Kep1er Foreign Members Reveal Artists Who Inspired Them to Become K-pop Idols

Ahead of their comeback, Kep1er shared stories of how their dreams are now becoming a reality following their debut through Mnet's "Girls Planet 999." In the same interview, foreign members Mashiro, Xioating and Hikaru revealed how THESE artists inspired them to become K-pop stars.

Kep1er Mashiro, Xiaoting, Hikaru Narrate How THESE Artists Inspired Them to Become K-pop Idols

On June 6, "Monster Rookie" Kep1er sat down for an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue Korea.

Through this conversation, the members conveyed various stories, feelings and experiences before and after their debut. The nine-member group particularly looked back at the certain point they just once dreamt of becoming idols, which now became a reality.

The foreign members Mashiro and Hikaru (Japanese) and Xioating (Chinese) then recalled their decisive moment to slip into the K-pop scene through Mnet's reality survival program, "Girls Planet 999," to which the team was produced. When asked:

"At the time of 'Girls Planet 999,' the selection criteria was 'How serious are you about K-pop?"

Xioating, a former ballroom dancer, narrated she initially dreamed of becoming an actress. However, she decided to enter the path of K-pop singer at the suggestion of her agency despite doubts.

The "WA DA DA" songstress went on to recount she was convinced to continue her idol career after watching BLACKPINK's performance.

ALSO READ: From Mashiro Being A Former JYP Trainee to Bahiyyih's MAMA 2020 Narration, Kep1er Members Share TMI on 'Idol Live School'

Meanwhile, Mashiro, who is famous for being a former JYP Entertainment trainee, revealed that the hit drama "Dream High" (starring Bae Suzy, IU, 2PM Taecyeon, and more) gave her the decisive moment to debut as a K-pop star. The Japanese-born idol said:

"When I was young, the drama felt real. I thought, 'They achieved their dream of becoming an artist by working hard like that. They're cool!'

So I became interested in K-pop and (eventually) liked it. I (thought) it was cool not to give up and to get up again even if it was hard."

Lastly, Ezaki Hikaru, who initially established her music career in Japan, eventually followed her dream of becoming a K-pop idol, thanks to 2NE1.

The "MVSK" singer emphasized that she started dreaming of her debut after watching the quartet's (performance) on the television when she was an elementary school student. She continued:

"When I was in school, I kept doing music rather than studying. After class, I would run to the dance academy and live all day thinking about music. Now that I've achieved that dream, my family and friends congratulate me a lot."

Kep1er to Drop 2nd Mini-Album 'DOUBLAST'

Meanwhile, Kep1er aims to achieve more as they herald another strong sensation with fresh charms this summer.

On June 3, the girl group confirmed the release of their second mini-album "DOUBLAST" on June 20, making their first comeback in about six months since debut in January.

In the initial mood teaser, the blue lemonade on the table top draws attention.

On top of that, the album name "DOUBLAST" (a play on the words "double" and "blast"), was written in a font of bouncy charm, which emits refreshing atmosphere and gives K-pop fans pleasant energy just by looking at it.

Kep1er, who started their bold adventure with a strong ambition and energy to become the best through their album, continues the story of the adventure of making their dream a reality.

READ MORE: 9 K-pop Groups With Three or More Foreign Members

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Written by Eunice Dawson