Kep1er Proves Their Power as 7, Dominating Fan Votes & Japan Tour After Historic Renewal
After becoming the first Mnet project girl group to renew their contract, Kep1er is proving their enduring popularity with a 6-week fan poll winning streak and a triumphant Japan tour as a 7-member group.
In a powerful demonstration of fan loyalty and resilience, Kep1er is proving they are stronger than ever, dominating fan votes and selling out tour dates in their new chapter as a seven-member group.
A New Era for Kep1er
Born from the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999, Kep1er recently made history by becoming the first-ever project girl group from the network to successfully renew their contract. While fans celebrated the continuation of the group, the renewal came with a change: Kep1er is moving forward as a septet with members Choi Yujin, Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, and Seo Youngeun. Original members Mashiro and Kang Ye-seo departed the group in July 2024 after completing their initial contract period. Now, any questions about the group’s future are being answered directly by their achievements, proving the unwavering support of their fandom, Kep1ian.
Insight #1: Fan Power & Tour Success
According to global K-pop voting site ‘K-Topstar,’ Kep1er has been voted the #1 ‘Best Idol (Female)’ for six consecutive weeks as of October 12. This consistent fan voting showcases a highly dedicated and active global fanbase that is fully behind the seven-member lineup. This online success is mirrored by their offline triumphs. The group recently completed a series of successful concerts for their “2025 Kep1er Concert Tour [Into the Orbit: Keplassia]” in Seoul, Fukuoka, and Tokyo. The Fukuoka stop was particularly meaningful as it marked a homecoming for Japanese member Hikaru, drawing an especially passionate response from local fans. With more dates planned for Kyoto this December, Kep1er is solidifying their status as a touring powerhouse.
Insight #2: Setting a New Precedent for Project Groups
Kep1er’s journey is about more than just their own success; it’s setting a new precedent in the K-pop industry. The limited-term contracts of project groups often lead to a bittersweet countdown to disbandment. However, Kep1er’s successful, albeit partial, renewal offers a new potential model. It demonstrates that a group can evolve and continue if the members and agency are committed and the fanbase remains strong. Their ability to not just continue, but thrive—topping fan polls and holding successful global tours—sends a hopeful message for the future of similar groups and their dedicated fans.
Fact-Check
- Confirmed: Kep1er renewed their contract and now operates as a 7-member group.
- Confirmed: Members Mashiro and Kang Ye-seo concluded their activities with the group in July 2024.
- Confirmed: The group won ‘Best Idol (Female)’ on the K-Topstar fan poll for 6 straight weeks.
- Confirmed: The group’s Japan tour included a special homecoming concert for member Hikaru in her native Fukuoka.
Practical Takeaways
- Support Kep1er’s new era by streaming their music and engaging with them on official social media.
- The group’s continuation is a major milestone for project groups in K-pop.
- Look out for upcoming tour dates and new music announcements from the 7-member lineup.
Glossary
- Project Group (프로젝트 그룹; peu-ro-jek-teu geu-rup): A K-pop group formed for a limited promotional period, often from a survival show.
- Contract Renewal (재계약; jae-gye-yak): The process of extending an artist’s exclusive contract with their agency.
- Fandom (팬덤; paen-deom): The collective community of fans who support a particular artist or group.
Show your support for Kep1er’s new beginning by watching the music video for “Tipi-tap,” their first release as a seven-member group!