Kara (South Korean group)

Kara

Company type	Girl group
Industry	Music
Founded	2007
Founder	DSP Media
Headquarters	South Korea
Area served	South Korea, Japan
Products	Music albums, singles
Parent	DSP Media

Kara (; ; presented in all caps) is a South Korean girl group established by DSP Media in 2007. The current members are Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, Jiyoung, and Youngji. Their debut occurred in March 2007 with the release of their first studio album, The First Bloooooming. Originally formed as a quartet consisting of Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, and Kim Sunghee, their initial style featured a mature R&B sound but did not achieve commercial success. Sunghee departed in 2008 to focus on her education, leading to the addition of members Goo Hara and Jiyoung.

With the July 2008 release of their first mini-album, Rock U, Kara adopted a "pretty but natural" concept. The group attracted significant attention in 2009 for the choreography known as the "butt dance" featured in "Mister." In 2010, Kara expanded into Japan by signing with Universal Sigma, a branch of Universal Music Japan. Their Japanese debut achieved commercial success, making them the first foreign female group in three decades to reach number one on the Oricon Singles Chart.

By 2012, their first Japanese album, Super Girl (2011), had sold in excess of 740,000 copies. Within two years, Kara surpassed one million physical single sales in Japan, ranking among the fastest-selling South Korean artists in that market. In 2014, Nicole and Jiyoung exited after choosing not to renew their contracts with DSP Media. To fill these vacancies, DSP Media produced the reality competition Kara Project, where seven trainees vied for membership; ultimately, winner Hur Young-ji was added as the newest member.

On January 15, 2016, DSP Media announced that Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara had left the company following contract expirations. For Kara’s 15th anniversary in 2022, members Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, Jiyoung, and Youngji reunited and released the album Move Again. Subsequently, they embarked on their fifth and sixth Karasia tours scheduled for 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Name

The name originates from the Greek term "chara" (χαρά), meaning "joy," which is interpreted as "sweet melody" for the group’s identity.

2007: Formation and debut

Initially comprising four members—Park Gyuri, Han Seung-yeon, Kim Sung-hee, and Jung Nicole—Kara made their debut on Mnet's M Countdown on March 29, 2007, performing "Break It" from their debut album The First Blooming. Their early image emphasized a strong female presence paired with an R&B musical style. Additional singles such as "If U Wanna" and "Secret World" were also released with accompanying music videos. Despite positive critiques, the album did not achieve significant commercial impact and was overshadowed by other girl groups debuting that year. Promotions concluded by mid-2007.

In August 2007, Kara launched the Mnet documentary series Kara Self Camera, which aired over fifteen episodes until December and highlighted interactions within the group. During this period of limited commercial success, member Seungyeon maintained visibility through various variety program appearances to support the group’s exposure.

The group was often compared to senior labelmates Fin.K.L due to similarities in style and concept; individual members were frequently likened to Fin.K.L counterparts. Kara accepted these comparisons positively, viewing them as encouragement that aided their growth.

2008: Initial Lineup Changes, Rock U, Pretty Girl, and Career Breakthrough

Originally scheduled to release their second album in March 2008, the group faced a setback when DSP announced on February 28 that Sunghee would be leaving and retiring from the entertainment industry due to parental insistence on prioritizing education after her unsuccessful college entrance exams. As a result, the planned second album was postponed, and instead, a mini-album was prepared for a May release. Following auditions, two new members, Goo Hara and Kang Jiyoung, were added to the lineup. The five-member group made their comeback on July 24, 2008, performing "Rock U" on M Countdown, with their mini-album Rock U released the next day. This marked a shift to a more youthful and playful image, departing from their earlier mature style. The second season of Kara Self Camera premiered on August 18, showcasing the members adapting to the new formation.

On November 29, DSP released a teaser for the single "Pretty Girl," which amassed over 40,000 views within 12 hours. The full music video was launched online on December 2 to favorable reviews. The EP Pretty Girl followed on December 4, embracing a lively "fun-party" theme. Promotions kicked off immediately on major music programs, beginning with M Countdown. During their debut national stage on KBS's Music Bank, Goo Hara slipped on confetti and became emotional live on air; rather than criticism, this incident elicited public empathy.

Park Gyuri attributed their growing popularity to their "pretty but natural" charm, while media outlets suggested that the group had finally carved out a distinct identity within the industry since debuting. Kara attracted significant attention from older male fans, including noted singer Shin Hae Chul. Amidst an increasingly demanding schedule, several members were hospitalized on December 19 after a rehearsal for Music Bank due to cold symptoms and exhaustion; fortunately, no serious health concerns were reported.

2009: Growing Popularity in South Korea, Honey and Revolution

At the beginning of 2009, DSP initiated a fan poll to determine the next single following "Pretty Girl". "Honey" won decisively with 60% of votes and was subsequently released in a remixed English version titled "Honey". The music video premiered on February 16, followed by the release of a repackaged mini-album Honey on February 19 that included remixed tracks from their earlier EP. "Honey" became Kara's first chart-topper on the weekly Gaon singles chart and earned them their inaugural music show trophy on M Countdown dated March 5. The track also secured the Mutizen award on SBS's Inkigayo and was honored with Best Dance at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

By March, Kara had taken on hosting duties for MBC's Idol Show, marking their debut in variety programming. They also featured in MTV's Meta Friends, which documented fan interactions with the group, alongside holding their first concert since debut.

In June, Kara announced plans for a late July comeback featuring a more sophisticated concept. Their single "Wanna" dropped on July 28 and quickly climbed digital charts. The accompanying music video was released July 29, with the album Revolution following on July 30. Promotional activities commenced July 31 on Music Bank, where they performed both "Wanna" and "Mister". The choreography for "Mister," particularly its "butt dance," went viral and significantly enhanced Kara's commercial appeal by October 2009 through increased endorsement deals. "Wanna" also reached number one and won the Mutizen award on Inkigayo. During this time frame, Kara expanded their reach internationally with performances such as at Bangkok’s Parc Paragon.

On November 25, Mnet launched reality series Kara Bakery, which chronicled the group's efforts in opening and promoting a bakery business; all profits were donated to charitable causes. In February 2010, Kara held their inaugural Japanese fan meeting tour that drew over 3,000 attendees and required an additional showcase due to high demand.

2010: Lupin, Entry into Japan, and Girl's Talk

After a short break, DSP unveiled teaser images on February 9 hinting at Kara's comeback featuring a darker and more sophisticated concept. The EP Lupin, centered around a thief motif, along with its lead single "Lupin", was launched in mid-February, and its music video quickly gained significant views. Promotions resumed on M Countdown starting February 25. On March 4, "Lupin" earned Kara their first-ever number one spot on M Countdown and maintained top rankings across various Korean music programs such as Music Bank. Additionally, the song received the Mutizen award on Inkigayo.

In March, Kara took part in the Korean Music Festival held at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, where member Jung Nicole served as the host. The group increased their promotional efforts in Japan with showcases and fan meetings in preparation for their official debut there. They also appeared on the Japanese television show Arashi no Shukudai-kun. By May, Kara organized large-scale fan events in Japan that drew thousands of attendees.

Kara partnered with Universal Sigma for their Japanese market activities. Their Japanese debut occurred on August 11 with a localized version of "Mister", which performed strongly on the charts by selling over 29,000 copies initially and ultimately exceeding two million downloads—the highest download figure for a Korean artist in Japan by March 2012.

Their follow-up Japanese single "Jumping", released on November 10, entered the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart at number five with robust sales figures. On September 29, they issued a compilation album titled Kara Best 2007–2010, which debuted at number two on the Oricon Daily Albums Chart with initial sales surpassing 18,000 copies. This album earned gold certification from RIAJ, marking it as the first entirely Korean album to sell over 100,000 units in Japan since the 1990s, and later attained platinum status.

On October 23, Kara represented South Korea at the Asia Song Festival held at Seoul Olympic Stadium. Their first full-length Japanese album Girl's Talk, released November 24, sold more than 107,000 copies during its opening week—becoming the first non-Japanese girl group in nearly seven years to exceed 100,000 first-week sales—and was awarded double platinum certification by RIAJ with total sales surpassing 500,000.

Following a nine-month pause from Korean releases, Kara launched their fourth mini-album entitled Jumping in November, promoting simultaneously in both Korea and Japan. The title track achieved multiple victories on music shows including four wins on Music Bank by December.

Acknowledged as Best Rookie Artist by Recochoku and Oricon for 2010, Kara generated close to US$15.4 million from Japanese sales amounting to nearly half a million copies that year.

2011: Expansion of Popularity in Japan, Step, and Super Girl

On February 23, Kara released a DVD compilation named Kara Best Clips, which topped Oricon’s Weekly Composite DVD Chart for two straight weeks—a record for any foreign artist since the chart’s inception—and sold over 230,000 units.

Their third Japanese single "Jet Coaster Love", whose release was postponed due to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart with over 122,000 copies sold despite limited promotional activities; proceeds were directed toward disaster relief efforts. On June 22, their fourth Japanese single "Go Go Summer!" entered at number two with more than 113,000 copies sold in its first week—marking their second single to surpass the 100,000 sales mark initially.

In August, Kara announced plans for their third Korean studio album scheduled for September after focusing primarily on Japanese promotions with limited domestic activities. Released September 6, Step saw its title track immediately top Korean charts and reach number two on both Gaon Weekly Singles Chart and Billboard’s K-pop Hot 100. The group secured consecutive wins on major music programs such as M Countdown and Music Bank during about three weeks of promotion. By year-end, domestic sales exceeded 100,000 copies.

After concluding Korean promotions, Kara returned to Japan to release their fifth Japanese single "Winter Magic" on October 19; it peaked at number three on Oricon Weekly Singles Chart with nearly 79,000 copies sold initially. Their second Japanese studio album Super Girl, released November 21 with over 360,000 pre-orders, debuted atop Oricon Weekly Album Chart selling more than 275,000 copies—making Kara the first foreign female group in thirty years to simultaneously top both singles and albums charts in Japan. The album earned triple platinum certification from RIAJ for sales exceeding 750,000.

The year concluded with Kara appearing on six prominent Japanese year-end shows including the esteemed Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where they performed a medley featuring "Jet Coaster Love" and "Mister". Oricon ranked them fourth among top-selling artists of the year alongside Girls' Generation who placed fifth. DSP announced Kara’s first concert tour titled Karasia, planned for early 2012 amid high anticipation given their standing as one of South Korea’s premier girl groups.

2012: Karasia, Pandora, and Girls Forever

In January 2012, Kara was honored with several accolades, including two Golden Disk Awards ("Disk Bonsang" and "Best Hallyu Star"), the Asia Star Award at the Asia Model Awards for their role in promoting Asian culture worldwide through their Hallyu achievements in 2011, as well as the Seoul Music Awards’ "Hallyu Special Award" and "Bonsang Award". Additionally, they earned five distinctions at the Japan Gold Disc Awards, among them "Best Asian Artist". The group also received the GCS International Grand Award in recognition of their charitable contributions to Japan’s disaster relief efforts.

On February 18, Kara commenced their inaugural headline Asian tour titled 'Karasia', beginning with performances at Seoul Olympic Park and continuing with twelve concerts across Japan starting in April in Yokohama. The tour attracted around 150,000 fans, with the final show broadcast live nationwide in sixty theaters, all of which sold out.

On February 29, Kara became the first overseas artist to simultaneously claim the top spots on Oricon’s DVD and Blu-ray Disc rankings following the release of Kara Best Clips II & Shows. Their sixth Japanese single "Speed Up / Girl's Power" debuted at number two on March 21, selling close to 100,000 copies during its initial week. By April, they had surpassed one million physical single sales in Japan, becoming only the third South Korean act after BoA and TVXQ to reach this benchmark.

In July, Kara performed at MTV World Stage Malaysia alongside global stars such as Justin Bieber and Jay Park. DSP announced plans to release their fifth Korean mini-album Pandora in late August. Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the album's concept portrayed alluring modern women. Teasers were unveiled sequentially from August 13 to 20, culminating in the full mini-album and title track "Pandora" being released on August 22; it immediately topped multiple Korean music charts.

On September 5, they issued a special Japanese album Kara Collection, which featured solo tracks recorded during the Karasia tour. This album entered the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart at number three with over 47,000 copies sold initially. The seventh Japanese single "Electric Boy" was released on October 17, debuting at number two on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart with nearly 58,000 first-week sales; it later reached number one on Billboard Japan Hot100 and received gold certification from RIAJ.

DSP revealed plans for their third Japanese studio album Girls Forever, released on November 14. This compilation included recent singles alongside refreshed versions of earlier hits and debuted at number two on Oricon’s Weekly Album Chart with over 73,000 copies sold initially. Furthermore, a landmark concert was scheduled for January 6 at Tokyo Dome, marking Kara as the first female South Korean group to hold a solo performance there.

On December 14 and 17, short and full versions of a new song titled "Orion" were released.

2013: Fantastic Girls and Full Bloom

On January 6, Kara held their sold-out New Year’s 'Karasia' concert at Tokyo Dome—the first Korean girl group to do so—selling all 45,000 tickets within five minutes. They also announced an anime series called KARA the Animation, depicting animated representations of the members exploring various professions; it premiered on March 1 in both Korea and Japan.

Their eighth Japanese single "Bye Bye Happy Days!" was released on March 27, debuting at number two on Oricon’s Weekly Single Chart with initial sales exceeding 65,500 copies. On June 23, they hosted their second Japanese fan meeting event “Kamilia School” at Yokohama Arena, attracting approximately 24,000 fans who participated in themed educational activities.

The ninth Japanese single "Thank You Summer Love" came out on July 24. Later that month, they announced their fourth Japanese album Fantastic Girls, which was released on August 28.

On August 16, Kara revealed plans for their fourth Korean full-length album featuring the lead track "Damaged Lady", scheduled for release on September 2. This was preceded by the single "Runaway" on August 21; its music video incorporated scenes from the forthcoming drama series Secret Love. They held an album showcase live-streamed globally from UNIQLO-AX Hall on the same day as the album release.

Between August 22 and 23, teaser photo albums titled “Princesses” and “Queens” were published, presenting feminine imagery alongside the English title “Damaged Lady”. On October 19, Kara was awarded Best Female Group at Korean Entertainment’s tenth-anniversary ceremony.

2014–2016: Further lineup adjustments, Day & Night, In Love, Girl's Story, and disbandment

Between January 13 and 15, Nicole and Jiyoung departed from the group as their contracts expired, leaving Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara to continue temporarily as a trio. To fill the vacancy, DSP introduced the reality competition show Kara Project, where trainees vied for a spot in the group; Hur Youngji secured the position through live voting on July 1, joining as the new member.

On June 13, the drama series ‘’Secret Love’’ premiered, weaving stories centered on each member, including former members Nicole and Jiyoung. The group released their sixth EP, ‘’Day & Night’’, on August 18, followed by their third Japanese tour commencing October 24. The lead single ‘’Mamma Mia’’, produced by Duble Sidekick with its music video shot on July 9, was promoted extensively. This track also served as their eleventh Japanese single—the first to feature Youngji after the lineup changes—with ‘’So Good’’ as its B-side.

On March 15, 2015, Kara released a triple A-side Japanese single titled ‘’Summer-gic/Sunshine Miracle/Sunny Days’’, which debuted atop the Oricon Daily Singles Chart with sales exceeding 28,000 copies and secured second place on the weekly chart behind V6’s ‘’Timeless’’. Their seventh EP ‘’In Love’’ was unveiled on May 26, featuring the lead single ‘’Cupid’’, which had been performed earlier at the KBS Dream Concert on May 23. Subsequently, on June 17, their fifth Japanese studio album ‘’Girl’s Story’’ was released, including a cover of Fin.K.L.’s ‘’Forever Love’’. On July 17, they announced their fourth Japanese tour scheduled to start September 1 at Zepp Nanba in Osaka.

On January 15, 2016, DSP Media declared that Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara had not renewed their contracts, leading to the group's disbandment; Hur Youngji intended to pursue a solo career. Gyuri later clarified that although official disbandment occurred, there remained a possibility for future releases. Youngji expressed similar hopes; however, no further developments were reported.

Tragically, on November 24, 2019, Hara was found deceased following suicide.

2022–present: Reunion, Move Again, Karasia2024 & I Do I Do

On June 11, 2022, former members Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, Jiyoung, and Youngji reunited publicly through a social media photoshoot. Shortly thereafter, reports surfaced about plans for a reunion single commemorating their fifteenth anniversary. On September 19, it was confirmed that the group would return under RBW label in November with Nicole and Jiyoung rejoining. The new album ‘’Move Again’’ was announced on October 18 for release on November 29. A Japanese edition was also planned alongside fan meetings scheduled to begin in February 2023 across various cities. Their comeback stage was confirmed for the ‘’2022 MAMA Awards’’. On November 11, completion of the comeback music video filming was announced. Subsequently, on March 8, 2023, their first Korean fan meeting in nine years was scheduled for April 8.

As of February 18, 2024, Kara is no longer listed as domestic artists under RBW but continues activities through RBW Japan’s platform. On March 12, a new reality show documenting their fifteenth anniversary vacation—their first reality program since debut—was announced. On April 3 came the announcement of ‘‘The5th Japan Tour2024 Karasia’’, marking their first tour in nine years with dates set for Tokyo and Osaka in August. On June 18 it was revealed that their comeback single ‘‘I Do I Do’’ would be released simultaneously in Korean and Japanese on July 24. Prior to this release, a pre-release track titled ‘‘Hello’’, featuring late member Hara and originally recorded during the ‘‘Full Bloom’’ era but previously unreleased until now, was issued on July 16. Looking ahead to next year’s plans include ‘‘The6th Japan Tour2025 Karasia: Magical World’’ scheduled between July and August along with ‘‘The Phoenix Tour’’ concert in Macau on August 30.

Soundtracks

The group initially recorded the track “Fighting” for the soundtrack of the SBS drama Chasing a Mother from Kangnam in July 2007. They later contributed the song “Love is Fire” to the second soundtrack album of Boys Over Flowers. In June 2009, their digital release “Same Heart” was used to promote the mobile game i-Musician. January 2010 saw them perform the main original soundtrack “Catch Me a Star”. Additionally, they covered “Road” by g.o.d and “Round and Round” by NoBrain, which were included on MBC’s Music Travel LaLaLa soundtrack in February 2010. In April of the same year, they recorded the official cheer anthem “We’re With You” for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was subsequently featured on the repackaged edition of their second Japanese studio album, Super Girl. The group also released “2ME” as a soundtrack for the online game We Online. Seungyeon provided a solo piece titled “Superstar” for the KBS drama Mary Stayed Out All Night in November 2010. In mid-2011, Gyuri and Hara each contributed to the SBS drama City Hunter soundtrack with songs “시티헌터” and an acoustic rendition of “I Love U, I Want U, I Need U”, respectively.

Endorsements

Kara has represented a wide range of products including online games, apparel, food and beverages, cosmetics, and footwear. By April 2010, they had become endorsers for Mistine BB Wonder Compact cosmetics in Thailand and were chosen as female ambassadors for Samsung's Doogeun Doogeun Tomorrow Campaign in May 2010. The group also promoted clothing brand Ask and Bear Paws fleece boots. Following their successful entry into the Japanese market in August 2010, endorsement offers from electronics, fashion, and beverage companies increased markedly. Within just two months of debuting in Japan, Kara generated endorsement earnings totaling 2 billion won. Industry representatives noted their polished stage performances paired with an approachable off-stage persona.

On October 28, 2010, Kara was appointed as brand ambassadors for KDDI, one of Japan’s leading mobile carriers, reflecting their growing influence. Starting November 1, they spearheaded the "Au Santa Letter of Challenge" campaign, which engaged fans through giveaways and a "Challenge Live" Twitter account that granted access to an exclusive live event. Moreover, Japanese gaming company Rhaon Japan incorporated Kara as characters within their game TalesLand, accompanied by promotional animations and videos.

In 2010, Kara launched their own online fashion store named "Karaya," with members Gyuri, Hara, and Jiyoung serving as its representatives; this platform quickly rose to become the fourth most popular celebrity-owned online mall. By June 2011, LG Electronics selected Kara as Japanese commercial models for their LG "Optimus Bright" smartphone series; this coincided with the release of their Japanese single "Go Go Summer!", which was featured in advertisements across various media. Additionally, starting June 3, 2011, Park Gyuri, Goo Hara, and Kang Jiyoung became exclusive endorsers for Korean cosmetic brand Nature Republic.

On March 15, 2012, Kara unveiled collectible figure dolls inspired by their song "Mister," marking them as the first female group to launch a toy line based on themselves. These figures were produced by experts from Hot Toys and other international companies and made available in both South Korean and Japanese markets. On June 18, 2012, they introduced a luxury fragrance collection titled "K5J" ("Kara 5 Jewel"), developed collaboratively with the members and created in Paris alongside lifestyle brand 3CY; this line was distributed through approximately 1,200 retail outlets across Japan. Later that year on August 29, DSP announced Kara’s designation as ambassadors for K-Food promotion by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries along with aT Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation; this initiative aimed at expanding awareness in China, Japan, and Southeast Asian markets.

Solo endeavors

On January 16, 2012, it was revealed that every member would unveil individual projects for their concerts held in February. During the Karasia tour, the performances included Park Gyuri's "Daydream," Han Seung-yeon's "Guilty," Jung Nicole's "Lost" featuring 2AM's Jinwoon, Goo Hara's "Secret Love," and Kang Jiyoung's "Wanna Do." These tracks were released separately between August 22 and 26, with video previews made available on August 31, 2012. Music videos for "Daydream" and "Secret Love" premiered on September 1, followed by releases for "Lost" and "Wanna Do" on September 3, and "Guilty" on September 4. All of these songs were later compiled into the album Kara Collection. In July 2015, Hara pioneered a solo career launch with her EP titled Alohara (Can You Feel It?).

Contract termination request

On January 19, 2011, legal representation for four out of five Kara members announced their immediate contract cancellation with DSP Entertainment and initiated a lawsuit. The group's leader, Park Gyuri, chose to remain affiliated with the agency. The attorney accused the company of consistently ignoring requests and imposing tasks unilaterally, with preparations for legal proceedings having been underway for two months. Later that same day, Goo Hara withdrew from the lawsuit and re-signed with DSP Entertainment, stating she was uninformed about the lawsuit’s specifics. DSP Entertainment refuted all allegations, expressing a commitment to swiftly resolve any issues and confirming that each member had received ₩300 million as compensation for their activities.

The lawyer representing the three remaining members cited misinformation regarding Japanese promotional activities and indicated that relations deteriorated following CEO Lee Ho-yeon's hospitalization in March 2010. On April 28, 2011, DSP Entertainment and Kara’s trio—Han Seung-yeon, Nicole Jung, and Kang Ji-young—reached an agreement to settle their conflict.

Members

Current members

• Gyuri () (2007–2016, 2022–present)
• Seungyeon () (2007–2016, 2022–present)
• Nicole () (2007–2014, 2022–present)
• Jiyoung () (2008–2014, 2022–present)
• Youngji () (2014–2016, 2022–present)

Former members

• Sunghee () (2007–2008)
• Hara () (2008–2016; deceased 2019)

Discography

Korean studio albums

• The First Bloooooming (2007)
• Revolution (2009)
• Step (2011)
• Full Bloom (2013)

Japanese studio albums

• Girl's Talk (2010)
• Super Girl (2011)
• Girls Forever (2012)
• Fantastic Girls (2013)
• Girls Story (2015)

Tours

• Karasia
  • First Japan Tour (2012–13)
  • Second Japan Tour (2013)
  • Third Japan Tour (2014)
  • Fourth Japan Tour (2015)
  • Fifth Japan Tour (2024)
  • Sixth Japan Tour: Magical World (2025)
  • Phoenix Tour (2025)

See also

• Girl group
• List of best-selling girl groups