South Korean girl group Kep1er is facing challenges after a bubble gum leak stirred controversy in the music industry. The group’s new single “Bubble Gum” suffered an unexpected setback when a demo version appeared online ahead of its official release.
Reports confirm that the leaked track, renamed “Bubble Gun,” surfaced on major streaming platforms in April. The unauthorized upload came months before Kep1er officially released the song in August. This incident has raised questions about possible hacking or illegal access during the production stage.
The bubble gum leak involves a demo created by WakeOne Entertainment and songwriting team The Collabo X. The leaked track even included guide vocals from one of the composers. The only difference was the altered title, which appeared as “Gun” instead of “Gum.”
On streaming platforms, the demo track was uploaded under the name DJ-Gamyeon. The listed artist has no other registered works, which further fueled suspicion about the unauthorized release. Industry officials noted the upload bypassed traditional distribution channels.
WakeOne Entertainment and The Collabo X are working to identify the individual behind the bubble gum leak. They announced preparations for legal measures to stop further damage. Company representatives stressed their commitment to protecting the group’s intellectual property.
Kep1er’s official release of “Bubble Gum” marked their first extended play since November 2024. The track represented a new direction for the group, shifting from a youthful image to a playful yet charismatic style. However, the leak disrupted their promotional momentum.
This incident also highlights ongoing challenges for K-pop labels in protecting unreleased music. Experts warn that security breaches during production could harm both financial performance and artistic reputation. As digital distribution expands, safeguarding unreleased content remains a top priority.
Despite the setback, Kep1er continues to gain attention with their official release. Fans praised the group’s new sound and bold concept. Meanwhile, WakeOne reaffirmed its plans to pursue the matter legally, promising accountability for the leak.
In conclusion, the bubble gum leak underscores the risks of unauthorized music releases. For Kep1er, the incident poses both challenges and lessons as they continue shaping their identity in the competitive K-pop scene.
