K-Pop’s hottest new girl group has arrived!
Last October 22, the results of the South Korean idol competition program Girls Planet 999 were finally revealed. The show, which aimed to debut nine female trainees from South Korea, Japan, and China had a unique concept that featured 99 contestants divided into three groups: the K-Group (Korea), the J-Group (Japan), and the C-Group (China).
During the finale, the new nine-membered idol group was announced to be debuted with the name Kep1er. Here is everything you need to know of Girl Planet 999’s final lineup:
9. Shen Xiaoting (沈小婷)
Prior to Girls Planet 999, Shen Xiaoting took part in the Chinese idol survival program Produce Camp 2020, where she ranked 80th overall. In spite of that initial setback, Xiaoting has more than proven to her fans that hard work does pay off. Now, she is a step closer to reaching her dreams, debuting as the lone Chinese member of Kep1er!
8. Sakamoto Mashiro (坂本 舞白)
Although Mashiro was born in Tokyo, Japan, she is fluent in Korean due to having once been a long-time trainee of JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea’s “Big Three” entertainment agencies. Currently signed under 143 Entertainment, Mashiro will undoubtedly become a responsible influence to her fellow Kep1er members. She was, after all, voted to be leader for every team she joined in Girls Planet 999.
7. Ezaki Hikaru (江崎)
Yet another Japanese member of Kep1er is Ezaki Hikaru. Known for her bright personality and unique rapping skills, this Fukuoka-born trainee was once a member of the kid trainee duo +GANG from 2016–2018. Now at the age of 17, Hikaru makes her debut into the K-Pop scene as the seventh-most popular trainee of Girls Planet 999.
6. Kang Yeseo (강예서)
Before she decided to become an idol, Kang Yeseo was already well on her way to building her acting portfolio, having taken part in South Korean films and dramas such as Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013), Sprout (2013), and Diary of a Prosecutor (2020). As an idol, Yeseo previously debuted under the group Busters Beta, which was active from 2017–2020.
5. Seo Youngeun (서영은)
Biscuit Entertainment trainee Seo Youngeun made a huge splash in Girls Planet 999 with her amazing dance skills. If being fantastic at hip-hop isn’t enough to impress, this physically talented human being is also great at taekwondo and baseball — talk about athletic!
4. Kim Dayeon (김다연)
If there’s any member that should be known for her leadership and freestyling skills, it’s Kim Dayeon! Before joining Girls Planet 999, Dayeon has already had her fair share of idol survival program experiences, having taken part in 2018’s Produce 48, where she ranked 70th overall.
3. Choi Yujin (최유진)
At the age of 25, Choi Yujin is both the oldest member of Kep1er’s lineup and the oldest trainee to take part in Girls Planet 999. Prior to joining the series, Yujin was a member of the idol girl group CLC, which debuted in 2015. Although there has been no official news of the group’s disbandment, fans have noted that CLC is no longer actively managed by their company, leaving Yujin free to try her hand at a fresh start.
2. Huening Bahiyyih (바히에 자레 휴닝)
Born from a Brazilian-American father and a Korean mother, Bahiyyih initially captured the Internet’s attention as the younger sister of TXT member Huening Kai and social media influencer Lea. Since then, adoring fans have followed Bahiyyih for her multiple entertainment talents and stunning visuals!
1. Kim Chaehyun (김채현)
Kim Chaehyun achieved the highest number of votes in Girls Planet 999 for a reason! Before joining the program, Chaehyun had honed her skills as a trainee in SM Entertainment for about six years before eventually leaving the agency. As a result, her talents have obviously begun to shine, being especially praised by fans for her angelic vocals and glowing charisma!
Jointly managed by WAKEONE Entertainment and Swing Entertainment, Kep1er will be making its debut on December 21, 2021 and will continue their active promotions for two and a half years.
If you liked Girls Planet 999, you’ll probably enjoy these Chinese idol survival shows! Check them out now!
