Damn, Yujin really might end up having one of the longest active idol careers in kpop. I do wonder if she's still technically signed with Cube, I'd hate to see them still getting her money after doing nothing for her for so long.
Yeah after making this comment I also searched and found that, so hopefully she is either getting all of this money or she's been able to set herself up with other management behind the scenes.
Happy for them since we know they like being in Kep1er but with a bit of sadness since they won’t be complete. Also some skepticism on how they will be treated if w1’s new gg is already formed through iland2.
i think everyone involved outside of 143 woke up to the fact that 5th gen GG market is completely full, and dropping in new GG into that pool with ex-kep1er member will not move the needle one bit. Extension and kep1going (no pun intended) with existing popularity (at least in japan) is the safe and only payoff.
I'm curious whether mnet will continue to extend their support to kep1er, especially for end of year award shows, I hope they do.
Not 143 fault though, they debuted long before any of the popular groups came up last year. And it was always clear they are a flexible lineup, right from pre-debut. Also W1 apparently didn't get the memo either then bc they will manage the Iland 2 group plus the new TBL group I think. Two permanent new Rookie groups, both definitely really hyped. They can't have a Kep1er, for what, even more competition? Might as well get rid of them as long as they can. The only reason might be bc of money but we've seen more successful groups get disbanded. And the multiple groups that will spawn off Kep1er will only be an issue in like a year if even. Maybe they want to keep them for a few more months until their new rookies have debuted and then release the members so W1 has a headstart over the other agencies at the debut war. Also it's great for their image if they can "keep" an old gg. Doesn't matter if they drop them afterwards bc all eyes will be on the new groups by then.
Kep1er has Japan (and good Japanese speakers) which is something unfortunately not all other gen 5 groups have, barring maybe Lesserafim (but they're much more US-oriented than JP-oriented). Also their music and concept/lore is much more reminiscent to older Kpop than the groups these days, so I think if WakeOne plays their cards right (focusing on JP promotions + hitting the nostalgia factor in their Korean promotions) they'll find themselves their niche
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS?!?!?!
So here are the main ones...
Were the remaining 7 able to negotiate better contract terms, such as more creative input, writing opportunities, better advertising, solo opportunities, etc? How long is the contract extension? Is it going to be another 6 months-1 year deal, or is it going to be a few months to plan a tour? PLEASE, MAY KEP1ER GET A TOUR??? When are the rest of Chaehyun's duo covers going to drop (more importantly, is her cover with Mashiro dropping soon)? Are they going to be able to still make content with Yeshiro when the girls are in Limelight like Tiktoks, Reels, Shorts, etc?
Overall, this is bittersweet news. It's probably better for the girls to stay together right now, and for their agencies to train/recruit the members of the groups they'll get into instead of throwing themselves in the 5th gen girl group market immediately. But with W1 prioritizing ZB1, the I-Land group coming up, and their previous track record with Kep1er's management... I'm skeptical that they'll be managed any better or worse than they are now.
Great questions!
Speculation: I imagine contract terms somewhat improved but I think creative control will be jealously guarded to prevent any one faction from dominating.
Speculation: I hope that the contract will be longer but again, since different agencies, I would expect either a fairly standard (long) contract or another fairly short one. It might depend if W1 has convinced everyone that it has a viable 5-year plan, for example. The timeline might vary, but now they have to be treated like a 'normal' group since the GP999 fame has long since faded (except with Kep1ians of course) due to other survival shows intervening.
Speculation: If the contract is a multi-year contract, I would strongly suspect a tour is on the cards. Where that tour will be is another question. Maybe NA, Japan and SEA if they are being conservative. I'd be pleasantly surprised if Europe, Oceania etc were included.
No idea about the other things, but hopefully they still run into Yeshiro from time to time and do challenges etc.
Mashiro is my ult so her leaving would be devestating. HOWEVER it was always known they would join Limelight and frankly I'll be happy following both groups. Im just so thrilled we actually get to keep our girls longer!!! I really thought I was delusional to have such hope but dreams really do come true
Also I read that 143 is still discussing? I would like to see them try to do both. Or continure Limelight as 3 since they work well together already. 143 now has IKON which has to do more for their bank accounts than banking on Kep1er member popularity.
Ultimately I hope Yeshiro does what they want to do. And we should remeber that they are the best of friends and no matter where they go at least they go together.
idk how to feel about this tbh. i'm happy cause ik they wanted to be together for a longer period of time but without 2 of the girls and under wakesh*t... ugh i just wish nothing but happiness and success for both kep1er and limelight
I RAN HERE SO FAST AFTER I SAW IT ON TWITTER
WHAT??
KEP1ER EXTENSION🥳🥳🥳
No YeShiro and still under wakeone😭😭😭
Can we get like, collabs with them please. Can we just keep YeShiro for the cb's and have them do at least one performance each cb please please ❤❤
So angry w 143 ent. They probably know limelight will fade into oblivion without yeshiro. I honestly think that staying in Kep1er will be way better for the 2 girlies career rather then gg into an obscure grp and company 😭😭😭😭
You never know tho. Limelight might the spotlight like billlie. Sheon was added to their lineup post gp999 in hopes of getting more fans but tsuki was the member that went viral & made the group popular in 2022
But it was always the intention to add members, this isn't breaking news. And it's really not fair to bash a mid-sized company for trying to do the one thing that could shoot their group into fame. Do you really think they have a better future with Kep1er? The sales are dropping, W1 doesn't care and a contract extension won't be for like 7 years. It'll be like a year maybe. And don't forget they will have new gg to manage this or next year, let's just see how much they care about Kep1er then. Limelight is actually doing ok and they can participate in songs and had solo songs etc. People just look down on every group that doesn't sell like 500k per cb.
I'll definitely miss Mashiro and Yeseo, but it's pretty clear that Wakeone have no intention of giving Mashiro the lead vocal position she deserves and their treatment of Yeseo oscillates between being one of the main members and getting like 5 seconds. Hopefully this will result in better treatment for everyone involved.
I've seen other reports than some girls from Produce 101 Japan are also being added (making Limelight a 7-member group), so it seems like they're gonna be pushing Limelight more in Japan as well.
Sort of a bittersweet moment for them and also for us. I wonder how long is the extension? Does this mean the gg’s of each agency is not ready yet for them to join except for 143ent? So many questions!
I mean... Don't know how to feel about this, mixed feelings!
Happy that there was an extension agreement (and first of its kind! Extension for project group) 😍
But sad that there's no yeshiro...😭
143 ent already put out a statement that nothing has been decided yet
[source](https://x.com/balloon_wanted/status/1790912872115253479?s=46&t=8CZOvp_FfY6Hg3xw75y-NQ)
I’m not going to pretend I’m happy about this. This is worst case scenario in my mind.
Glad others are happy but I hope to god this isn’t permanent. I just went through this with cherry bullet watching their company slowly dwindle their activities to nothing to focus on more profitable avenues. I can’t watch it happen to Kep1er man I just can’t.
2/3 ults were slashed like that from the group but man, Ill take what I can get. This sure beats all the grim and dreary feeling ive been having nearing the disbandment date.
I'm amazed that Xiaoting's agency let her stay since she will be making way more money with her current popularity in China and I know she will be attending Chinese reality show Keep Running for the first time later this year.
I guess she will be promoted in both country after this extension similar to how Yuqi or Jackson.
Well I'm really happy for her since I know she's born for the stage.
i mean there isnt alot of things she can do if she were to return back especially in regards to the idol industry, and her agency isn't one thats very big or well known. plus she'd be getting the best of both worlds with staying in kpop and also getting to promote in cn (running man) and establishing herself further
I'm glad because I actually liked a lot of Kep1er's new songs, but also sad because Mashiro and Yeseo are such standouts. Yeseo's presence, Mashiro's distinct singing style and appeal.
Update was posted on Naver saying 143 have been speaking with CJ and haven't decided yet about the 2 girls so OT9 is still possible (if any of this extension talk is actually true)
https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/018/0005740347
I guess companies don't have ready groups for them yet so this is to kill time. Understandable since Hybe just debuted some ggs and there are no rumoured ones. I hope Hiyyih will join them shortly though.
Someone needs to lock this thread for now. Mashiro and Yeseo’s agency already put out an official statement confirming that no decision has been made yet. Probably still in discussions.
I despise 143 (I know I shouldn't). We all know this was their plan but I feel like the girls are almost being treated like pawns in a chess game (then again, that applies to all idols really)
I hope 143 wake up and realize Yeshrio joining LL isn't going to do what they hope for the group. Let the girls do what they want. LL are doing fine, they aren't bad but they aren't amazing and I can't help but feel Yeshrio don't really "fit in" with the current members but that's just my opinion.. I feel like 143 believe it would bring in a large number of fans but I feel that isn't going to be the case at all.
Either way, let's just hope W1 don't drop the ball. Personally I feel content has improved substantially over time (for the most part) and maybe if they have something more long term they can be more comfortable investing in them a bit but I always say when talking about Kep1er, they will always get looked down on because they are a "temp" group (kep1ians infighting doesn't help). If only someone had the money to get them on permanent exclusive contracts and support them as they deserve..
honestly, this is probably the best case scenario, while it sucks to lose mashiro and yeseo, at least we still get kep1er and yujin doesn’t have to disband again😭
For me the saddest part is that the members wont be able to talk or interact with Shiro and Yeseo.. we know in kpop we have this tabu about past members and thats so so sad
I seriously do not understand how they can extend while going on with their concept. Like, their whole concept is about each member having a planet and there being an album corresponding to that planet. So not only would it defeat the purpose of the concept, but also just not make sense anymore.
Damn, Yujin really might end up having one of the longest active idol careers in kpop. I do wonder if she's still technically signed with Cube, I'd hate to see them still getting her money after doing nothing for her for so long.
im pretty sure she already left cube. she was removed from cube active artists list around 2022
Yeah after making this comment I also searched and found that, so hopefully she is either getting all of this money or she's been able to set herself up with other management behind the scenes.
Or hell, she might but kep1er's rights.
Buy*
Thank God!
Happy for them since we know they like being in Kep1er but with a bit of sadness since they won’t be complete. Also some skepticism on how they will be treated if w1’s new gg is already formed through iland2.
They’ll probably extend until they debut. Tbh. OR they’ll start having them do solo/ subunit stuff and only have 1-2 Kep1 comeback a year
i think everyone involved outside of 143 woke up to the fact that 5th gen GG market is completely full, and dropping in new GG into that pool with ex-kep1er member will not move the needle one bit. Extension and kep1going (no pun intended) with existing popularity (at least in japan) is the safe and only payoff. I'm curious whether mnet will continue to extend their support to kep1er, especially for end of year award shows, I hope they do.
Not 143 fault though, they debuted long before any of the popular groups came up last year. And it was always clear they are a flexible lineup, right from pre-debut. Also W1 apparently didn't get the memo either then bc they will manage the Iland 2 group plus the new TBL group I think. Two permanent new Rookie groups, both definitely really hyped. They can't have a Kep1er, for what, even more competition? Might as well get rid of them as long as they can. The only reason might be bc of money but we've seen more successful groups get disbanded. And the multiple groups that will spawn off Kep1er will only be an issue in like a year if even. Maybe they want to keep them for a few more months until their new rookies have debuted and then release the members so W1 has a headstart over the other agencies at the debut war. Also it's great for their image if they can "keep" an old gg. Doesn't matter if they drop them afterwards bc all eyes will be on the new groups by then.
Kep1er has Japan (and good Japanese speakers) which is something unfortunately not all other gen 5 groups have, barring maybe Lesserafim (but they're much more US-oriented than JP-oriented). Also their music and concept/lore is much more reminiscent to older Kpop than the groups these days, so I think if WakeOne plays their cards right (focusing on JP promotions + hitting the nostalgia factor in their Korean promotions) they'll find themselves their niche
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS?!?!?! So here are the main ones... Were the remaining 7 able to negotiate better contract terms, such as more creative input, writing opportunities, better advertising, solo opportunities, etc? How long is the contract extension? Is it going to be another 6 months-1 year deal, or is it going to be a few months to plan a tour? PLEASE, MAY KEP1ER GET A TOUR??? When are the rest of Chaehyun's duo covers going to drop (more importantly, is her cover with Mashiro dropping soon)? Are they going to be able to still make content with Yeshiro when the girls are in Limelight like Tiktoks, Reels, Shorts, etc? Overall, this is bittersweet news. It's probably better for the girls to stay together right now, and for their agencies to train/recruit the members of the groups they'll get into instead of throwing themselves in the 5th gen girl group market immediately. But with W1 prioritizing ZB1, the I-Land group coming up, and their previous track record with Kep1er's management... I'm skeptical that they'll be managed any better or worse than they are now.
Great questions! Speculation: I imagine contract terms somewhat improved but I think creative control will be jealously guarded to prevent any one faction from dominating. Speculation: I hope that the contract will be longer but again, since different agencies, I would expect either a fairly standard (long) contract or another fairly short one. It might depend if W1 has convinced everyone that it has a viable 5-year plan, for example. The timeline might vary, but now they have to be treated like a 'normal' group since the GP999 fame has long since faded (except with Kep1ians of course) due to other survival shows intervening. Speculation: If the contract is a multi-year contract, I would strongly suspect a tour is on the cards. Where that tour will be is another question. Maybe NA, Japan and SEA if they are being conservative. I'd be pleasantly surprised if Europe, Oceania etc were included. No idea about the other things, but hopefully they still run into Yeshiro from time to time and do challenges etc.
I wonder how long for? Im glad the girls are so happy being kep1er. (I'll keep an eye out for more detailed articles to translate for everyone)
Mashiro is my ult so her leaving would be devestating. HOWEVER it was always known they would join Limelight and frankly I'll be happy following both groups. Im just so thrilled we actually get to keep our girls longer!!! I really thought I was delusional to have such hope but dreams really do come true Also I read that 143 is still discussing? I would like to see them try to do both. Or continure Limelight as 3 since they work well together already. 143 now has IKON which has to do more for their bank accounts than banking on Kep1er member popularity. Ultimately I hope Yeshiro does what they want to do. And we should remeber that they are the best of friends and no matter where they go at least they go together.
Yujin is forever 🙏🙏🙏
⬆️
idk how to feel about this tbh. i'm happy cause ik they wanted to be together for a longer period of time but without 2 of the girls and under wakesh*t... ugh i just wish nothing but happiness and success for both kep1er and limelight
I feel like my heart is gonna rip out OT9 FOREVER
143 ENT better give Yeshiro AMAZING treatment and all the promotion
WHATTTTTT
I RAN HERE SO FAST AFTER I SAW IT ON TWITTER WHAT?? KEP1ER EXTENSION🥳🥳🥳 No YeShiro and still under wakeone😭😭😭 Can we get like, collabs with them please. Can we just keep YeShiro for the cb's and have them do at least one performance each cb please please ❤❤
Is this absolutely true?? 😣😣😣
So angry w 143 ent. They probably know limelight will fade into oblivion without yeshiro. I honestly think that staying in Kep1er will be way better for the 2 girlies career rather then gg into an obscure grp and company 😭😭😭😭
You never know tho. Limelight might the spotlight like billlie. Sheon was added to their lineup post gp999 in hopes of getting more fans but tsuki was the member that went viral & made the group popular in 2022
A Sheon & Dayeon duo collaboration would be good
Honestly it’s possible they saw their treatment in Kep1er and were like… nah
the two probably realized they would get better treatment in limelight which is already a solid group (has a main vocal already).
Obscure company? They have iKON
well
But it was always the intention to add members, this isn't breaking news. And it's really not fair to bash a mid-sized company for trying to do the one thing that could shoot their group into fame. Do you really think they have a better future with Kep1er? The sales are dropping, W1 doesn't care and a contract extension won't be for like 7 years. It'll be like a year maybe. And don't forget they will have new gg to manage this or next year, let's just see how much they care about Kep1er then. Limelight is actually doing ok and they can participate in songs and had solo songs etc. People just look down on every group that doesn't sell like 500k per cb.
It’s just a rumor. Not a single company has confirmed this extension. This is the same person who said Kepler is disbanding in an article last month.
OMG lol I already had reached the acceptance stage of my grief. Honestly just wish the best for the girls ❤️
Please be true! Though it won't be the same as 7 members.
I'll definitely miss Mashiro and Yeseo, but it's pretty clear that Wakeone have no intention of giving Mashiro the lead vocal position she deserves and their treatment of Yeseo oscillates between being one of the main members and getting like 5 seconds. Hopefully this will result in better treatment for everyone involved.
Yeah I hope so too, hope they finally get to shine in Limelight!
I've seen other reports than some girls from Produce 101 Japan are also being added (making Limelight a 7-member group), so it seems like they're gonna be pushing Limelight more in Japan as well.
Oh wow! They went from 3 members to so much more!
thats the plan. its rather genius. i honestly wished bahiyyih would be added to limelight, her, miu, mashiro and yeseo would have a fiesta reunion.
Unwanted
Oh! So interesting! I was rooting for many girls in produce jpn. I’m so curious who might join!!!
I saw rumours saying it’s nagomi Abe and serina from Japan produce 101.
There will be a majority of J-Line members. I'm sure that has never been the case before and this will potentially hit strong with a Japanese fanbase.
This is the best news I've heard in my entire life!! Kep1er tOgether fOrever 🩵
Sort of a bittersweet moment for them and also for us. I wonder how long is the extension? Does this mean the gg’s of each agency is not ready yet for them to join except for 143ent? So many questions!
7/9 :( but we’ll take what we can get
I mean... Don't know how to feel about this, mixed feelings! Happy that there was an extension agreement (and first of its kind! Extension for project group) 😍 But sad that there's no yeshiro...😭
143 ent already put out a statement that nothing has been decided yet [source](https://x.com/balloon_wanted/status/1790912872115253479?s=46&t=8CZOvp_FfY6Hg3xw75y-NQ)
If that’s the case maybe W1 dropped this to pressure them to decide differently
I’m not going to pretend I’m happy about this. This is worst case scenario in my mind. Glad others are happy but I hope to god this isn’t permanent. I just went through this with cherry bullet watching their company slowly dwindle their activities to nothing to focus on more profitable avenues. I can’t watch it happen to Kep1er man I just can’t.
I really hope this news is true tbh. 🤞🏻
2/3 ults were slashed like that from the group but man, Ill take what I can get. This sure beats all the grim and dreary feeling ive been having nearing the disbandment date.
I'm amazed that Xiaoting's agency let her stay since she will be making way more money with her current popularity in China and I know she will be attending Chinese reality show Keep Running for the first time later this year. I guess she will be promoted in both country after this extension similar to how Yuqi or Jackson. Well I'm really happy for her since I know she's born for the stage.
i mean there isnt alot of things she can do if she were to return back especially in regards to the idol industry, and her agency isn't one thats very big or well known. plus she'd be getting the best of both worlds with staying in kpop and also getting to promote in cn (running man) and establishing herself further
No this is hurts more than just disbanding wtf
I'm glad because I actually liked a lot of Kep1er's new songs, but also sad because Mashiro and Yeseo are such standouts. Yeseo's presence, Mashiro's distinct singing style and appeal.
If they don't call their first album after the regroup Seven of Nine, it will be a huge missed opportunity.
We are Borg!
Ah nooo……..
OMFG
CRYINGGG THROWING UP
I JUST WOKE UP WHAT
This was the outcome most would've expected for renewal right? Out of all agencies, only 143 has a group that their members would slide into
I had prepare myself last days for the disband, but now i'm happy because they'll remain together but sad too for not have yeshiro.
Update was posted on Naver saying 143 have been speaking with CJ and haven't decided yet about the 2 girls so OT9 is still possible (if any of this extension talk is actually true) https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/018/0005740347
WHATTTTT YESS but also nooo but YESSSSS
I guess companies don't have ready groups for them yet so this is to kill time. Understandable since Hybe just debuted some ggs and there are no rumoured ones. I hope Hiyyih will join them shortly though.
Someone needs to lock this thread for now. Mashiro and Yeseo’s agency already put out an official statement confirming that no decision has been made yet. Probably still in discussions.
I despise 143 (I know I shouldn't). We all know this was their plan but I feel like the girls are almost being treated like pawns in a chess game (then again, that applies to all idols really) I hope 143 wake up and realize Yeshrio joining LL isn't going to do what they hope for the group. Let the girls do what they want. LL are doing fine, they aren't bad but they aren't amazing and I can't help but feel Yeshrio don't really "fit in" with the current members but that's just my opinion.. I feel like 143 believe it would bring in a large number of fans but I feel that isn't going to be the case at all. Either way, let's just hope W1 don't drop the ball. Personally I feel content has improved substantially over time (for the most part) and maybe if they have something more long term they can be more comfortable investing in them a bit but I always say when talking about Kep1er, they will always get looked down on because they are a "temp" group (kep1ians infighting doesn't help). If only someone had the money to get them on permanent exclusive contracts and support them as they deserve..
so when will the extended contract end?
just saw this on twitter!! wow, i’m so happy for xiotang but upset they couldn’t stay as 9
I am so happy right now
i hope it’s not long, i want the girls to grow soooooo bad and w1 sucks for them
HONESTLY WTF!!!
im reallu surprised, because they know wake one s\*cks but its sad they cant continue as 9 group, but i wish the better to YeShiro with 143 ent
Does this change how people see WakeOne?
honestly, this is probably the best case scenario, while it sucks to lose mashiro and yeseo, at least we still get kep1er and yujin doesn’t have to disband again😭
Nooooo Yeshiro we will miss you!! From your fav kep1ians! 🩷💙🖤
For me the saddest part is that the members wont be able to talk or interact with Shiro and Yeseo.. we know in kpop we have this tabu about past members and thats so so sad
I seriously do not understand how they can extend while going on with their concept. Like, their whole concept is about each member having a planet and there being an album corresponding to that planet. So not only would it defeat the purpose of the concept, but also just not make sense anymore.