Kep1er member Seo Youngeun has officially left the girl group, seven months after halting activities due to health issues, with the group set to continue as six members.
On March 6, 2026, Kep1er's management company Klap announced that Seo Youngeun's team activities had come to an end. The agency said it reached the decision after long and careful talks with the singer about her future direction.
In its statement, the company thanked Youngeun for working sincerely and passionately with Kep1er since their debut in 2022. It added that it would "support her future activities with all our heart," asking fans to continue sending warm encouragement, according to allkpop.
Following Youngeun's exit, Kep1er will move forward as a six-member group. The agency said the team will "continue their new journey" and promised to repay fans with better music and performances.
Youngeun is now the third member to leave Kep1er, after Mashiro and Yeseo previously ended their activities with the group. Despite the lineup change, the group plans to keep promoting under the name Kep1er.
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Seo Youngeun had been inactive since July 2025, when she paused activities due to health concerns. At the time, agencies Wake One and Swing Entertainment explained she had not been feeling well and was advised by doctors to get sufficient rest, Soompi reported.
Because of her condition, Youngeun did not take part in Kep1er's August 2025 comeback or other scheduled events. The companies said her health was the top priority and promised full support for her recovery.
Fans had already spent months without seeing Youngeun on stage and had been hoping for her return after her break. Many are now sharing messages online expressing sadness over her departure while wishing her good health and success.
Kep1er, formed through Mnet's "Girls Planet 999" and debuting in 2022, has built a strong international fanbase with songs such as "WA DA DA" and "Up!" With the group entering a new phase as six members, attention is now on how Kep1er's music and promotions will evolve, and on what path Seo Youngeun will choose next, as per Hokkoku.
