Why Kep1er's DOUBLAST "Up!" Is Summer's Most Refreshing K-pop Comeback

South Korean girl group Kep1er doublast brings summer vibes to life with their second extended play released on June 20, 2022. The mini-album features five tracks including the lead single "Up!" that captures the essence of seasonal happiness while continuing the adventure story that began with their debut song "WA DA DA".

With their previous mini-album selling almost 400,000 copies in South Korea, this comeback invites listeners to experience "Kep1er Island" through five colorful songs that total just over 17 minutes of play time. The Kep1er doublast album represents an important milestone for the group, considered among the "4th generation 1st tier" of K-pop acts. Furthermore, the Kep1er doublast concept photos, online showcase, and performances all contribute to the vibrant summer concept that makes this release stand out.

The comeback timeline: how 'Doublast' came to life

Kep1er's journey toward their summer comeback began on May 27, 2022, when WAKEONE confirmed the group was preparing for their first comeback following the finale of Queendom 2. The official announcement came on June 3, when they revealed the album name "DOUBLAST" along with its June 20 release date.

Announcement and teaser rollout

Following the initial announcement, Kep1er launched a countdown website on June 6, building anticipation among fans. The next day, they released a comprehensive promotion schedule outlining when fans could expect various teasers. On June 10, the group revealed the track listing with "Up!" announced as the lead single. Music video teasers for "Up!" were subsequently released on June 16 and 17, completing the pre-release content strategy.

Kep1er Doublast concept photos and theme

The concept photos were released under two distinct themes. First came "LEMON BLAST," featuring the members against white and yellow backdrops wearing bright summer dresses. This was followed by "BLUE BLAST" photos on June 14 and 15. Together, these themes represented what the group described as "Kep1er's happiness and each member's happiness, respectively". The visual concept portrayed "Kep1er Island," described as "the dream island of happiness".

Kep1er Doublast On Air showcase

To celebrate the release, Kep1er held a special "DOUBLAST On Air" showcase on June 20. During this broadcast event, the group performed their new title track "Up!" for the first time, alongside their debut hit "WA DA DA".

Breaking down the sound of 'Up!'

"Up!" stands as a masterful musical creation composed in F-sharp major with a tempo of 124 beats per minute. Written by Jinli and composed by Glory Face (both from Full8loom), the track artfully combines multiple genres to create its distinctive summer sound.

Genre fusion: funk, house, and pop

"Up!" brilliantly melds funk and house elements to craft a refreshing summer anthem. The song features vibrant trumpets and a lively bassline that complement the energetic vocals throughout the track. Notably, the synths that emerge during the bridge evoke similarities to Sistar's "Shake It," creating a nostalgic yet contemporary sound. These production choices help "hold your attention" through the song's runtime, with the shifting momentum and clever arrangements preventing listener fatigue.

Energetic vocals and catchy chorus

The chorus of "Up!" delivers pure "serotonin for the summer," according to many listeners. Despite some critics noting the vocals as "plain in comparison to the rapping," the song's catchy hook and refreshing post-chorus effectively conjure classic summertime energy. In fact, the track's constant breakdowns ensure listeners remain engaged, although some feel it "tries to do too much" rather than focusing on one or two killer hooks.

How 'Up!' compares to 'Wa Da Da'

In contrast to their debut track "Wa Da Da," "Up!" embraces a brighter, more youthful concept that many fans believe better suits the group. Although "Wa Da Da" featured "heavy production" with an "edgy and powerful tone," "Up!" offers a refreshing change with its summer-themed approach. The new direction has resonated with audiences, with many considering it "an upgrade" and "a good step in the right direction" for Kep1er's musical identity.

Exploring the full 'Doublast' tracklist

Beyond the title track, the Kep1er doublast album offers four distinct B-sides that showcase the group's versatility. Each song contributes to the summer-themed mini-album while highlighting different facets of Kep1er's musical identity.

Le Voya9e: a journey-themed B-side

"Le Voya9e" (note the stylized "9" representing the nine members) stands out with its gentle acoustic guitar and minimalist production. Composed entirely by whyminsu, the track creates a peaceful atmosphere through sparse synths and light percussion. The song cleverly uses onomatopoeia in its chorus with "chiki-taka" and "swish-swish" phrases mimicking ocean sounds, effectively transporting listeners to a seaside journey. Reviewers consistently awarded this dreamy track 8/10 ratings, with some fans even declaring it Kep1er's best song overall.

Attention: fan-favorite with emotional depth

"Attention" opens with jungle-like synths before evolving into dynamic, upbeat pop production. Written by WWWAVE and composed by Tenzo, Samuel Ku, and others, the song explores the excitement blooming between two people beyond friendship. Its energetic chorus and summer vibes earned it 9/10 scores from multiple reviewers, making it a standout B-side on the kep1er doublast album.

Good Night and Rewind: soft and sentimental closers

The album concludes with two mellower tracks. "Good Night" delivers youthful vocals over a pleasant pop arrangement, expressing thoughts about a special someone before sleep. Meanwhile, "Rewind" serves as a heartfelt fan song with piano and jazzy elements, expressing gratitude to Keplians who supported their journey.

Reception and impact of the comeback

The numbers behind Kep1er's second mini-album tell an impressive success story, cementing the group's rising status in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Chart performance in Korea and Japan

DOUBLAST achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 287,000 copies in its first week (June 20-26, 2022). This milestone surpassed their debut album "FIRST IMPACT," which sold 200,000 copies. On charts, the album peaked at #2 on South Korean Albums (Gaon), #4 on monthly South Korean Albums (Circle), and reached #43 on the year-end South Korean Albums chart. Internationally, DOUBLAST entered iTunes top album charts in 22 countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France.

Fan reactions and social media buzz

After their Queendom 2 appearance, Kep1er garnered increased recognition among K-pop enthusiasts. Social media platforms reflected this shift, with previously indifferent audiences becoming vocal supporters. Consequently, DOUBLAST served as a crucial checkpoint in converting Queendom 2 viewership into loyal fans. With their domestic television run and international success, the group established themselves as contenders in both markets.

Critical reviews and music show wins

Critics offered mixed perspectives on "Up!" - some praised its refreshing summer energy, whereas others felt it "tries to do too much". Nevertheless, Kep1er secured a significant win on Music Bank on July 1, 2022, one of only six total music show victories throughout their career. The album ultimately received Platinum certification from KMCA, validating the group's growing impact.