KEP1ER - XIAOTING
At the beginning of this year, KEP1ER member XIAOTING’s contract with her Chinese agency came to an end, marking a fresh start. As the group prepares for its comeback, she shared her thoughts.
On the morning of August 14, an interview was held at a café in Gangnam, Seoul, to celebrate the release of KEP1ER’s 7th mini album, “BUBBLE GUM”.
KEP1ER (Yujin, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih and Youngeun) was formed in 2021 through Mnet’s survival show Girls Planet 999. Their originally planned activity period was two and a half years, but last year, with the exception of KANG YESEO and MASHIRO, the other seven members renewed their contracts, allowing the group to continue meeting fans for a longer time. It was the first time a project group successfully renewed its contract.
Following the renewal, KEP1ER released their 6th mini album “TIPPI-TAP” and carried out active comeback promotions. However, XIAOTING was unable to participate in the December activities, as she also had to fulfill commitments in China due to her ongoing contract with her local agency, Top Class Entertainment. With that contract expiring at the beginning of this year, XIAOTING can now fully focus on KEP1ER’s activities.
Preparing for this new chapter, XIAOTING shared:
“Even though my contract with the Chinese agency has ended, my mindset hasn’t changed. I’ve always prepared for comebacks with more determination than anyone else, for our fans and for the members, and I will continue to do so. I plan to give my all, without change, in preparing for our activities.”
Has she ever experienced exhaustion from constantly moving back and forth between China and Korea?
XIAOTING answered:
“Of course, there were difficult moments during such long activities. I even went through burnout. But once I’m on stage, I feel like I forget all of that. Receiving love from fans on stage, or monitoring myself afterward, gives me the strength and determination to endure. I think that’s what has kept me going until now.”
There has also been another change for XIAOTING. Four years ago, she was still participating as a contestant in a survival program. Now, as a mentor, she’s giving advice to those working hard toward their debut. Currently, she is serving as a “master” on “Boys Planet 2″.
Reflecting on this, XIAOTING said:
“Standing as a master four years later feels strange. I felt that I had grown a lot. But this role is also challenging. Just one word from me can either lower or raise a contestant’s confidence. Since I was once a contestant myself, I understand better than anyone how they feel, so I try to be very careful with every word I say.”
The other members are also watching “Boys Planet 2“ as viewers.
KIM DAYEON said:
“It felt strange, it brought back memories of that time. Watching the contestants gives me a lot of motivation too.”
Meanwhile, HIKARU added with a laugh:
“I find it so fun to watch. Especially when I saw they have a snack room now, which we didn’t have back then. Seeing that, I thought, ‘Wow, things have gotten so much better!’”
Meanwhile, “BUBBLE GUM”, set to be released on August 19 at 6 PM KST, is KEP1ER’s first new album in about nine months since “TIPPI-TAP” last November. It tells the story of more confident and proactive girls. Moving away from their previously adorable and innocent charm, this time they return with a mischievous yet charismatic side.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS KEP1ER
