The Universe of Kep1er’s Japanese Discography
Many K-Pop groups release music for one of the largest music markets in the world: Japan. According to a 2023 report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Japan holds the second-largest music market in the world, only behind the United States of America. One of such K-Pop groups, Kep1er, the nine-member group formed from Girls Planet 999, has seen some success in their Japanese music career.
The group will have released three Japanese EPs by next week, when <FLY-HIGH> releases on November 22, 2023. Kepler has also received a few accolades in this market, including a first place ranking in the rookie sales category in Oricon’s, the Japanese music industry’s popularity chart, 55th annual ranking of 2022. The category combined rookies’ “total sales of single albums and streaming music DVDs” from December 13, 2021 to December 11, 2022.
Their First Japanese EP: <FLY-UP>
Kepler made their Japanese debut on September 7, 2022. Their first Japanese single album, <FLY-UP>, features the title track “Wing Wing,” the B-side “Daisy,” and Japanese versions of “WA DA DA” and “Up!” The title “Wing Wing” is actually onomatopoeia: in Korean, the phrase wing wing (윙윙), refers to a buzzing noise. Kep1er uses this to liken their attraction to a person like a hummingbird drawn to a flower’s nectar.*
The music video for “Wing Wing” dropped on August 2, 2022. It functions largely as a choreography video with some solo shots compared to their future Japanese music videos, which have some storyline elements. Hummingbirds feature prominently in the video, as part of street/wall art on one of the main choreography sets, and as CGI elements in the song’s bridge.
Their Second Japanese EP: <FLY-BY>
Kep1er released their second Japanese single album <FLY-BY> on March 15, 2023. It contains the title track “I do! Do you?,” the B-side “tOgether fOrever,” and Japanese versions of “We Fresh” and “MVSK,” and a remix of “WA DA DA (Japanese version)” by South Korean DJ and producer IMLAY. The “I do! Do you?” lyrics discuss similarities one has with their love interest: wearing the same color, dancing to the same rhythm, and getting the same drink are all things that happen. All these habits combine into an increased hope that the person shares the same romantic feelings.*
The music video for “I do! Do you?” dropped on February 21, 2023, featuring a cute prom theme. The storyline follows Kep1er as they prepare for prom, imagine the perfect date, infiltrate a store for their dresses, anticipate a romantic gesture, experience an unfortunate heartbreak, and unleash antics stemming from Kep1er’s disbelief. It’s an adorable video with some great comedic relief.
Their Third Japanese EP: <FLY-HIGH>
<FLY-HIGH> is Kep1er’s upcoming Japanese EP, officially out next week. In their latest Japanese title track, Kep1er compares the quest for love to a race track.* First shown at Kep1er’s Fairy Fantasia Japanese fan meeting this October, “Grand Prix” officially released on November 7, 2023. The “Grand Prix” music video features a mix of cute and cool styles. They start off with colorful, fluffy outfits, and end up switching to ones in sleek leather, perfect for the fashion runway.
When Hikaru rapped “yes sir, I’m a racer” in “Wing Wing,” she foreshadowed taking the wheel in “Grand Prix.” Imagery of various types of cars find themselves scattered throughout the music video, and the choreography features movements that mimic turning a wheel and starting an engine. The members assemble their ideal car fit to chase after their love interest’s affection. <FLY-HIGH> releases on November 22, 2023, with “Grand Prix,” the B-side “Sugar,” a live version of “Daisy,” and Japanese versions of “Giddy” and “Galileo.”
*Note: lyrics taken from English captions from the official music videos.