Kep1er Soars After Recontracting: A New Chapter with 'TIPI-TAP'

Kep1er is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career following their recent comeback. On November 1, the girl group released their sixth mini-album, 'TIPI-TAP'. The title 'TIPI-TAP' symbolizes the journey of exploring love, inspired by the sounds of footsteps and origami from all directions. The title track, also named 'TIPI-TAP', showcases a vibrant blend of fast-paced DnB rhythms and hyperpop vocals, reflecting Kep1er's unique and bold energy as they express their determination to chase love anywhere.

This comeback holds special significance for Kep1er as it marks their first album release after recontracting. Formed through the Mnet survival program 'Girls Planet 999: Girls Battle', Kep1er officially debuted in January 2022 as a multinational group from Korea, China, and Japan. Initially, their activity period was set for 2 years and 6 months, but in May of this year, they announced the recontracting of most members, excluding Kang Yeseo and Mashiro, allowing them to continue their activities.

It is quite rare for a project group to extend their activities through a recontract. After releasing their first full-length album 'Kep1going On' in June, which concluded their activities as a nine-member group, Kep1er restructured and made a fresh start as a seven-member group with 'TIPI-TAP'. Notably, 'TIPI-TAP' has made history by entering the Billboard 200 chart, marking the first time the group has achieved this milestone.

Kep1er initially captured attention with their debut track 'WA DA DA', which earned them a music show win just 12 days after their debut, setting a record for the fastest music show win for a K-pop girl group debut. Their initial sales exceeded 200,000 copies, earning them the title of 'Best First Week Sales for a Girl Group Debut Album'. They also received three consecutive Gold certifications from the Japan Record Association, further solidifying their global presence.

With 'TIPI-TAP', Kep1er has made a significant entry into the Billboard 200, debuting at number 147. The album has also seen impressive climbs on various charts, reaching number 7 on the 'Top Album Sales' chart, and moving from 28 to 7 on the 'Top Current Album Sales' chart. On the 'Heatseekers' chart, they jumped from 21 to 2, while the 'Emerging Artist' chart saw them rise from 14 to 2. Additionally, they climbed from 11 to 4 on the 'World Albums' chart, which tracks the popularity of albums from various countries in the U.S.

Kep1er also topped the 'Top New Artist Albums' chart and secured the third position on the 'Internet Albums' chart. They ranked 7th on the 'Top Albums w/TEA' chart, which combines album sales with individual track sales and streaming figures, showcasing their global influence and popularity.

The comeback after restructuring undoubtedly brought pressure to the members, but Kep1er has overcome this challenge, delivering energetic performances and a broader musical spectrum. Their rising ranks on international charts reflect not only their musical competitiveness but also the strength of their global fandom. The significance of a girl group not from a major agency making it onto the Billboard main chart cannot be understated.

Kep1er continues to demonstrate their growing global stature, successfully launching their new chapter as a seven-member group. With their recontracting and achieving a 'career high', fans are eager to see what further growth lies ahead for Kep1er.