KARA on performing at Japan’s ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’

On November 30th, KARA‘s Nicole, Goo Hara, and Park Gyuri attended a press conference for the upcoming ‘62nd Kohaku Uta Gassen‘ in Japan.

The ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’ is the most highly-anticipated music event of the year, as it gathers and divides Japan’s top artists into two teams, who then face off in a singing battle. KARA expressed, “We’re happy that this will be our first time performing [at the Kohaku Uta Gassen]. We first heard the news through the phone while we were working, and we were so surprised.”

They continued, “It’s been a dream [of ours] to perform at the ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’, ever since we debuted as singers in Japan. We will work together as five and try our best to prepare for our performance.”

Moreover, Goo Hara added, “This year has been a happy one. I hope that many people in Japan will listen to KARA’s music and gain strength.”

The ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’ is hosted by TV network NHK, and will be held at the Shibuya NHK Hall on December 31st. TVXQ, SNSD and KARA will be performing at the event this year.

Source + Photo: My Daily via Naver

KARA films a new ‘Family Mart’ CF in Japan

On November 29th, Fuji TV‘s ‘Sukkiri‘ shared KARA‘s new Japanese CF for chicken brand Family Mart.

The girls captured viewers’ hearts with an endearing ‘chicken dance’, especially when the girls adorably flap their arms like wings.

The girls reportedly showcased their fluent Japanese language skills by conversing with the staff members, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere on set.

In related news, KARA recently attended the ‘Best Hits Music Festival‘, and have plans to attend the upcoming ‘FNS Music Festival‘ as well.

Source & Image : enews24 via Nate

Which female idols would be most fearless of a ghost?

As part of its promotions, the homepage for the recent movie ‘Chilling Romance‘ posted an unusual poll this week, asking the question, “Which female idol would be least afraid of ghosts, even if they came every day?”

Wonder Girls‘ calm and collected Sohee topped the rankings with 42% of the votes. Following Sohee was SNSD‘s “Ice Queen” Jessica with 26%, KARA‘s Goo Hara with 15%, and T-ara‘s Jiyeon with 14%.

The film ‘Chilling Romance’ is a romantic comedy starring Sohn Ye Jin and Lee Min Ki. The romantic comedy tells a story of Yeori (Sohn Ye Jin), who sees ghosts after nearly dying, and Jogoo (Lee Min Ki), a magician, teaming up with Yeori.

Source: OSEN via Nate

TVXQ, KARA & SNSD confirmed for Japan’s “Red and White Singing Battle”

SNSD, KARA and TVXQ have been confirmed for this year’s NHK‘s “Red and White Singing Battle” (Kōhaku Uta Gassen).

Japan’s Sankei Sports and other newspapers reported that SNSD and KARA will join the list of attendees for the first time and TVXQ will be attending for the group’s third time in a row.

This is an annual event held in Japan. At this event, fifty singers and groups come on, split up into the Red team and the White team and sing their heart out.

Sankei Sports said, “It was already big news that Korean stars Jang Geuk Suk, Supernova, 2PM andSHINee would be performing at the event, [so it's exciting that] SNSD, KARA and TVXQ have been confirmed as well.”

Source: OSEN

KARA’s Jiyoung confirmed for female lead role in upcoming drama, “Rainbow Rose”

In late October, DSP Media had announced that that KARA‘s Jiyoung was a prospective candidate for the female lead role of a drama. Her agency recently came forth to confirm that the group’s youngest member will indeed be the female lead of the upcoming Korean-Japanese drama, “Rainbow Rose“. On November 29th, DSP Media revealed, “Kang Ji Young has been confirmed for the female lead of ‘Rainbow Rose’. She is currently in Korea filming for the drama.” “She’s been filming since the beginning of November, but we only announced the official news now because at the time, the production staff were still in the midst of confirming the cast list,” they said. “Rainbow Rose” is a youthful melodrama and is scheduled to air its pilot episode in April of next year. It was reported that Kang Ji Young was chosen for the role due to her rising popularity through KARA’s promotions in Japan. DSP Media stated, “As there are still things we need to discuss with the producers, it’s difficult for us to give concrete details at this time.” Source: Star News via Naver

KARA’s ‘Super Girl’ records 360,000 in pre-order sales

On November 22nd, DSP Media announced that KARA has drawn 360,000 pre-order sales for their second Japanese album, ‘Super Girl‘.

The agency stated, “Their Japanese debut album, ‘Girl’s Talk‘ — which was released last December — has exceeded the 500,000 album sales mark on November 18th. Additionally, KARA’s second Japanese album (which will be released on the 23rd) has already reached 360,000 in pre-order sales as of the 21st.”

KARA’s ‘Girl’s Talk’ received the Gold Disk award by selling over 100,000 copies during its first week, and additional orders are still coming in even though it’s been nearly a year since its release. Their upcoming album, ‘Super Girl’, will include hit songs like “Jet Coaster Love“, “Go Go Summer!“, and “Winter Magic” along with Japanese versions of their popular Korean tracks.

In related news, the KARA members are currently busy with individual activities, and are preparing for their upcoming album promotions in both Korea and Japan.

Congratulations to KARA!

Source: OSEN

KARA’s ‘Super Girl’ album ranks #1 on iTunes Japan

KARA‘s new Japanese album ‘Super Girl‘ was ranked as the top downloaded album on iTunes Japan.

Prior to the official physical album release on the 23rd, the girls dropped the digital album via iTuneson November 16th. ‘Super Girl’ immediately became the #1 most downloaded album on iTunes, proving KARA’s explosive popularity in Japan.

Tracks on the new album include “Jet Coaster Love“, “Go Go Summer“, “Winter Magic“, as well as three bonus tracks, “Mister“, “Jumping“, and “Step“.

KARA released their first full-length album ‘Girls Talk‘ last December, and it sold over 400,000 copies worldwide. The success of “Mister” carried over to their second album, and their third album is expected to be met with a similar reaction from fans.

Their management stated, “The album will be released in three different versions. The different versions will contain a behind-the-scenes DVD as well as pictorials from their photo shoot along with the tracks themselves, revealing the different appeals to the KARA members. Please show them your support.”

Their second physical Japanese full-length album will be unleashed on the 23rd.

Source & Image: Dispatch

KARA receives VIP Head of State treatment in Japan

Korean girl group KARA was featured on an episode of Gansia TV’s Adventure Tutorial in Japan that recently aired on the 12th.

The ‘KARA Special’ episode aired for one hour, and the girls were given the VIP Head of State treatment upon their arrival.

The head producer, the production manager and the broadcast producer all personally stood outside the building awaiting KARA’s arrival as did the executives and program staff members.

The girls who arrived in a white stretch limo were greeted with a band playing a cover of their song “Mister“, pleasantly surprising them.

A red carpet was also laid out for the girls, a gesture made for only the most elite high politicians.

Korean and Japanese netizens alike were shocked by the VIP treatment KARA received. On Japanese community site 2CH, netizens wrote, “This is the best VIP treatment“, “I think KARA is the first to receive such high treatment“, “The KARA girls are Japan’s top idols“, “This is so different from how they were treated just a year ago. The girls are huge stars in Japan“, and “This is the first time they aired an hour-long broadcast of a celebrity since Michael Jackson’s death“.

NHK of Japan will also be airing a 50-minute episode ‘MJ presents KARA‘ on the 16th, reviewing the girls’ biggest hits.

Source & Image(s) : SportsChosun via Nate + Star News