Kep1er Is "Giddy" in New Mini-Album

By Chloe Chang

Photo by Wake One Entertainment

4th-generation rookie powerhouse Kep1er recently had their Korean comeback with their 4th mini-album Lovestruck! The group had their 2nd Japanese comeback earlier this year with single album FLY‐BY, but hadn't released Korean tracks since Troubleshooter in October of 2022.

Lovestruck! was released on April 10th and has 5-tracks: "Giddy," "Lvly," "Back to the City," "Why," and "Happy Ending." "Giddy" is the title track for this comeback, and notable names involved in the song are Alina Smith and Annalise Morelli from LYRE. LYRE has produced many popular Korean pop songs including "Talk to Me" by Red Velvet and "In the morning" by ITZY.

Photo by Wake One Entertainment

Kep1er is a 9-member group formed through the survival show "Girls Planet 999." Members (starting from top left and going clockwise) Chaehyun, Xiaoting, Bahiyyih, Yujin, Youngeun, Hikaru, Dayeon, Mashiro, and Yeseo ranked in the top 9 spots by the show's finale after competing with 90 other contestants from South Korea, Japan, and China. The group's name was chosen by the viewers of "Girls Planet 999" and refers to the Kepler star systems.

Since their debut in January 2022, Kep1er instantly grabbed attention for their stage presence and cohesion. Each member brings their own unique individual color to the group, making Kep1er a group that makes a strong impression.

Lovestruck! is similar to Kep1er's other mini-albums in that the songs are catchy, refreshing, and conceptually connected. Title track "Giddy" has a funky bass line that makes you want to get up and dance. My personal favorite off Lovestruck! is "Back to the City," a song with nostalgic movie soundtrack undertones.

Kep1er is a little over a year into their 2 and a half year contract, and the direction of their discography indicates that they still have so much left to show. As someone who watched "Girls Planet 999" live and have supported the group since their debut, I'm excited to see where the future takes Kep1er, and what the rest of 2023 will look for them!

Lovestruck! is out now on all platforms, and be sure to check out the music video for "Giddy" below!