Ezaki Hikaru: The Untold Story Behind Kep1er's Rising Star

Ezaki Hikaru made a remarkable impression when she became the first contestant to reach first place during Girls Planet 999, maintaining her position in the Planet Top 9 throughout the entire season. Her journey culminated in finishing 7th with 713,322 points and 387,709 votes, securing her place in the final lineup of Kep1er.

Subsequently, Hikaru officially debuted as a member of Kep1er on January 3, 2022, with their first mini-album 'First Impact' and the title track 'WA DA DA'. Before joining the K-pop scene, Hikaru was actually a Japanese singer who had previously been part of the kid trainee duo +GANG from 2016 to 2018.

Who is Ezaki Hikaru? A Quick Profile

Behind the powerful stage presence stands a fascinating individual with a unique profile. From professional details to personal characteristics, let's get to know the rising K-pop star in detail.

Full name, birthday, and nationality

Born as Ezaki Hikaru (江崎 ひかる) on March 12, 2004, this talented performer has already made significant waves in the K-pop industry despite her young age. At just 21 years old, she represents Japan on the global stage. Professionally known simply as Hikaru (히카루 in Korean, ひかる in Japanese), her name carries beautiful symbolism as it means "to shine" or "light" in Japanese. Chinese fans often translate her name as "Light" (光), reflecting this meaningful etymology.

Originally from Fukuoka, Japan, Hikaru brings her homeland's charm and cultural richness to her performances. Her fans also know her by affectionate nicknames including "Hi-chan" and "Karu," which showcase her approachable personality.

Ezaki Hikaru height and body stats

In terms of physical attributes, Hikaru stands at 154.5 cm (approximately 5'0.8") according to her official profile, though some sources list her real height as 155 cm (5'1"). This makes her the shortest member of Kep1er, with a difference of over 5 inches compared to the tallest member. Her petite frame carries tremendous energy and presence that far exceeds her physical measurements.

While her official weight is listed as 39 kg (86 lbs) by some sources, many profiles respectfully omit this information. Regardless of numbers, what truly matters is how Hikaru's physique perfectly complements her powerful performance style as both a main dancer and main rapper in Kep1er.

MBTI, zodiac, and blood type

For personality enthusiasts, Hikaru has an ESFJ personality type according to the Myers-Briggs assessment. This classification typically suggests someone who is warm-hearted, conscientious, and cooperative—traits that align well with her role in a collaborative group setting.

Born in mid-March, Hikaru's zodiac sign is Pisces, often associated with creativity and emotional depth. Additionally, her Chinese zodiac sign is the Monkey, typically characterized by cleverness and versatility. In the East Asian tradition of blood type personality theory, Hikaru has type O blood, making her the only Kep1er member with this blood type.

Languages spoken and fandom name

Despite performing primarily in Korean, Hikaru's native language is Japanese, which she speaks with a regional dialect from her hometown. This distinctive accent occasionally carries over into her Korean speech, adding a unique charm to her communication style. Though not initially fluent in Korean upon debut and self-described as a slow writer, she demonstrates remarkable skill in rapping quickly and clearly in both Korean and English.

Her individual fandom name is "Hikachu", a playful and endearing term that her dedicated supporters proudly identify with. Her motto during Girls Planet 999 perfectly encapsulated her essence: "I'm HIKARU - a vitamin with a healing smile and unique RAP that leaves a strong impact".

As a main dancer, main rapper, and vocalist in Kep1er, Ezaki Hikaru continues to shine brightly, living up to the illuminating meaning of her name.

Early Life and J-Pop Beginnings

Long before captivating global audiences as a K-pop idol, Ezaki Hikaru's story began in the vibrant cultural landscape of southern Japan. Her journey from a young dance enthusiast to an international star showcases years of dedication that started well before her Kep1er fame.

Growing up in Fukuoka, Japan

Ezaki Hikaru's roots trace back to Fukuoka, Japan, where she was born and spent her formative years. This coastal city on Kyushu island, known for its rich culinary scene and historical landmarks, provided the backdrop for Hikaru's childhood dreams and early artistic development. Throughout her youth, she cultivated the performance skills that would eventually lead her to the global stage.

As a student at Fukuoka City Takuma Middle School, Hikaru balanced academic responsibilities with her growing passion for performing arts. The cultural environment of Fukuoka, with its blend of traditional Japanese heritage and modern influences, undoubtedly shaped her artistic sensibilities. It was within this nurturing environment that her talents first began to flourish.

Joining Avex Artist Academy

Recognizing her potential in the entertainment field, Hikaru took a significant step in her career path by enrolling at Avex Artist Academy. This prestigious training institution, known for producing numerous successful Japanese entertainers, provided her with structured guidance to refine her natural abilities.

At the Fukuoka branch of Avex Artist Academy, Hikaru focused particularly on dance training. The academy, part of the influential Avex Group, offered comprehensive programs covering various performance aspects including dancing, singing, and stage presence. Under professional supervision, she honed the skills that would become her trademark strengths in future performances.

This formal training environment served as a crucial foundation for her development as an artist. Her enrollment at Avex marked her first serious step toward a professional entertainment career, setting her on a path that would eventually cross from J-pop into the competitive K-pop industry.

Debut with +GANG and stage name Hikarun

In 2016, at just 12 years old, Hikaru achieved her first professional milestone when she debuted as a member of the J-pop project duo called +GANG. This trainee duo operated under the Avex Artist Academy's Fukuoka branch, giving young Hikaru her first taste of the entertainment industry.

Throughout this period, she performed using the stage name "Hikarun", establishing her early identity as a performer. The duo consisted of Hikaru and another member named Rion, making them a compact unit focused on developing their skills while gaining practical industry experience.

+GANG remained active for approximately two years, from 2016 until their disbandment in early 2018. Although the project eventually concluded, this experience provided invaluable insights into the realities of the music industry. Even after +GANG dissolved, Hikaru maintained her connection with Avex Artist Academy, continuing to develop as a performer under their guidance.

This early career chapter represents a formative period in Ezaki Hikaru's artistic journey. Her time with +GANG laid essential groundwork for her future endeavors, teaching her about group dynamics, performance skills, and industry expectations at a young age—experiences that would prove beneficial for her eventual global breakthrough with Kep1er.

The XG Pre-Debut Chapter

After her time with +GANG came to an end, Ezaki Hikaru's journey took a significant turn toward what would become a pivotal chapter in her pre-debut story. Her connection with a major entertainment project would further shape her path to stardom, even if not in the way initially expected.

Training under XGALX

Following her departure from +GANG, Hikaru continued her development as a performer by joining XGALX, a label under the Avex umbrella. From 2017 to 2021, she trained diligently within this system, dedicating approximately three years to honing her skills alongside fellow trainees who would later form the group XG. This transition represented her first steps toward a more globalized performance style.

The training regimen at XGALX was notably intensive and cross-cultural. Rather than focusing solely on Japanese entertainment standards, trainees like Hikaru received instruction based on the K-pop system while regularly traveling between Korea and Japan. This unique approach helped explain her later adaptability when entering the Korean entertainment sphere.

Her presence in this pre-debut lineup is confirmed by brief appearances in early XG content, where attentive fans spotted Hikaru in the background of a pre-debut video titled "XG - The Journey". This documentary showed that the group had been preparing for their debut since 2017, indicating at least five years of training for the members.

Why she didn't make the final lineup

In 2019, Hikaru faced a significant career setback when she was eliminated from the final XG lineup. The precise reasons for her elimination remain somewhat ambiguous in official records, though fan speculation suggests potential overlap in skills with other trainees. Some observers note similarities between Hikaru and another trainee named Cocona, as both demonstrated exceptional performance aura and abilities.

Following lineup changes, Hikaru did not end up debuting with XG, which became a turning point that ultimately led her to compete in Girls Planet 999. Notably, she wasn't the only trainee to face this outcome – another trainee named Rei was reportedly eliminated alongside her, with both subsequently encouraged to join the survival show.

The documentary covering XG's formation ultimately provided some closure on Hikaru's story with the group, showing her journey while explaining her absence from the final seven-member configuration. For the final dance performances of the pre-debut process, Hikaru had already been replaced, with another trainee named Airi mentioned as having leadership and choreography skills.

Lessons learned from the experience

Her time with XGALX, despite not culminating in an XG debut, proved instrumental in building Hikaru's performance foundation. The training shaped her distinctive rap style and dance abilities that would later impress judges and viewers on Girls Planet 999. Furthermore, her experience under the K-pop training system facilitated a smoother transition when she ultimately entered the Korean entertainment industry.

The elimination seemingly strengthened her resolve rather than diminishing her ambitions. Instead of abandoning her dreams, Hikaru pivoted toward a different opportunity by maintaining her trainee contract while applying for Girls Planet 999. This strategic decision showcased her resilience and adaptability in the face of career obstacles.

Her XG experience reveals much about her work ethic as well. Fellow trainees described her as someone who invested extensive time in practice and consistently went beyond given directions for each performance stage. These qualities – dedication, innovation, and perseverance – would later become hallmarks of her performance style in Kep1er.

The relationships formed during this period have apparently remained positive, as both Hikaru and her former XG training colleagues have found success in their respective paths. This chapter represents an important stepping stone that ultimately positioned Ezaki Hikaru for her breakthrough moment on the global stage.

Girls Planet 999: The Turning Point

The summer of 2021 marked a decisive chapter in Ezaki Hikaru's career when she joined 98 other hopefuls on Mnet's ambitious survival show Girls Planet 999. This international competition would ultimately transform her trajectory in ways few could have predicted.

Initial performance and first impressions

Hikaru's journey on Girls Planet 999 began with an explosive statement. Performing BLACKPINK's "BOOMBAYAH" with her team Burn Crush, she immediately commanded attention with exceptional stage presence. Her body movements and facial expressions—especially during the "pay me" rap segment—left both contestants and judges visibly stunned.

The impact was immediate. Mentors Sunmi and Tiffany expressed genuine surprise at her powerful delivery, with the performance quickly becoming a viral sensation. In fact, the stage video exceeded one million views shortly after release, establishing Hikaru as a contestant to watch from the very beginning.

Her debut stage showcased precisely what would become her signature strengths: commanding rap delivery, sharp dance moves, and charismatic facial expressions. This potent combination set her apart in a field of 99 talented competitors from South Korea, Japan, and China.

Her rise to Planet Top 9

What makes Hikaru's journey on the show particularly remarkable is her consistency. As a result of her standout performances, she achieved something unprecedented—becoming the first contestant ever to reach the P01 (first place) position during the season.

Her trajectory remained strong throughout the competition. Hikaru maintained her position in the Planet Top 9 throughout the entire show, demonstrating remarkable stability in a competition known for volatile ranking shifts. Her performances of EXO's "The Eve" (with 2.1 million views) and Meghan Trainor's "No Excuses" cemented her reputation as a formidable competitor.

In essence, her path through the show represented a rare combination of immediate impact and sustained excellence. Her initial Planet Top 9 rank was P01, setting a high standard she consistently lived up to.

Final ranking and fan votes

The finale brought dramatic changes to the voting system. Unlike earlier rounds where voters had to select contestants from each group (K, C, and J), the final voting allowed selection of just one contestant regardless of nationality. Moreover, Korean votes were weighted to constitute 50% of the total score, with international votes making up the remaining 50%.

In the end, Hikaru secured 7th place with a final score of 713,322 points. Her total raw vote count was 387,709, which placed her 8th in terms of pure votes if Korean and international votes were counted equally. This slight discrepancy between weighted ranking and raw votes demonstrates the impact of the voting system on final outcomes.

On October 22, 2021, Hikaru officially joined the nine-member lineup of the newly formed group Kep1er. In her winning speech, she expressed genuine surprise: "Honestly I never thought I could make it to the debut group. The fact that I'm here in the finals is unreal and I'm so happy".

Debuting with Kep1er: A New Era

From survival show finalist to global idol, Ezaki Hikaru's transition into Kep1er marked the beginning of her professional K-pop career. Her journey from trainee to debut artist involved unexpected delays, remarkable achievements, and the establishment of her unique identity within the group.

Official debut date and album

Kep1er was originally scheduled to make their debut on December 14, 2021, with pre-orders for their first EP already underway by November 29. Nevertheless, the group's plans hit an unexpected roadblock when a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, consequently pushing their debut to January 3, 2022.

Upon this new date, Kep1er finally introduced themselves to the world with their debut EP titled First Impact, featuring the energetic lead single "Wa Da Da". The album became an immediate commercial triumph, selling approximately 400,000 copies and claiming the top position on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart. Remarkably, both the EP and its lead single "Wa Da Da" secured positions on the prestigious Billboard Global 200 and World Digital Songs charts respectively.

Hikaru's role in Kep1er

Within the seven-member configuration of Kep1er, Ezaki Hikaru officially serves as the Main Dancer, Main Rapper, and Vocalist. This triple designation highlights her versatility as a performer, allowing her to contribute significantly across multiple aspects of the group's performances. Alongside fellow members Kim Chae-hyun, Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yu-jin, Kim Da-yeon, Seo Young-eun, and Shen Xiaoting, Hikaru helps create the group's distinctive sound and visual identity.

Her position as main rapper particularly showcases her unique strengths, with her powerful delivery and stage presence becoming signature elements of Kep1er's performances. Throughout promotional activities for First Impact, Hikaru consistently demonstrated the skills that had initially captured audience attention during Girls Planet 999.

Her impact on the group's image

As one of the two Japanese members in Kep1er at debut, Hikaru brings international appeal that broadens the group's reach. Her distinctive rap style and powerful dance execution helped establish Kep1er's reputation as a performance-focused group from the outset.

The debut album's promotional period showcased Hikaru's ability to command attention, with her parts in "Wa Da Da" performances drawing particular praise from viewers. Her viral moments from survival show days carried over into Kep1er activities, helping the rookie group build momentum as "Monster Rookies" of the 4th generation.

This strong start ultimately contributed to Kep1er receiving recognition as the New Wave of the Year at multiple major ceremonies including Asia Artist Awards and Seoul Music Awards. Through her contributions to the group's debut era, Ezaki Hikaru helped solidify Kep1er's position in the competitive K-pop landscape.

On-Stage vs Off-Stage: The Dual Persona

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ezaki Hikaru's identity as an idol lies in the stark contrast between her electrifying stage presence and her endearing off-stage demeanor. This duality has become a signature element of her appeal among fans worldwide.

Her powerful rap and dance style

On stage, Hikaru transforms into an unstoppable force as Kep1er's main rapper and main dancer. Her dance style is characterized by remarkably strong core power, precise movements, and exceptional sensitivity to beats—elements that make her performances instantly recognizable. What truly sets her apart is her impressive control of strength dynamics and refreshing movement quality, bringing even the smallest details of choreography to life.

Hikaru's dancing prowess has earned formal recognition beyond fan appreciation. In 2023, she claimed first place in a prestigious dancing female idol ranking from Model Press. She maintained this excellence into 2024, securing second place in the same publication's ranking of female idols who dance well.

Throughout performances, her facial expressions perfectly complement her technical skills, creating a powerful overall stage presence. This expressiveness was particularly evident during Queendom 2, where her outstanding dancing caught attention not just from viewers but fellow competitors. Her rap delivery similarly showcases both technical skill and charisma, with many considering her among the strongest rappers in the current K-pop landscape.

The playful and soft side in dorm life

Offstage, nonetheless, fans encounter an entirely different Hikaru. Her groupmates consistently identify her as the member whose off-stage personality differs most dramatically from her performance persona. Behind closed doors, she displays an unexpectedly playful nature, often bursting into laughter seemingly unprompted.

Her laughter itself has become legendary within the group—sometimes producing what members describe as "dolphin sounds" when particularly amused, even to the point of tears. This infectious quality apparently affects other members too, who find themselves joining her laughter without necessarily understanding what prompted it.

Within the Kep1er dorm, Hikaru shares a room with Dayeon and Youngeun. Her dormmates have noted some quirky habits, including repeatedly singing the same song fragments at night, sometimes even after others have fallen asleep.

What members say about her personality

Fellow members frequently comment on Hikaru's dual nature. According to Yujin, Hikaru requires "the greatest amount of care out of all members" and "laughs and jokes a lot and is like a baby". Xiaoting has observed that Hikaru often laughs to herself while daydreaming, highlighting her whimsical nature.

Chaehyun specifically selected Hikaru as the member displaying the most dramatic difference between on-stage and off-stage personas. This observation aligns perfectly with Hikaru's own self-assessment—she considers this duality her most distinctive charming point.

Dayeon affectionately describes Hikaru's "existence itself" as cute, calling her "a lovely friend". Generally regarded as the most playful member by group consensus, she balances this with a competitive streak, consistently encouraging members to improve their performances.

This blend of fierce performer and playful personality creates the complete picture of Ezaki Hikaru—a multifaceted artist whose charm extends far beyond what meets the eye on stage.

Fun Facts and Hidden Talents

Beyond her captivating stage presence and playful dormitory antics, Ezaki Hikaru possesses unique preferences and aspirations that showcase her personality in delightful ways. These personal quirks add another dimension to the Kep1er star's charm.

Her love for hot springs and suits

Relaxing in hot springs stands as Hikaru's primary hobby. This traditional Japanese pastime perfectly aligns with her roots in Fukuoka and offers her a serene counterbalance to her high-energy performances. Indeed, this preference for thermal relaxation appears consistently across multiple interviews about her personal interests.

Perhaps more surprisingly, suits rank as her favorite thing. This preference for formal attire creates an interesting contrast with her otherwise youthful image. While many idols her age might favor casual clothing or trendy fashion pieces, Hikaru's appreciation for tailored suits hints at her sophisticated taste alongside her playful nature.

Why she avoids cheese but eats pizza

Hikaru's relationship with dairy products reveals an interesting contradiction. She generally avoids cheese and milk products, with cheese, milk, and soy milk ranking as her top three disliked foods. However, she makes a notable exception for pizza, demonstrating her willingness to compromise for a beloved food.

Her pizza preferences come with certain conditions, certainly. She dislikes Hawaiian pizza and typically removes pineapple pieces from pizza before eating. This selective approach to dairy consumption showcases how Ezaki Hikaru maintains her personal preferences while still enjoying popular foods.

Her dream to appear on Running Man

Among television appearances, Running Man tops Hikaru's wishlist. The popular South Korean variety show features games, challenges, and humor—elements that align perfectly with Hikaru's energetic personality. Her desire to participate stems directly from being a fan, as she enjoys watching the program regularly.

This aspiration offers insight into Hikaru's entertainment preferences alongside her performance ambitions. In addition to her musical career, she clearly harbors interest in variety content that would showcase other facets of her personality.

Style, Food, and Favorites

Personal preferences reveal character, and Ezaki Hikaru's distinctive tastes offer fascinating glimpses into her personality beyond the spotlight. From fashion choices to food preferences, these elements combine to create the complete picture of Kep1er's multifaceted star.

Ezaki Hikaru's fashion sense

Hikaru gravitates toward hip-hop aesthetics in her daily wardrobe, with fellow member Dayeon once noting that she "dresses like a rapper". This style choice naturally complements her performance persona yet stands apart from typical idol fashion. Yujin has pointed out that Hikaru possesses a "unique sense of style" that sets her apart from other members.

Purple and yellow dominate as her preferred colors, reflecting her vibrant personality both on and off stage. Plus, her well-documented fondness for suits showcases a sophisticated edge to her otherwise youthful appearance.

Top favorite and disliked foods

Hikaru's culinary preferences reveal interesting contradictions. Her top three favorite foods form an eclectic trio: soboro rice (ground meat over rice), yukhoe (Korean raw beef tartare), and cucumber. She thoroughly enjoys mint chocolate, various dipping sauces, and seasoned chicken. For a heartier option, she opts for teokkbeoki paired with ramen.

As for dislikes, dairy products consistently top her list—cheese, milk, and soy milk rank as her three most disliked foods. She additionally avoids sundaes. Interestingly, Hikaru stands as the only Kep1er member who actively dislikes Hawaiian pizza , typically removing pineapple pieces before eating.

Her favorite songs, animals, and hobbies

Among Kep1er's discography, 'Love on Lock' holds special significance as Hikaru's favorite track. Regarding animals, she has expressed particular fondness for monkeys.

Her collection of favorite things presents a charming assortment: her beanie, spring season, windy weather, texting on her phone, and seaside scenery. These preferences paint the picture of someone who appreciates both connectivity and natural beauty—a fitting combination for an artist whose personal and professional worlds span multiple countries and cultures.