In recent news, reports surfaced suggesting that the popular K-pop girl group Kep1er might be disbanding soon due to contract negotiations that failed to reach an agreement. However, WAKEONE, the agency representing the group, has stepped forward to clarify the situation. Kep1er rose to fame through the competitive reality show Girls Planet 999 and officially debuted in 2022 under a 2-year and 6-month contract with WAKEONE. Their contract is reportedly scheduled to expire in July 2024. According to Soompi, a South Korean media outlet reported on April 25, 2024, that Kep1er would indeed disband by the end of July as they were unable to reach a consensus regarding contract extensions.
The media outlet also claimed that the members are expected to return to their respective agencies, where they were originally signed before joining Kep1er. Consequently, the group will cease its collective activities, leading to their disbandment.
Contrary to these reports, WAKEONE has issued a statement addressing the situation and confirming that discussions are ongoing. The agency is actively negotiating with the members’ respective agencies to explore the possibility of extending their contracts and keeping the group intact, informs Soompi.
In their official statement, WAKEONE says, “We are currently still in discussions with each member. At present, Kep1er is preparing for a new album. We ask for your support so they can return with good music,” reports Soompi.
In early April, WAKEONE had expressed optimism about the contract negotiations and the group’s future, highlighting their ongoing preparations for a new album. Kep1er’s potential contract extension is particularly significant as they would be the first group from a survival show to pursue such extensions.
Kep1er, managed jointly by WAKEONE and Swing Entertainment, comprises 9 members: Kim Chae Hyun, Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yu Jin, Kim Da Yeon, Seo Young Eun, Kang Ye Seo, Hikaru Ezaki, Mashiro Sakamoto, and Shen Xiaoting. Since their debut with the EP First Impact in 2022, the group has released several albums, including Doublast and Troubleshooter, both in 2022 and more recently, Lovestruck! and Magic Hour in 2023.
Currently, the group is gearing up for the release of their first Japanese studio album, Kep1going, scheduled for May 8, 2024.
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