It’s no news that Korean pop has become a global sensation, with K-pop idols undergoing years of rigorous training under their respective entertainment agencies. However, what many don’t realize is that the industry has deep roots in idol survival shows—programs where trainees compete for a chance to debut in a group.
That was the case with Kep1er, an originally nine-member group, formed through the idol survival show Girls Planet 999 in 2021, under WakeOne Entertainment. As with some idol survival show groups, Kep1er was originally supposed to be active as a group for two years and six months. As fate would have it, Kep1er is now the only temporary group from a survival show that was able to overcome their time limit. They continued their journey as a seven-member group with CHAEHYUN, HUENING BAHIYYIH, YUJIN, DAYEON, YOUNGEUN, HIKARU, and XIAOTING under a new agency, KLAP Entertainment.
After bursting onto the scene with their debut track “WA DA DA” from their first mini album FIRST IMPACT in 2022, Kep1er cemented their place as “monster rookies.” This led to them sweeping numerous best new idol awards at the year-end K-pop music award shows. Keper also became the fastest girl group to get a music show win within twelve days of their debut.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the song enjoyed significant airplay on K-pop radio shows in Nigeria and Ghana, including The Kpop Hitlist and Pop Central on YFM.
Fast forward two years and the group has returned with their sixth mini album, “TIPI-TAP”. The album has five tracks, with the title track “TIPI-TAP” being a fusion of drum and bass, hyper-pop vocals, and South African Gqom elements. The other songs on the album include “sync-love,” “Drip,” “Bitter Taste,” a groovy post-breakup song and “Heart Surf.”
Within a month of the release of “TIPI-TAP,” the album has gotten immense attention and praise which is evident on music charts worldwide. This marks a triumphant comeback for the girls as they begin a new era as a group.
We caught up with the girls to discuss their journey, challenges, and hopes for the future.
TIPI-TAP has a unique Gqom-inspired sound, a genre rooted in South Africa. What drew you to Gqom, and why did you choose it over Amapiano, which is undoubtedly trending globally?
DAYEON: We borrowed Gqom rhythms in the chorus to better showcase our intense and energetic side. We thought the fast beats and high-energy sounds of Gqom rhythms would fit the title track ‘TIPI-TAP’ better than Amapiano rhythms. The Gqom-inspired sounds helped usexpress the mood of the song and the choreography very well.
What was a memorable moment for you while recording TIPI-TAP? How challenging was it to experiment with a new genre?
CHAEHYUN: The recording for the title track ‘TIPI-TAP’ was filled with more fun memories than challenging ones. Since the song is in a genre we haven’t tried before, and also has an addictive rhythm, I kept hearing it in my head even before recording. So we recorded the song with the listeners in mind, hoping that they would also keep hearing the music in their heads even if they listened to it only once.
HIKARU: For this title track, I was in charge of the intro part for the first time. I felt a bit anxious about doing the intro part, and the beat of TIPI-TAP is on the fast side yet many details need to be expressed well, so that was challenging for me. But I thought of the Kep1ians (Kep1er fandom name) who would listen to this song after the album was released, and kept recording and re-recording until I was satisfied with the results.
Kep1er has become an international sensation, and TIPI-TAP is no exception, bringing in new fans from different backgrounds. How does it feel to introduce your music to audiences who may be discovering you for the first time?
HUENING BAHIYYIH: First of all, I want to say thank you for getting to know us through our 6th Mini Album “TIPI-TAP>” and for all the love you have shown for this album. Whenever we introduce our music to audiences who are listening to our songs for the first time, we feel excited and nervous at the same time. Actually, whenever we release new music, we feel excited and nervous even about the reactions of Kep1ians who always love and support us. We will continue to create great music and performances, so listeners can always count on Kep1er for the best.
With six albums released, how has your approach to music, concepts, and performances evolved?
YUJIN: I think we’ve shown a lot of growth over the years. In terms of music, some members are starting to participate in writing the lyrics, and we all strive to uphold our reputation as ‘performance idols’ by making an effort to deliver the best performances. Kep1er will continue to think about how we can grow as artists in many different ways, and make a lot of effort to achieve that growth, so I hope you will look forward to our journey.
What is each member’s favorite track from the TIPI-TAP album, and why does it stand out to you?
YUJIN: My favourite is “Heart surf.” The song showcases our vocal talent the best, and it’s good for easy listening so I listen to it often before bed.
XIAOTING: I like “Heart surf” the best. I love the melody so much, and I practiced a lot to convey the emotions I felt after listening to the song as well as possible. It fits the members’ voices so well that I hope many people will listen to it.
CHAEHYUN: Personally, I love every single track in this album, to the point where my favourite track changes almost every day. Today my favourite track is ‘Drip’. I think ‘Drip’ shows a side of Kep1er that we have never shown before. In the last part, there is a change in the beat and all members start singing at the same time. That part is really thrilling to me for some reason, which is why I love this song. Someday, when we perform this song at a concert, I think Kep1ians could join us in singing the song, which is why I’m choosing it as my favourite song of the day.
DAYEON: My favourite track is “Heart surf ” I know all members love this song, and I think its fairy-like melody and mood are so charming. I listen to it multiple times a day.
HIKARU: My answer is probably going to be the same as other members, but I also like “Heart surf” the best. When we first received the song guide, I didn’t think it was that memorable. But when we recorded it and listened to the final audio file in our voices, it was clear that the song shows off all of Kep1er’s charms. So “Heart surf” became my favorite track.
HUENING BAHIYYIH: I also love “Heart surf.” In contrast to the more intense mood of the other tracks, it has a gentler feeling, and the song itself is in a style that I personally love, so I listen to it quite frequently.
YOUNGEUN: My favorite track is “Heart surf.” Not only did I participate in writing the lyrics, but also all seven members love this track because each member’s charming and diverse vocals blend harmoniously in the song. I think it’s a great song for listeners to experience Kep1er’s vocal colours.
What is one thing about Kep1er you would want fans to know, that they don’t know already?
XIAOTING: Maybe by the time this interview is published, it will be released already but! We prepared a cover song for Christmas. I hope everyone will remember to tune in.
GLAMOUR: With your busy schedules, what are your go-to beauty secrets or rituals that help you stay confident and glowing?
CHAEHYUN: On days we have schedules we wear a lot of makeup, so on our off-days I try not to put on as much makeup. When we do have schedules I always wash my face thoroughly at home and make sure I stick to my nighttime skincare routine. I want to thank my mother as well, haha. Thanks, mama!
Are there any beauty or fashion trends that you’ve noticed and would love to try?
YOUNGEUN: I think it would be great if Kep1er could try old-school genre or hip-hop-style songs. If we do so, I think bold accessories in gold colors would go great with the concept and show a new side of ourselves.
HUENING BAHIYYIH: One of the most frequently shown items in the 2025 S/S collection is gloves, which we utilized often during “TIPI-TAP ” promotions. We also saw a lot of lavender and purple in this season’s collection, and Kep1er’s official color is purple, so I want to try wearing outfits that emphasize that color.
Dayeon and Hikaru danced to Tyla’s Truth or Dare and hit the Gwara Gwara. Are there any African artists or songs currently on your playlists? Have any African songs or dances captured your heart recently?
DAYEON: I enjoy listening to Afrobeats music daily, and these days one of my most frequently played songs is Tyla’s “Jump.” HIKARU: Since my trainee days I’ve loved Camila Cabello. Not all of her songs are influenced by Afrobeats, but she is on my playlist these days.
What message do you have for fans in South Africa and Tunisia who have been calling for a Kep1er tour?
XIAOTING: Thank you Kep1ians in South Africa and Tunisia for your love and support. We would love to visit you and perform live for you as soon as the opportunity comes. Until that day, please keep on loving Kep1er and please come see us when we do visit!
What would you like to achieve as a group in 2025
YUJIN: Thanks to the love and support of Kep1ians in 2024, we won first place on a music program and debuted on the Billboard Charts, among other achievements this year. I hope in 2025 we get to meet Kep1ians more frequently and also in more diverse regions. We promise to work hard and keep trying to show Kep1er’s growth, so please keep an eye on us and continue to send us your love.
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