Photo = WAKEONE & Swing Entertainment

Discussions regarding the contract extension for the group Kep1er have ultimately ended in failure.

According to multiple sources, Kep1er (Choi Yu-jin, Shen Xiaoting, Kim Chae-hyun, Kim Da-yeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, Seo Young-eun, Kang Ye-seo, Mashiro) recently reached a consensus after in-depth discussions not to extend their contracts.

Previously, some media outlets reported that they were discussing a plan to reorganize into a seven-member group consisting of Choi Yu-jin, Shen Xiaoting, Kim Chae-hyun, Kim Da-yeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, and Seo Young-eun, excluding Kang Ye-seo and Mashiro, to extend their activities. However, they ultimately decided not to renew their contracts and to go their separate ways.

Formed through Mnet's "Girls Planet 999: The Girls Saga," Kep1er is a project girl group with a predetermined activity period of two years and six months. Accordingly, Kep1er was scheduled to follow dissolution procedures upon the expiration of their contract in July 2024.

However, as Kep1er maintained high popularity—starting with their debut song "WA DA DA" reaching number one on KBS2's "Music Bank" just 12 days after debut, achieving the fastest gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for a K-pop girl group debut song, and winning various rookie awards at music ceremonies—voices hoping for a contract extension emerged.

In response, discussions regarding an extension of activities took place among key management, including CJ ENM, and the possibility of contract renewal was raised. However, they were unable to bridge the differences in opinion regarding the renewal period, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

Regarding this, CJ ENM stated, "We are currently in discussions with the members and their respective agencies regarding contract renewal," remaining cautious.

Meanwhile, Kep1er will release their first full-length album, "Kep1going On," on June 3rd.

Source: © etnews

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.