Recently, it was announced that Youngeun would be departing from Kep1er.
Youngeun
WAKEONE shared the news in a multilingual announcement, stating that Kep1er would continue as a six-member group. Youngeun was previously on hiatus and did not participate in Kep1er’s most recent album activities.
Youngeun is the most recent member to leave the group, following Mashiro and Yeseo, who left after the group resigned in 2024.
WAKEONE
NOTICE
Kep1er 향후 활동 체제 및 멤버 서영은 활동 관련 안내
∫ NEW WAVE of ENTERTAINMENT#WAKEONE #웨이크원#Kep1er #케플러 pic.twitter.com/CsuMCWS7Ge
— WAKEONE 웨이크원 (@wakeone_offcl) March 6, 2026
As fans take in the news, the reactions of the remaining members of Kep1er have gained attention.
Kep1er were announced as part of the ENA K-POP UP CHART SHOW in YOKOHAMA lineup alongside other girl groups, with the show scheduled to take place on March 7.
Kep1er were spotted at the airport on March 6, around the same time as the announcement regarding Youngeun’s departure was made.
🎞️260306 GMP#kep1er #ひかる大好き
#江崎ひかる #히카루 #Hikaru pic.twitter.com/rgQ9QtGH4c
— ONLY (@hihi_hika) March 6, 2026
On a clip of member Xiaoting, fans commented on the the group’s appearances, feeling as though they looked sad. Some commented on Xiaoting and Hikaru wearing sunglasses, believing that it was a result of them potentially crying.
she’s crying… https://t.co/9vhCsGBKN7
— lojeo ✿ (@kep1diary) March 6, 2026
the sunglasses… I wonder if she’s been crying 🙁 her baby Youngeunie 😭😭😭 https://t.co/skyODYieSa
— cat 🫧 YUJU P01! JUSTICE FOR GAEUN (@n1ngism) March 6, 2026
Oh they cried for sure.. https://t.co/q75TPI6UTq
— G i g i (@smwh4season) March 6, 2026
they’re visibly holding back tears oh my god… https://t.co/uCelhbjaQQ
— a is in another dimension (@bomvalentttine) March 6, 2026
Others expressed anger towards the group’s company for having them face the public so soon after the announcement.
They made them fly when youngeun’s dad pass away, they made her fly when youngeun’s news broke out too. The amount of disrespect this company has towards youngeun is so- annoying to say the least. https://t.co/RxymU0NjpX
— 🍯 ฅ՞•ﻌ•՞ฅ (@honeyskep1ian) March 6, 2026
making them smile and pose for the camera not even a day after announcing their friend’s departure? https://t.co/98E5o2pTX1
— ken 🫧 (@snrhiraya) March 6, 2026