When was PEPE Coin released?

Could you please enlighten me on the release date of PEPE Coin? I've been hearing a lot about it in the crypto community but somehow, I've missed out on its official launch. Was it a recent release, or has it been around for a while? I'm quite curious to know its origin and timeline. Also, do you have any insights on its performance since its release? Is it gaining popularity among investors, or facing any challenges? Your expert opinion would be greatly appreciated.