the fact they always help me improve and take care of me. 

Which member would you each say is the most likely to stay up later than everyone else to practice/rehearse?

YUJIN: It’s HIKARU! I could tell she’s a true practice-buff when I watch her practicing her facial expressions during break time. 

DAYEON: It’s HIKARU! HIKARU practices each part in detail all the time! I saw her practicing on her own during break time back when we were on the program as well. 

HIKARU: It’s MASHIRO! The reason why I chose to pick her is that she challenges herself without giving up until she can do well on her own. I see how strict she is about herself!

Which of the members is the loudest of the group – and conversely, who is currently the most reserved, or shy of the group?

MASHIRO: The loudest member is HIKARU! She can be easily triggered so it lasts for a long time once she starts cracking up… And I would choose myself as the quiet member! I am loud and talkative when I’m having fun, but usually, I am also quiet! 

CHAEHYUN: YESEO is so adorable because she babbles without resting rather than being loud. We are all loud when we’re having fun so it’s hard to choose one… maybe YOUNGEUN seems quiet compared to other members. It’s like she’s saving energy for later. 

XIAOTING: I think HIKARU is the loudest member in the group. Because she is easily triggered and can’t stop once she cracks up. The sound of her laugh is so funny it makes me laugh too. On the other hand, I think MASHIRO is very shy because her face gets red easily when she is feeling nervous or embarrassed. 

Finally, which member of Kep1er would you each say is most likely going to surprise both fans and new listeners? 

YUJIN: CHAEHYUN! I think she is well aware of her own charms that our fans like! So I think that’s how she’s so good at communicating with the fans as well. 

HUENING BAHIYYIH: HIKARU! I think Kep1ians will fall head over heels with HIKARU’s adorable charms! 

YOUNGEUN: I think it is HUENING BAHIYYIH! Watching HUENING BAHIYYIH being passionate and professional for every performance taught me a lot. I hope HUENING BAHIYYIH can be a shining star on the stage as a member of Kep1er, and I believe the fans and the audiences will be greatly surprised.

Kep1er’s debut mini-album FIRST IMPACT is available now, and the music video for their hit single “WA DA DA” from the mini-album can be seen above!