Kep1er member Seo Youngeun is leaving the group, her agencies Wake One and KLAP Entertainment announced on March 6.
Following her departure, Kep1er will continue promotions as a six-member ensemble.
Youngeun, 21, had been on an indefinite hiatus since July 2025 due to worsening health. She missed multiple activities including album comebacks and concerts. Her future had been the subject of speculation for months.
In a statement, the agencies said the decision came after in-depth discussions with Seo Youngeun for a long time about the direction of her future activities.” They also confirmed that the remaining members “respect her wishes based on mutual trust and are sending their full support.”
Kep1er debuted in January 2022 with nine members after forming through Mnet’s survival show “Girls Planet 999.” Their debut song, “WA DA DA,” became an instant hit, with its music video surpassing 100 million views in just three months.
This marks the third time the group has lost members. In July 2024, Mashiro and Yeseo left to return to their original agencies, and later debuted with MADEIN. This reduced the lineup to seven, and now Youngeun’s departure leaves six members.
The current lineup consists of Choi Yujin, Shen Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Ezaki Hikaru, and Huening Bahiyyih.
Youngeun’s career has faced personal challenges beyond her health. In 2023, she temporarily stopped activities following the sudden death of her father. Last July, she renewed her contract with the group, which fans called a “miracle” after Kep1er’s original project-based contract ended. Despite this, she had to take another pause due to health issues. Her hiatus kept her away from the group for eight months before today’s announcement.
The agencies expressed gratitude for Youngeun’s contributions and asked fans to continue supporting both her and Kep1er.
“Kep1er will open a new chapter as six,” they said.
Fans have shared mixed feelings online, saddened by Youngeun’s departure but wishing her a full recovery. They are also looking forward to how the group will handle upcoming comebacks and festival appearances.