The group Kep1er (Choi Yu-jin, Shao Ting, Kim Chae-hyun, Kim Da-yeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih) is returning with a concept they have never shown before. They have transformed into 'Sexy Bad Boys', making it easy to forget their previous 'Pop Girl' and 'Pink Girl' images.
Kep1er will release their mini album 'BUBBLE GUM' at 6 PM on the 18th. This is the first album they are presenting after achieving their highest record of 147th on the Billboard 200 with their mini album 'TIPI-TAP' released last November.
Kim Chae-hyun expressed her feelings ahead of the comeback, saying, "We had good results with our previous work, so there is pressure and expectation. I thought we had to do better this time. I hope 'BUBBLE GUM' receives a lot of love not only overseas but also in Korea. I wish not only our fans but also the public would recognize us."
When asked if they were concerned about public appeal, Kim Da-yeon said, "I think greed has no end. I have good memories of when many people danced and sang along with us during 'WADADA'. I hope the title track of this album becomes a representative song for us, just like 'WADADA'." She sparkled with excitement.
The title track 'BUBBLE GUM', which shares the same name as the album, is a house-based EDM pop dance song characterized by a strong beat and impressive dynamic vocal range. It captures the unpredictable yet charismatic charm of Kep1er.
Shao Ting introduced the song, saying, "'BUBBLE GUM' has a sweet and lovely image, but we don't know what will happen when it bursts. It's kitschy and girlish, but it also has a bit more confident and sexy charisma. You will be able to see our unexpected charm."
So, what is the reason for presenting this concept now?
Kim Da-yeon said, "I have gained a lot of experience by covering various concepts. So I became confident in challenging a new concept." Kim Chae-hyun added, "If we had done 'BUBBLE GUM' before, we might have seemed less fitting because we still had a youthful image. Now that we have a sense of sexiness, I think it's the right timing," and burst into laughter.
They mentioned that they have also made changes to the performance aspect to match the concept.
Huening Bahiyyih said, "Previously, we only did energetic choreography, but this time we prepared choreography that is light and shows maturity. It's a new challenge. Since we tried to incorporate maturity into our performance, I hope you pay attention to that part."
However, there is also regret. Member Seo-young is currently on a temporary hiatus due to health issues, so they have to perform as a six-member group.
"It's unfortunate that we can't perform with Yeong-eun. She also said, 'I really wanted to do this, but I'm sad that I can't do it together.' She hopes that we do well without getting hurt physically or mentally during this activity. We will work harder as six members so that her absence is not felt. We hope Yeong-eun recovers quickly and returns in good health." (Kim Da-yeon, Kim Chae-hyun)
They mentioned that there is also a track they want listeners to pay attention to besides 'BUBBLE GUM'. It's the third track 'Don't Be Dump', which competed with 'BUBBLE GUM' for the title track.
Hikaru said, "'Don't Be Dump' is my favorite song. When two songs were nominated for the title track, I was more drawn to 'Don't Be Dump'. Once you hear it, you think, 'I have to dance to this song.' So I think it would be better to watch the performance along with the song rather than just listening to it."
Kep1er, who debuted through the 2022 Mnet idol survival show 'Girls Planet 999: Girl's War', is also actively engaging in global activities. They will hold the '2025 Kep1er Concert Tour [Into the Orbit: Keplasia]' starting in Seoul on September 20, followed by Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Kyoto.
Kim Da-yeon shared a new tour highlight, saying, "We are preparing unit cover stages. Since 100% of the members' opinions were reflected, I hope you look forward to it." Kim Chae-hyun added, "There are also old songs that fans have really wanted to see in the setlist, so I think they will like it."
So, what is Kep1er's ultimate goal? Kim Chae-hyun said, "I want to continue to communicate with fans on more stages, wider stages, and bigger stages. Our goal in Korea is to enter the Goyang Gymnasium," and added, "I hope you listen to and love 'BUBBLE GUM', which contains the growth narrative of girls moving forward for this goal."
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
