Kep1er (OT9)
9 Kep1er Members Profile: Hidden Facts & 2025 Updates
Kep1er members originally formed through the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999, with the final lineup announced on October 22, 2021. The multinational K-pop girl group officially debuted on January 3, 2022, with their first mini album "FIRST IMPACT," achieving immediate commercial success by selling approximately 400,000 copies and reaching number 1 on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart.
Initially consisting of nine members, the group expanded their reach by making their Japanese debut on September 7, 2022, with their single "Fly-Up," which debuted at number two on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold over 100,000 units, earning gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. Recently, Kep1er made history as the first group from the Produce series to extend their contracts, though Mashiro and Yeseo concluded their activities with the group after their scheduled Japanese concert on July 15, 2024. Furthermore, on September 30, 2024, the now seven-member Yujin, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, and Youngeun signed a management contract with KLAP Entertainment, signaling a new chapter in their journey.
Yujin
As the eldest member of Kep1er, Choi Yujin brings extensive industry experience and leadership to the group. Her journey from a long-time idol to securing her place in Kep1er showcases her resilience and determination in the competitive K-pop landscape.
Yujin Basic Info
Born on August 12, 1996, in Jeonju, North Jeolla province, South Korea, Yujin is 29 years old as of 2025. Standing at 162.1 cm (5'3") and weighing 42 kg (92 lbs), she has blood type A and was born under the Leo zodiac sign. She graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School in February 2015, after attending Jeonju Seomun Elementary School and Shinsa Middle School. Her family consists of her parents, whom she considers her role models, and a younger brother born in 1998. Additionally, she has a Pomeranian named Ggomi.
Yujin Career Highlights
Yujin's career spans over a decade in the entertainment industry. Before debuting, she trained for more than four years—the longest among CLC members. During her trainee days, she created the "Gwiyomi Player" aegyo, which later became popular across Asia. Subsequently, she collaborated with Yang Yo-seob in "Perfume" (April 2013) and appeared in BtoB's "Beep Beep" music video (2014).
Her official debut came with CLC on March 19, 2015. After CLC's activities concluded in May 2022, she participated in Girls Planet 999, finishing in third place with 915,722 points. Consequently, she debuted as Kep1er's leader on January 3, 2022. In 2024, she renewed her contract with WAKEONE Entertainment.
Yujin Fun Facts
Yujin possesses numerous talents beyond singing:
She's extraordinarily flexible—able to do splits, extend her thumbs past her wrists, and rotate her elbows inward while keeping her arms stretched behind her back
She can speak Japanese fluently and basic MandarinShe plays the harmonica
She excels at various dance styles including belly dance, popping, and locking
Her face is remarkably small—a CD can completely cover it
She takes many naps during the day, even after waking up late
She uses two towels to dry herself—the only member with this habit
She writes in her diary before bed
Her nicknames include Yu-Mouse, Rabbit, and Jinni. Notably, she enjoys mint chocolate, summer weather, and prefers the sea to mountains.
Yujin Personality & MBTI
With an ENFP-T personality type ("The Campaigner"), Yujin shares her MBTI with celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. and BTS's RM. ENFPs are typically free-spirited individuals who embrace big ideas and actions that reflect hope and goodwill toward others.
Despite her social nature, she surprisingly prefers being a homebody. Her members describe her as having a bright energy and positive attitude—traits she considers her charming points. Moreover, she possesses a flexible personality, enabling her to remain calm and adaptable in various situations. This combination of qualities makes her well-suited for her leadership role in Kep1er, where communication skills are essential.
Xiaoting
Shen Xiaoting stands out as Kep1er's only Chinese member, bringing international diversity and exceptional dance skills to the group. Her journey from competitive ballroom dancing to K-pop stardom illustrates her versatility and determination.
Xiaoting Basic Info
Born on November 12, 1999, in Sichuan, China, Xiaoting is currently 25 years old (in 2025). At 168 cm (5'6"), she is the tallest member in Kep1er. She has blood type AB and was born under the Scorpio zodiac sign. Her Chinese name is 沈小婷, and her Korean name is Shim Sojeong. She graduated from the prestigious Sichuan Conservatory of Music University's Department of Performance. Xiaoting comes from a family structure that includes an older sister. Her nicknames among fans include Ting and Sojung.
Xiaoting Career Highlights
Xiaoting began her journey as a skilled dancer long before her K-pop debut. At age 14, she won fourth place in group modern dance at the 2013 CBDF China Cup Tour Finals. She also competed internationally in ballroom dancing, ranking sixth globally in a British competition. Her idol career started when she participated in the Chinese survival show Produce Camp 2020, where she was eliminated in episode 4 with a final rank of 80th place.
Following this, she joined Girls Planet 999 in 2021, where she maintained consistent high rankings—being the only contestant to hold first place within her group throughout the entire season. She ultimately secured 9th place with 700,663 points, debuting with Kep1er on January 3, 2022. Recently, in January 2025, she left TOP CLASS Entertainment but continues her activities with Kep1er.
Xiaoting Fun Facts
Xiaoting possesses numerous interesting qualities:
Her specialties include ballroom and Latin dances
She maintains three separate fandom names: Tíngfěn (Chinese fans), Haessaldan (Korean fans), and Grace (international fans)Her hobbies encompass watching movies and dramas, photography, playing games, cooking, reading, visiting restaurants, and shopping
She prefers pouring sauce over meat instead of dipping
She sleeps with her eyes open
She enjoys hotpot and handles spicy foods well
Her favorite foods include ramen, her mother's stir-fried beef, and chewy/soft foods
Xiaoting Personality & MBTI
As an ISFJ personality type known as "The Defender" or "The Protector", Xiaoting exhibits warm-hearted traits along with a responsible and reserved nature. Her personality reflects loyalty, determination, and a willingness to protect those she cares about. According to her groupmates, she maintains a professional mindset when working yet shows a "cold-love" caring style.
Her self-described charming point is her positive mindset. Nevertheless, she can get genuinely annoyed when others forget important facts about her, such as her birthday or blood type. This perfectionist tendency aligns with her own admission that when working or studying, she is very strict with herself and seeks perfection.
Chaehyun
Kim Chaehyun made history as the first-place winner of Girls Planet 999, securing her position as Kep1er's center with an impressive 1,081,182 points. Her journey from trainee to K-pop idol showcases her dedication and vocal talents that captured fans' hearts worldwide.
Chaehyun Basic Info
Born on April 26, 2002, in Busan, South Korea, Chaehyun is 23 years old as of 2025. She stands at 160 cm (5'3") according to her official profile, although her real height is reported as 161.5 cm (5'4"). With blood type B and born under the Taurus zodiac sign, she's represented by the emoji 🐰. Her full Korean name is Kim Chaehyun (김채현), and she's often called by nicknames such as "Chaehyun-ie" and "Chaerom-ie".
Chaehyun Career Highlights
First of all, Chaehyun's journey began in her second year of middle school when she abandoned public education to become a trainee under SM Entertainment. She trained there for approximately 6 years until departing sometime between 2019 and 2020. Prior to joining Kep1er, she participated in Girls Planet 999, where she memorably stated, "I trained for six years, I want to prove the years weren't wasted".
On January 3, 2022, she officially debuted with Kep1er as the group's main vocalist. In addition to her singing career, she expanded her role by becoming a Music Show MC at SBS MTV's "The Show" alongside CRAVITY's Minhee, marking her MC debut.
Chaehyun Fun Facts
Chaehyun possesses numerous unique talents and interests:
She passed her middle school and high school graduation equivalency exams after dropping out of public education
Her specialties include singing, DIY, and speaking JapaneseShe achieved Golden II rank in League of Legends during Season 11 in 2021
She enjoys photography, playing games, watching movies, reading, and playing the guitar
Unlike typical Busan natives, she rarely speaks in the regional dialect
She has a wide collection of lipsticks
She loves Disney cartoons like Ralph and Tangled
Chaehyun Personality & MBTI
Regarding her MBTI, sources vary between ESFP/ESTP and ISTP. Nonetheless, she shares the same type as groupmate Dayeon if she's an ESTP—described as "an intelligent person living in the moment".
Above all, she considers her appearance, vocal tone, and overall atmosphere as her charming points. Uniquely, when troubled, she copes by listening to music and writing her thoughts on paper. She was previously described as a perfectionist, alongside Hikaru. Of course, her dreams extend beyond singing—she wishes to learn both the electric guitar and acting, which she believes will help her with music video filming.
Dayeon
Known for her exceptional dancing skills, Kim Dayeon secured her spot in Kep1er with her leadership abilities and choreography talents. Her journey from a survival show elimination to becoming a vital member showcases her perseverance and growth as an artist.
Dayeon Basic Info
Born on March 2, 2003, in Seoul, South Korea, Dayeon is currently 22 years old (in 2025). Standing at 158 cm (5'2") and weighing 41 kg (90 lbs), she has blood type A. Her full name is Kim Dayeon (김다연), and she was born under the Pisces zodiac sign. Regarding education, Dayeon graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the Department of Practical Dance on February 10, 2022, the same day she recovered from COVID-19. She was in the same graduating class as IVE's Rei and fromis_9's Jiheon.
Dayeon Career Highlights
Dayeon's path began with her participation in Produce 48 in 2018, representing CNC Entertainment. Unfortunately, she was eliminated in the fifth episode, placing 70th overall. After this setback, she continued training and participated in Girls Planet 999 in 2021. Throughout the competition, she demonstrated remarkable growth, particularly with her self-choreographed "Ice Cream" performance. Ultimately, she finished in 4th place with 885,286 points and 219,125 votes, securing her position in Kep1er. On January 3, 2022, she officially debuted with the group's first mini-album "First Impact" featuring the title track "WA DA DA".
Dayeon Fun Facts
Dayeon possesses several unique qualities:
She can imitate the sound of echoing that occurs in karaoke rooms
Her hobby is walking while listening to musicShe worked at her parents' sashimi restaurant in Seoul
She shares a dorm room with Hikaru and Youngeun
She believes she resembles a squirrel
She made her debut at age 2 as a child actress in advertisements
Mathematics is her best subject—she can convert currencies quickly
Her favorite colors include sky blue, black, and purple
Dayeon Personality & MBTI
Dayeon has an ESTP personality type, described as someone who "can go with the flow, quickly solve problems, and enjoy life". This matches her approach to challenges, especially evident during her leadership moments on Girls Planet 999.
Interestingly, first impressions of Dayeon often describe her as cold, chic, or arrogant, yet her groupmates now consider her a "funny bean". This contrast demonstrates the multifaceted nature of her personality. She identifies herself as an introvert despite her outgoing appearance, explaining that she's comfortable eating and going out alone, even though it's uncommon in Korean culture.
Hikaru
With powerful rap skills and magnetic stage presence, Japanese member Ezaki Hikaru captures attention as Kep1er's main dancer and main rapper. Her transformation from a shy trainee to a charismatic performer exemplifies her dedication to mastering multiple talents.
Hikaru Basic Info
Born on March 12, 2004, in Fukuoka, Japan, Hikaru is 21 years old as of 2025. Standing at just 154.5 cm (5'0.8"), she is the shortest member in Kep1er. She has blood type O and was born under the Pisces zodiac sign. Her full name is Ezaki Hikaru (江崎 ひかる), written in Japanese characters. Fans affectionately call her by nicknames including Hichan and Karu.
Hikaru Career Highlights
Hikaru's entertainment journey began early—at age 12, she debuted as "Hikarun" in the kid trainee duo +GANG under Avex Artist Academy in 2016. After the duo disbanded in 2018, she remained with Avex while training for potential debut with XG. However, her path changed when she joined Girls Planet 999 in 2021. Throughout the competition, she consistently maintained a strong presence, even ranking P01 at one point. Ultimately, she secured 7th place with 713,322 points, debuting with Kep1er on January 3, 2022.
Hikaru Fun Facts
Beyond her professional achievements, Hikaru has several distinctive traits:
She practiced ballet for three years
Her favorite foods include soboro rice, yukhoe, and cucumberShe dislikes dairy products, especially cheese
Her hobby is relaxing in hot springs
She considers CL her role model
Her charming point is her smile, which resembles a sloth
She's the only member who dislikes Hawaiian pizza
Hikaru Personality & MBTI
As an ESFJ personality type ("The Consul" or "The Caregiver"), Hikaru exhibits outgoing, loyal, warm-hearted, and organized traits. She derives energy from social interactions and genuinely enjoys communicating with others. Interestingly, her members consistently note the stark contrast between her on-stage and off-stage personas. While she commands attention with charismatic performances, off-stage she's playful and often makes others laugh. Indeed, this duality serves as one of her most distinctive characteristics, showcasing her ability to transform between everyday life and performance settings.
Huening Bahiyyih
Huening Bahiyyih stands out among Kep1er members with her multinational background and family connections to the K-pop industry, bringing youthful energy and vocal talents to the group dynamics.
Huening Bahiyyih Basic Info
Born on July 27, 2004, in Seoul, South Korea, Bahiyyih is 21 years old as of 2025. Standing at 166 cm (5'5"), she has blood type A and was born under the Leo zodiac sign. Her full name is Bahiyyih Jaleh Huening (바히에 자레 휴닝), with her Korean name being Jung Bahiyyih (정바히에). Regarding education, she graduated from Lila Art High School on February 8, 2023. Bahiyyih comes from a musical family—her father is Brazilian-American singer Nabil David Huening, her mother is Korean, her older brother Hueningkai is a member of TXT, and her older sister Lea was formerly in the girl group VIVA.
Huening Bahiyyih Career Highlights
Bahiyyih's journey began with multiple auditions—passing YG Entertainment, Belift Lab, and CJ E&M Music first-round auditions in 2020. Her breakthrough came when she participated in Girls Planet 999 in 2021. Remarkably, she finished in 2nd place during the finale with 923,567 points, despite being the only member of the debut lineup never to have placed in the Planet Top 9 prior to the final episode. On January 3, 2022, she officially debuted with Kep1er's first mini-album "First Impact".
Huening Bahiyyih Fun Facts
Bahiyyih possesses several unique qualities:
She can imitate SpongeBob SquarePants and balance a chopstick on her nose
She has one dimple on her right cheekShe falls asleep quickly yet talks in her sleep
Her hobbies include decorating her diary and shopping
She's the only one of the Huening siblings born in South Korea
Huening Bahiyyih Personality & MBTI
With an ESFJ personality type, often called "The Consul" or "The Caregiver," Bahiyyih exhibits extremely caring and sociable traits. Fellow members describe her as a "subtle prankster" and "playful Shin-chan", underscoring her playful nature beneath her elegant appearance. Generally, her ESFJ traits align with her reputation as "Kep1er's Happy Virus", making her an essential mood-maker within the group.
Youngeun
Recognized for her powerful performances and versatile skills, Seo Youngeun captured fans' attention through her expressive dance style and distinctive vocal color in Kep1er.
Youngeun Basic Info
Born on December 27, 2004, in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Youngeun is 20 years old as of 2025. She stands at 158 cm (5'2") and weighs 42 kg (92.6 lbs). Possessing blood type A, she was born under the Capricorn zodiac sign. Her full Korean name is Seo Young-eun (서영은). Regarding education, she studied at ModernK Music Academy. Significantly, her family consists of her parents and two older sisters.
Youngeun Career Highlights
Initially appearing on Mnet's Girls Planet 999 in 2021, Youngeun impressed judges with her "Kick It" cover by NCT 127, becoming a TOP9 candidate. Throughout the competition, she maintained strong performances, ultimately securing 5th place with 781,651 points. She debuted with Kep1er on January 3, 2022, just one week after her birthday. Presently, she is on temporary hiatus since July 14, 2025, focusing on health recovery.
Youngeun Fun Facts
Beyond her professional life, Youngeun:
Was born on the same day as Johannes Kepler, the astronomer after whom the group was named
Formerly trained in balletHas extremely poor spice tolerance—cannot even eat Shim Ramyun with half a pack of spice
Fears heights and sudden noises like fireworks
Has two moles on her right cheek, often concealed with makeup
Collects perfumes, with Forment being her favorite brand
Has -5 eyesight in both eyes (500 degrees short-sighted)
Youngeun Personality & MBTI
Characterized as an ENTJ personality type, Youngeun is simultaneously imaginative and strong-willed. Her sister notes she rarely discusses hardships or shows emotions, preferring logical approaches to solving problems independently. Markedly mature for her age, she takes care of others well. Fellow members consider her simple-minded and pure-hearted, yet she maintains perfectionist tendencies. This careful attention to detail manifests in her neat-freak tendencies—she keeps her spaces meticulously organized.
Mashiro
Former co-leader Sakamoto Mashiro brought exceptional cooking skills and maternal warmth to Kep1er before embarking on a new journey with MADEIN in 2024.
Mashiro Basic Info
Born on December 16, 1999, in Tokyo, Japan, Mashiro is 25 years old as of 2025. Standing at 157 cm (5'2") and weighing 42 kg (92.6 lbs), she has blood type AB and falls under the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Her full name is Sakamoto Mashiro (坂本 舞白) , often called by affectionate nicknames like Shiro and Mashmallow. Regarding family structure, Mashiro is an only child and has two pet cats at home. Her fandom collectively goes by three names: Mameldan (마멜단, meaning Marshmallow People), Shirokuma (しろくま, meaning White Bear), and Xiaobai Xiong (小白熊, meaning Baby White Bear).
Mashiro Career Highlights
Initially, Mashiro trained at JYP Entertainment from 2016 to 2018, then at Pledis Entertainment from 2019 to 2020. She appeared on the JYP reality show STRAY KIDS as a trainee and was part of ITZY's pre-debut lineup. After a brief return to Japan where she worked at a BBQ shop, she participated in Girls Planet 999, finishing 8th with 708,149 points. Throughout the competition, she remained undefeated in team challenges. Afterward, she served as Kep1er's co-leader until departing on July 15, 2024. Currently, she is part of 143 Entertainment's new girl group MADEIN, which debuted on September 3, 2024, with their EP "Rise".
Mashiro Fun Facts
Factually speaking, Mashiro:
Is fluent in Korean due to her long trainee life
Specializes in cooking (earning the nickname "Chef"), dancing, and "staying still without doing or thinking anything"Has severe acrophobia, requiring other members' assistance in high places
Caught COVID twice almost exactly a year apart, causing Kep1er to miss MAMA in both 2021 and 2022
Speaks English a bit and is learning Mandarin Chinese
Considers herself an empath, which she sees as both an advantage and disadvantage
Mashiro Personality & MBTI
As an INFP personality type , Mashiro embodies someone who "sticks to their values and is full of kindness". Her MBTI occasionally shifts between INFP and ISFP. Among all members, she was considered the most motherly figure in the group. Yet, this nurturing nature balances with her introverted tendencies—she finds it awkward to speak informally to seniors during "Yaja time" (when using informal speech with older members is allowed). Essentially, her warm-hearted disposition made her a stabilizing presence within Kep1er's dynamic group chemistry.
Yeseo
From child actress to idol, Kang Yeseo brought youthful energy to Kep1er as the group's maknae (youngest member) before joining MADEIN in 2024.
Yeseo Basic Info
Born on August 22, 2005, in Incheon, South Korea, Yeseo is 19 years old (in 2025). Standing at 157 cm (5'2") and weighing 43 kg (94 lbs), she has blood type A. Her family includes her parents, whom she considers role models, and an older brother. Remarkably, she attended Lila Arts High School alongside former groupmate Huening Bahiyyih.
Yeseo Career Highlights
First of all, Yeseo began her entertainment journey as a child actress, appearing in numerous productions including "Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013) and "Diary of a Prosecutor" (2020). Throughout her career, she was a member of kids' group CutieL and joined Busters in February 2019. After leaving Busters in July 2020, she participated in Girls Planet 999, finishing 6th with 770,561 points. On May 30, 2024, she concluded her Kep1er activities and currently performs with girl group MADEIN under 143 Entertainment.
Yeseo Fun Facts
Interestingly, Yeseo:
Has extremely flexible fingers—her right hand is particularly flexible
Enjoys drawing, reading webtoons, and watching moviesConsiders her "rabbit eyes" her charming point
Loves light purple, mint chocolate, and fried chicken
Yeseo Personality & MBTI
As an ENFP personality type, Yeseo exhibits free-spirited traits alongside a vibrant energy that flows in many directions. Furthermore, this "Campaigner" personality reflects her tendency to embrace big ideas and actions that demonstrate goodwill toward others.
FAQS
Questions frequently arise about Kep1er as the group continues to evolve in the K-pop landscape. Fans wonder about their journey—Kep1er officially debuted on January 3, 2022, with their first mini-album "First Impact". Shortly after establishing themselves in Korea, they expanded internationally with their Japanese debut on September 7, 2022, releasing their first single "Fly-Up".
Evidently, one major topic of interest concerns their contract status. Originally formed as a temporary group with a 2-year and 6-month contract, rumors circulated in April 2024 about a potential July 2024 disbandment. Fortunately, in May 2024, most members successfully extended their contracts with WAKEONE.
Specifically, Kang Yeseo and Sakamoto Mashiro departed after the Japanese concert in July 2024, subsequently joining 143 Entertainment's new girl group MADEIN. Given these changes, many wonder about group dynamics—in fact, the members have maintained close bonds since their formation in 2021.
For those connecting with the fandom, Kep1er's official fan community goes by "Kep1ian" (케플리안), with official colors being lavender and white for the fandom, plus lavender and yellow for the group itself. Ultimately, this connection with fans provides vital support—as Mashiro once expressed, "Reading fan letters keeps me going when times get hectic".
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