2022 has just begun, which means it’s time to welcome one of the newest and most anticipated debuts for January: Kep1er! The energetic and charming girl group Kep1er officially makes their debut with their first mini-album FIRST IMPACT, featuring the debut title track “WA DA DA.” After overcoming a pushed debut date due to COVID-19, their debut is a moment that fans have awaited since December 2021. 

Formed from the Mnet reality survival show Girls Planet 999, the girls officially made their debut on January 3, 2022. Kep1er is composed of nine members: Choi Yujin, Shen Xiaoting, Sakamoto Mashiro, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Ezaki Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, Seo Youngeun, and Kang Yeseo. Their group name combines “kep,” which means catching dreams, and the number one, which means the nine girls coming together as one to be the best. It’s also a reference to the planet Kepler and inspired by German astronomer Johannes Kepler. Hours after their debut, Kep1er released their official colors for themselves—lavender and white—and their fandom, Kep1ian—lavender and yellow. 

FIRST IMPACT, just under 20 minutes long, contains six tracks total. Aside from their title track, three tracks from their mini-album might look familiar. The singles “O.O.O,” “Shine,” and “Another Dream” were performed on Girls Planet 999, but the songs are strictly Kep1er’s versions on this album. Listening to these tracks can make you feel bittersweet or emotional, especially if you participated as a Planet Guardian during the show’s voting period since day one. The album also includes two new B-sides called “MVSK” and “See The Light,” two EDM dance tracks that’ll leave an impressive impact and transport you to another world. 

“WA DA DA,” the second track off their album, is certain to liven up the new year with its energetic dance beat. Written by Shannon Bae, Kako, Hwang Yoobin, Lee Seuran, ODAL PARK, Elum (PRISMFILTER), ​danke (lalala studio) and BuildingOwner, the title track expresses Kep1er’s ambitions to achieve their dreams together and repay love to their fans. Its catchy pre-chorus and chorus showcases Kep1er’s girl crush sound and seals the deal on its addictive qualities. One line in the track will forever be ingrained into your brains: "Kep one going, wa-da-da-da." The song and the music video make references to space and planets, keeping with their theme that was presented in the final presentation of the group during Girls Planet 999. The music video allows fans to grasp Kep1er’s own charismatic personalities and overwhelming potential in K-Pop. We’re watching the beginning of another beautiful dream right before our very eyes. With the year off to a great start already, Kep1er is certain to draw your attention through their interplanetary girl crush theme and delightful charms. 

FIRST IMPACT is available for streaming on services like Spotify and YouTube Music. If you’re interested in keeping up-to-date with anything Kep1er, make sure to follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for the latest news. Watch the music video for their energetic debut “WA DA DA” below!