‘We will always stay as nine’: two members say emotional goodbye to Kep1er

“I just hope you remember,” Kep1er’s Yeseo said, choking back tears, during an emotional press appearance on Monday, “that we will always be nine brothers.”

The singer referred to the fact that the once nine-member girl group will be restructured as a seven-member team in July when two members – Yeseo and Mashiro – return to their original agency. But the artists emphasized that they hope their fans remember them, always, as nine.

“I tried my best, for Kep1ian, for everyone,” Yeseo continued during Monday afternoon’s showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul, ahead of the 6pm release of the group’s first full-length Korean album, “Kep1going On.” Kep1ian refers to the Kep1er fandom.

“Our album activities were made possible by the trust we have in each other,” said Yeseo.

Kep1er’s Yeseo and Mashiro will return to 143 Entertainment in July, remaining with the group during promotions for “Kep1going On” and their July “Kep1going” concerts at K-Arena Yokohama, Japan. The remaining seven members – Hikaru, Dayeon, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Yujin, Huening Bahiyyih and Youngeun – have renewed their contracts to continue as seven.

“Ke1pgoing On”, therefore, is Kep1er’s first full-length Korean album and his final work with all nine original artists.

In the years since Kep1er was formed through Mnet’s competitive show “Girls Planet 999″ (2021), its members have formed a close bond. The decision to renew Kep1er’s contract, originally for 2.5 years, was something that its members have been discussing since 2023, according to Yujin.

“We’ve had such a meaningful 2.5 years since ‘Girls Planet 999’ – meaningful because we had fans by our side,” Yujin said. But ultimately, “we wanted to renew our contract so we could continue with the Kep1er name.”

“We talked a lot and built a deep bond between us, so we will continue to have good relationships with each other and consider ourselves as a group of nine members in the times to come,” said Chaehyun.

“Kep1going” features 10 songs: the lead track “Shooting Star” followed by “Last Carnival”, “Curious”, “Flowers, Flitter, Your heart”, “Double Up!” “Button”, “Problem” and “Dear Diary”.

The album also includes Korean versions of “Gran Prix” and “Straight Line”.

Dayeon participated in composing the rap for “Shooting Star”, while Mashiro was involved in the lyrics for “Curious” and “Straight Line (Kor Ver.)”.

“Shooting Star” continues the “planet” theme that the group is well known for, featuring rhythmic drums, synthesizer sounds, and electric guitar sounds mixed with the group’s vocals.

“This means that Kep1er and Kep1ian are shining stars,” said Chaehyun. “No matter how dark it is, there is nothing to fear if we are running together while shining together.”

“With our existing [releases], we were best known for our energy and powerful performances,” said Mashiro. “But this time, we tried harder to put our emotions into the vocals. I think you can really hear how much we’ve grown.”

“Kep1going On” also represents a change in the group’s visual style. Yujin explained that it features the group in more emotional and sentimental costumes, rather than the “adorable” concept that has been associated with previous releases.

Chaehyun diplomatically stated that the remaining members will share specific future plans after the full group’s final shows in Japan. She made it clear, however, that “Kep1going” is not Kep1er’s last hurray. Instead, the band hopes fans see it as a celebration of Kep1er’s 2.5 years together and future aspirations.

“Instead of considering it as our last album, I hope you guys focus on the fact that it is our first full Korean album,” said Chaehyun. “The album embodies the skills and efforts we have developed so far and presents our message to our fans.”

“It’s a festival that celebrates Kep1er and Kep1ian, and the album means that we will continue to pursue our dreams, marching tirelessly forward,” said Yujin.

But in the meantime, the members of Kep1er have two clear goals for “Kep1going On”: meet as many fans as possible and reach the Top 100 music charts in real time.

“Kep1er will continue to march forward,” said Yujin. “So I hope you send unwavering support.”

To learn more about Kep1er, visit Celebrity confirmed!

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]