generasia:Featured article for 2014 week 35
KARA
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 became well 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.
In October, it was anounced that Nicole will depart from the group. She left the group in January 16, 2014, when her contract with DSP expired. Following Nicole's departure, Ji Young also stated she will not renew her contract, which expired in April 5, 2014. They added a new member through the reality show KARA Project in July 1st, Young Ji.
KARA's newest single "Mamma Mia!" will be released this week on August 27, 2014.
