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KARA

Revision as of 19:34, 30 March 2013 by Pizca (talk | contribs) (Compilation Albums)
KARA promoting "Bye Bye Happy Days!" (2013). L to R: Ji Young, Nicole, Gyuri, Seung Yeon, Hara

KARA (카라) is a Korean pop girl group formed by DSP Entertainment. They were originally a four member group where they were marketed as the second Fin.K.L, however Kim Sung Hee withdrew from the group and was replaced with Ji Young and Hara. They are best known for the "butt dance", which was a part of their "Mister" choreography, and their hit songs "Honey" and "Pretty Girl". In 2010 they changed to a darker concept with their hit song "Lupin". In Japan, they are signed under Universal Music.

On January 2011, it was stated that four KARA members (all minus Gyuri) filled a lawsuit to terminate their exclusive contracts with DSP Entertainment. However, it was later revealed that Hara decided not to join Seung Yeon, Nicole and Ji Young in terminating her contract. Due the conflict DSP Entertainment suspended any Korean group activities as they declared they will no longer be managing the three members. On the following days reports about the five members and DSP Entertainment meetings surfaced, however the company has not yet released an official statement about a possible agreement.

Members

Former Member

Information

Debut

KARA debuted as a 4 member girl group marketed as the 2nd Fin.K.L by DSP Entertainment. Their first full length studio album titled The First Bloooooming was released on March 29, 2007, and the third track from their album "Break It" became the lead single. In the MV for "Break It", each member of KARA was referenced as a specific member of Fin.K.L: Kim Sung Hee as Lee Hyori, Nicole as Lee Jin, Gyuri as Ock Ju Hyun and Seung Yeon as Sung Yu Ri. After "Break It", KARA released their 2nd single from the album "Mame Deulmyeon", then released "Secret World" for the 3rd single. The First Bloooooming was met with modest success, and promotions ended in July of 2007.

After The First Bloooooming, KARA entered an extensive period of recording and preparing for their next release. It was announced that KARA was scheduled to make their comeback in March 2008, however on February 28, 2008, news broke of Sung Hee's sudden departure from the group. Subsequent days after the shocking news, further information was revealed that Sung Hee broke a pact with her father. In order to be in KARA, Sung Hee promised her father that she would be able to balance her school work and being in the group. Yet when she failed her University Enterance Exams, her father pulled her from the group and blocked any further participation with KARA.

1st Mini Album

In March 2008, DSP Entertainment announced that online auditions would be held to find 2 new members for the group, 6,000 participants from all over the world took part in the auditions. After a couple of months, it was announced that Hara and Ji Young were chosen. On July 24, 2008, KARA released their 1st mini album titled 1st Mini Album and used "Rock U" as the lead single. "Rock U" harbored a noticeably different musical and image change for KARA. Previously, KARA's image and musical direction was R&B like their counter part Fin.K.L. However, the image and musical direction for "Rock U" was cute, sweet, and playful; typically found in K-pop Idol girls groups. "Rock U" was a major divergence from KARA's previous title as the 2nd Fin.K.L by DSP Entertainment. However, "Rock U" was a minor hit for them. Sequentially, they digitally released "GOODDAY Season 2", a continuation of the song "Good Day" from their mini album.

Pretty Girl & Pretty Girl (Special Edition)

On November 28, 2008 DSP Entertainment released a teaser video for KARA's MV "Pretty Girl"; the lead single for Kara's 2nd mini album of the same name. The teaser video accumulated over 40,000 hits within 12 hours, until it was officially released on December 2, 2008 online to rave reviews. The mini-album continued with KARA's newly formed cute image from "Rock U". DSP Entertainment said they went with a party concept for the album, and Pretty Girl was released December 4, 2008. KARA began promotions for the mini album on the release date, and performed the title song "Pretty Girl" on KBS Music Bank. Pretty Girl was repackaged into a "Special Edition" 3rd mini album titled Pretty Girl (Special Edition). DSP Entertainment let fans decide which song from the mini album would be the lead single for it. Fans voted on KARA's Official Website and chose "Honey" as the lead single. KARA received their first award with "Honey" on M!net Countdown. They received their second award, a "Mutizen", on the SBS program.

Rise In Popularity & Revolution

KARA received more exposure from the success of "Pretty Girl" and "Honey". Nicole joined Star Golden Bell on December 20, 2008. The group became VJs for MTV Korea; hosting a J-Pop show called J-Pop Wave. In March, KARA was chosen to host the 4th Season of Idol Show. Then KARA had their first reality show on MTV Korea called MTV Meta Friends.

On June 4, 2009, KARA digitally released "Ttok Gateun Mam", a song included on their "iMusician" digital single which was used for the i-Musician mobile game they sponsored. DSP Entertainment announced that KARA would release their 2nd full length studio album in mid July. Kara lost 3-5 kg in order to fit the new sexy and mature image needed for their album. The release date was postponed and Revolution was released on July 30, 2009. "Wanna" became the lead single for Revolution and charted high very quickly on various digital charts. KARA performed "Wanna" and "Mister" to promote Revolution. "Mister" quickly became popular among the public due to a certain part of the choreography nicknamed the "butt dance". "Wanna" awarded Kara the "Mutizen" on the SBS program.

KARA ended promotions for Revolution on October 18, 2009 with "Mister".

Trivia

  • Official Balloon Color: Pearl Peach
  • Official Fanclub: Kamilia (카밀리아)

Korean Discography

KARA promoting The First Bloooooming (2007)
KARA promoting Pretty Girl (2008)
KARA promoting Revolution (2009)
KARA promoting Jumping (2010)
KARA promoting STEP (2011)
KARA promoting Pandora (2012)

Albums

Mini Albums

Digital Singles

Collaboration / Other

Japanese Discography

Albums

Mini Albums

Best Albums

Singles

Digital Singles

Video Releases

Box Set

Other DVDs

Taiwan Discography

Best Albums

Filmography

Television

Commercials

Korea
  • [2007] Remona Vitamins
  • [2008] Tales Weaver
  • [2008] Reebok
  • [2009] Ecorre Cosmetics
  • [2009] I-Musician
  • [2009] COB Chicken
  • [2009] Ottogi Cup Ramen
  • [2009] Lesmore
  • [2009] Yorijori
  • [2009] Pizza etang
  • [2009] D'maris
  • [2009] Puma
  • [2009] Crown Bakery
  • [2009] Samsung 4Tomorrow
  • [2009] Fashion Warner Brothers' Tweetie
  • [2009] Game Cafe
  • [2009] Freestyle Cat
  • [2009] Tales Runner
  • [2010] ASK
  • [2010] Lotte Pepero
  • [2010] Samsung Pavv
  • [2010] Mistine BB
  • [2010] Vocamaster
  • [2011] Puzzle Bubble Online
  • [2011] KIA Motors Pride
  • [2011] Nature Republic
  • [2011] Mango Six
  • [2011] Swarovski
  • [2011] Snickers
  • [2011] Unionbay
  • [2012] KAPPA
  • [2012] Anna Sui
  • [2012] Lote Soju
  • [2013] K-FOOD
  • [2013] K-swiss
Japan
  • [2010] BearPaw
  • [2011] TBC Kara Beautiful
  • [2011] Chocolate Milk 'SOS'
  • [2011] Dariya Palty 'Girls Be Ambitious'
  • [2011] Red Vinagret Drink Honcho
  • [2011] TBC Let's To the Go
  • [2011] LG Optimus Bright
  • [2011] 'BODY' Beauty
  • [2011] Family Mart - Kara Christimas
  • [2011] TBC MEN's
  • [2012] Red Vinagret Drink Honcho
  • [2012] Dariya Palty 'Girls Power'
  • [2012] Rotho C-Cube
  • [2012] SoyCarat 'Speed Up'
  • [2012] Family Mart
  • [2012] LIVEDAM - Furikara
  • [2012] SoyCarat
  • [2013] Shu Uemura
  • [2013] CuviLady

Publications

Photobooks

KARA Book about beauty KARA photobook in Paris KARA photobook about KARASIA KARA photobook special

  • [2011.10.12] KARA's All about Beauty
  • [2012.02.14] Je t'aime KARA
  • [2012.03.28] KARASIA Program Book
  • [2012.12.20] KARA STEP IT UP Special Photobook

Books

KARA Memoirs "KARA Information Record" Pocket KARA Book about power of KARA & SNSD Book about KARA & SNSD

  • [2011.02.25] KARA Memoirs
  • [2011.02.25] Pocket KARA
  • [2011.05.20] Power of Korea KARA & Girl's Generation
  • [2011.09.07] Girl's Generation & KARA Secret We♥Kpop Girls

Calendar

  • [2009.12.08] KARAdise 2010 Official Calendar
  • [2010.11.18] KARA Fairy Tales 2011 Official Calendar
  • [2011.11.26] KARA 2012 Official Calendar
  • [2011.09.11] KARA Special History 2012 Official Calendar
  • [2011.12.23] KARA in Paris 2012 Official Calendar
  • [2012.11.05] KARA 2013 Official Calendar

Awards

Kamilias in various KARA' events
  • [2007] Ministry of Culture and Tourism Award "Rookie of the Month" - The First Bloooooming
  • [2007] Cyworld Digital Award July '07 "Rookie of the Month" - "Mame Deulmyeon"
  • [2009] Mnet Asian Music Awards "Best Dance Award"
  • [2009] MelOn Music Awards "2009 Top 10"
  • [2009] Cyworld Digital Music Award - "Bonsang"
  • [2009] Asia Song Festival: "Asian Best Group"
  • [2010] 16th Korean Entertainment Arts Award "Best Female Artist"
  • [2010] Asia Song Festival: "Asian Best Group"
  • [2010] 19th Seoul Music Awards "Bonsang Award"
  • [2010] 52nd Japan Record Awards "Best Project"
  • [2011] Hallyu Award: Honorary Award
  • [2011] World Music Awards: "Best Selling Asian Artist", "Best Female Group Asian"
  • [2011] MTV Asia Music Awards: Album of the Year - "Jet Coaster Love"
  • [2011] Recochoku Award (March): "Jet Coaster Love"
  • [2011] 5th Mnet 20's Choice Awards: "Hot Korean Wave Star"
  • [2011] Japanese Record Association: "Foreign Female Artists"
  • [2011] MTV Asia: Song of the Year - "GO GO Summer!"
  • [2011] MTV Asia: Album of the Year - Super Girl
  • [2011] MTV Asia: Music of the Month - "GO GO Summer!"
  • [2011] Japan Award: Platinum Award
  • [2011] 2nd Korea International Award: "International Artist of the Year", "Top 5 International Artists", "Best Jpop Artist", "Top 5 J-Pop Artists", "Best K-Pop Music", "Top 5 K-Pop Music", "Best Female Group", "Top 5 Female Groups", "Most Popular"
  • [2011] 25th Japan Gold Disc Award "New Artist of the Year (International)"
  • [2011] 25th Japan Gold Disc Award "The Best 3 New Artists (International)"
  • [2011] Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism "Content Industry Award" (Special Honor)
  • [2011] Japanese Record Association: "Best Artist"
  • [2011] TOKIO HOT 100 AWARD "Best New Artists"
  • [2011] Mnet 20's Choice Awards "Hot Korean Wave Star"
  • [2011] Recochoku Award (July): "GO GO Summer!"
  • [2011] Recochoku Award (September): "STEP"
  • [2011] K-pop Lovers! Awards 2011: Album of the Year Super Girl
  • [2011] Japan Fashion Association 2011: "Best Dressed (International)"
  • [2011] 53rd Japan Record Awards: Excellence Award for "GO GO Summer!"
  • [2011] Recochoku Award (November): "Winter Magic (X'mas Ver.)"
  • [2011] Asia Song Festival: "Asian Best Group"
  • [2012] 26th Golden Disk Awards: "Disk Bonsang", "Best Hallyu Star Award"
  • [2012] 21th Seoul Music Awards: "Bonsang Award", "Hallyu Special Award"
  • [2012] 26th Japan Gold Disc Award: "Best Asian Artist", "Best 3 Albums" (Girl's Talk), "Song of the Year by Download" ("Jumping"), "Best 5 Song by Download" ("Jumping") "Best Music Videos" (KARA BEST CLIPS)
  • [2012] Recochoku Award (March): "Speed Up / Girls Power"
  • [2012] 7th Asia Model Awards Ceremony: "Asia Star Award"
  • [2012] Korea Mobile Awards 2011: Kara’s Journey Through Japanese App "Korea Communications Commission Award" (Grand Prize)
  • [2012] GCS International Grand Award
  • [2012] Recochoku Award (May): "STEP (Japanese ver.)"
  • [2012] Japan MAMA Asian Chart - "Speed Up"
  • [2012] Stars Of Korean Tourism
  • [2012] SBS MTV Best of the Best: "Best Rival"
  • [2012] Mnet Asian Music Awards "Best Global Group - Female"
  • [2012] 24th Jewelry Best Dresser Award "Jewelry Best Dresser"
  • [2013] 27th Japan Gold Disc Award: "Best Asian Artist", "Best 3 Albums (Asian)" (Super Girl), "Album of the Year" (Super Girl)
  • [2013] 27th Golden Disk Awards: "Disk Bonsang", "Malaysia's Most Favorite Star Award"

TV Music Shows

Honey
  • [2009.03.05] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2009.03.08] SBS Inkigayo #1
  • [2009.03.12] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2009.03.19] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2009.03.26] Mnet M! Countdown #1
Wanna
  • [2009.08.30] SBS Inkigayo #1
Lupin
  • [2010.03.04] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2010.03.11] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2010.03.12] KBS Music Bank #1
  • [2010.03.14] SBS Inkigayo #1
  • [2010.03.19] KBS Music Bank #1
  • [2010.03.26] KBS Music Bank #1
  • [2010.06.05] KBS Music Bank #1
Jumping
  • [2010.12.10] KBS Music Bank #1
  • [2010.12.12] SBS Inkigayo #1
STEP
  • [2011.09.15] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2011.09.16] KBS Music Bank #1
  • [2011.09.22] Mnet M! Countdown #1
  • [2011.09.23] KBS Music Bank #1
  • [2011.09.25] SBS Inkigayo #1
Pandora
  • [2012.08.28] MBC Show Champion #1
  • [2012.09.07] KBS Music Bank #
  • [2012.09.13] Mnet M! Countdown #1

External Links