It’s been a “will they or won’t they” situation with Kep1er over the past few weeks. After all, acts spawned from MNET competition shows usually come with an expiration date. However, the group has bucked tradition and extended their contract — minus members Mashiro and Yeseo. Shooting Star heralds the release of their first full album and their last as a nine-member group.
Fortunately, this iteration of Kep1er has gone out on a high. Shooting Star plays in similar sonic landscape to many current girl group tracks but enhances its energy with a driving, synth-powered beat during the chorus and second verse. The song is at its best when it goes big and bold, offering an electronic fantasia that blends perfectly with the group’s slick vocals. At times, the instrumental almost feels symphonic. Its synthwave influence reminds me of tracks like Twice’s 2020 hit I Can’t Stop Me, but Shooting Star harnesses a bigger sense of euphoria.
The song also utilizes a ton of empty space. On first listen, I wasn’t sure how I felt about these slower segments. At times, it’s as if momentum stops altogether. However, this contrast further enhances the grandeur of the chorus and adds to the sentimental surge of the track. This generous dash of emotion is a suitable fit for a transitional stage in Kep1er’s career and results in their strongest title track yet.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Ā Production | 10 |
| Ā Longevity | 9 |
| Ā Bias | 9 |
| Ā RATING | 9 |
Grade: A-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Undoubtedly their best title trackā and sadly, last as 9. But hey, at least Mashiro and Yeseo will leave with a banger, right?
I love the airy chorus, itās just beautiful. I wish it was stronger, but damn, it sounds ethereal and kinda sentimental-like. I also liked the muted pre-chorus after the bridge and 1st verse.
A straight 9 for me.
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absolutely loved this! this should’ve been their music since the beginning, but hopefully the extension will give us more of this. the album is a good listen too. all the tracks are solid, but my favorites are Curious, Double Up! and Dear Diary.
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Dear Diary is in my top 3 too! Very sweet.
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I think it has more to do with the MV and concept than the song itself, but the overall dazzling style of this reminded me a lot of LOONA’s Star (Voice in Korean). That song was one of my faves in the year it released, so it’s a comparison I’m happy to make!
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this is actually pretty good. I also like how it sounds like a victory lap.
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Definetly their best title track so far. I did not remember if they had renewed or not and thought it could make for a pretty good disbandment single lol…
Kind of reminded me of “I got you” by TWICE in a good way.
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LOVE THIS! This is the kind of fantastical, magical sound that fits perfectly with their name, and they nailed it!
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this is GREAT, an absolute blast of euphoria in one package
an 8.75 to be safe however
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I knew as soon as I heard the music video teasers that this song was going to be good. Glad to see I was right! This feels like the kind of song you put on in the car, lower your windows, and drive with the breeze in your hair to. Probably my second favorite “This was obviously going to be our last song until we renewed our contracts” song we’ve ever gotten (My first is Bon Voyage by Dreamcatcher). This would have been a great disbandment song.
I’ve heard rumors circulating that Mashiro and Yeseo are going to join Limelight once their time in Kep1er is up. I’m going to be very interested to see how both groups are affected if that is the case. I hope I can hear Mashiro and Yeseo singing Madeline at some point!
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they deserve the best in the world
Keplian for life ā¤ļøšš
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Yes Keplian for lifeā¤ļø
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I can’t believe it–Up was actually dethronedš³ Not even a fan but ngl I teared up a bit. Tge emotion is there. The album is just as good. Hats off to Wake One for once? Loll
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When it started I thought it was going to be so so but boy, this one is great! Their best track yet! Solid 9 for sure.
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HELL YEAH. Finally a Kep1er title I wholeheartedly love.
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I’m in love with this song, this kind of ethereal and magical sound accompanied by synths always brings out the best in Kep1er and their vocals. Perfect as a song of both farewell and a new beginning. And the rest of the album is very worth it too, my next favorite is Flowers, Flutter, Your heart.
Solid 9!
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I love the type of groups that released ‘mid songs’ in their debut year but then got the producers and sound they needed to really shine (even if it doesn’t show in commercial success). Amazing song, I hope to see where they go from here!
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