The girl group Kara is set to make a comeback with new music in July for the first time in a year and eight months, their agency RBW announced on Tuesday.

Kara last released an album, ‘Move Again’, in November 2022 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut. Lead track “When I Move” received positive reviews from the public and the group’s fans.

The group is best known for the hits ‘Pretty Girl’ in 2008, ‘Honey’ in 2008, ‘Mr.’ in 2009, ‘Step’ in 2011 and ‘Pandora’ in 2012. Their megahit “Mr.” was instrumental in the rise of K-pop and Hallyu, or Korean pop culture, in Japan, and led to Kara becoming the first Korean girl group to perform a solo concert at the Tokyo Dome.

[Profile] The History Of Kara. All you need to know

KARA, a pioneering second-generation K-pop girl group, is making a highly anticipated comeback to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Here’s a brief history of their journey:

Formation and Early Years (2007-2008)

  • KARA was formed by DSP Media in 2007 with the original members Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, and Sunghee.1
  • Their debut album “The First Blooming” failed to gain traction, and Sunghee left the group in 2008 due to parental pressure.1
  • Hara and Jiyoung joined as new members, and KARA’s image shifted to a “pretty but natural” concept with their mini-album “Rock U.”1

Rise to Stardom (2009-2011)

  • KARA achieved their first music show win with “Honey” in 2009, and the “butt dance” choreography of “Mister” further increased their popularity.1
  • Subsequent singles like “Lupin,” “Jumping,” “Step,” and “Pandora” were major hits, cementing their status as top girl groups.1
  • In 2010, KARA ventured into the Japanese market, becoming one of the fastest-selling South Korean acts there.
  • Their single “Jet Coaster Love” topped the Japanese charts in 2011, a rare feat for a foreign female group.

Lineup Changes and Disbandment (2014-2016)

  • In 2014, Nicole and Jiyoung left the group after their contracts expired, leaving KARA as a trio with Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Youngji (who joined in 2014).
  • KARA officially disbanded in 2016 after releasing their final single “Cupid” in 2015.1

15th Anniversary Reunion (2022-present)

  • In a surprising move, all five members (Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, Jiyoung, and Youngji) reunited in 2022 to celebrate KARA’s 15th anniversary.
  • They released a special anniversary album titled “Move Again” in November 2022, featuring the lead single “When I Move” as a tribute to late member Goo Hara.
  • KARA performed at the 2022 MAMA Awards in Japan, showcasing their iconic hits and the new single.

KARA’s comeback marks a significant milestone for the legendary group, who paved the way for girl groups in both South Korea and Japan during their prime and their influence and impact on K-pop continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

KARA (카라) ‘WHEN I MOVE’ Official MV

From The Kpoppie Newsroom

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