This week in K-pop saw heartbreak for fans of some of Korea's most popular acts.
DSP Media Announces End of KARA
The female K-pop quintet disbanded earlier this week, following the end of the contracts of three members. Goo Hara, Park Gyuri, and Han Seungyeon did not renew their relationship with DSP Media, and the day that the contracts expired, the company announced the end of the era. Remaining member, Heo Youngji, will remain under the agency to pursue a solo career while the three other KARA members move onto new paths.
At their height, KARA was responsible for many hits in South Korea, including "Mister" and "Lupin," and were immensely popular in Japan.
TWICE's Tzuyu Apologizes For Alleged Support of Taiwanese Independence
Chou Tzuyu, a member of JYP Entertainment's girl group TWICE, apologized on Friday for her alleged support of Taiwan's independence. The video message followed day's of outrage from China, after Tzuyu's loyalty to the People's Republic of China was questioned. Preceding Tzuyu's video apology, JYP Entertainment issued a statement supporting a one-state China.
The 16-year-old came under fire after she was scene waiving a Taiwanese flag in a photoshoot, and due to her official profile stating her nationality as "Taiwanese" rather than "Chinese."
Taiwan (Republic of China) is recognized by many international bodies, including the UN, as being represented by China (People's Republic of China.)
XIA Junsu Absent From Award Ceremony
JYJ's Kim Junsu received the top Popularity Award at the government-sponsored 25th Seoul Music Awards after weeks of voting by fans, however was absent from the ceremony. After allegations were raised regarding Junsu's former agency, SM Entertainment, Seoul's Mayor announced that the government is looking into the reasoning for Junsu's reportedly unjust blacklist from the event.
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Tamar Herman is a multi-media journalist and the co-founder of KultScene. She is a freelance writer and copy editor, and has written for MTV Iggy, Noisey, and Paste Magazine.
