ARTICLE
From the butt-shakin' hit "Mister" to the psychedelic tunes of "Step", Korean girl group KARA has come a long way to attain their global standing in K-Pop-dom today. One of the most successful Korean imports to Japan, the five-member group (Park Gyuri, Han Seungyeong, Nicole Jung, Goo Hara and Kang Jiyoung) catapulted to instant stardom with their hip-swaying dance moves and mild-mannered ways.
While they have chalked up numerous chart-topping Oricon hits and No.1 bestsellers, before they became a household name in Japan, the group had more lows than highs in the course of their idol careers. They had a lacklustre debut, underwent a reformation with two new members -- when ex-lead singer Kim Sunghee left the group -- and got embroiled in a legal lawsuit over contractual dispute, which was eventually amicably resolved out of court in 2011.
Nervous and excited to be meeting their Singaporeans fans for the first time this July during the launch of their first signature fragrance K5J (Kara 5 Jewel) at their KARA showcase, the members could hardly contain their excitement in an e-mail interview with xinmsn.
Apart from expressing their gratitude towards fans in light of their historical milestone - the launch of their signature fragrance - the girls also spoke of their most memorable fan encounter with a visually handicapped fan during the KARASIA Japan tour.
What kind of fans attracts KARA's attention during their showcase and what should you do to stand out? Read on for more!
xinmsn: How do you cope with your global popularity? Does it surprise you when you travel to a new place and see tons of fans?
KARA: Each member has their own Twitter account. As we check Twitter, numerous fans from different countries cheer us up all the time. We are always surprised by fans who come to the airport and greet us - we feel like we've got the whole world right beside us.
xinmsn: What is one of the most memorable fan encounters you guys had?
KARA: We remember one couple who is around 50 years old, whom we met in Yokohama during the KARASIA Japan tour. This husband took his visually-handicapped wife to attend KARASIA and she said, 'I couldn't see [your concert] but I feel your concert. I felt very happy, thanks for your hard work.' When we read this article the next day, we decided to work even harder for the fans who love us.
xinmsn: If you had more time in Singapore, where would you like to visit?
KARA: We want to travel everywhere in Singapore! We heard the Dolphin Show is very impressive and we especially want to visit Sentosa Island. We heard the water is so clean and beautiful. As a matter of fact, we want to visit everywhere we possibly can visit.
xinmsn: Amongst the five of you, which member takes the longest to get ready?
KARA: As we are always wearing full makeup while we are on stage, we prefer to not wear too much makeup when we are in our casual attire. All of us do not take too much time to prepare before we go out but Ji-young loves to sleep, so sometimes, she comes out just a little later than the other members.
xinmsn: What kind of fans would capture your attention in the audience?
KARA: Fans who are dancing and singing with us while we are on stage!! Come and enjoy with us 200%!
K5J By KARA Showcase 2012 is organised by MediaCorp VizPro International Pte Ltd in partnership with Three Cups Yard LLP. xinmsn is proud to be the official online media of K5J By KARA Showcase 2012. Stay tuned to xinmsn for more updates and details!
Package sales to K5J showcase begins today (June 14). There will be two types of packages to KARA's showcase for sale. Fans who purchase a KARA 'K5J' Diamond Class pass at S$151 will receive a KARA mystery gift and one diamond entry pass to zone A; fans who purchase a KARA 'K5J' Sapphire Class pass at $101 will receive a KARA mystery gift and one sapphire entry pass to zone B.
Catch K5J by KARA Showcase 2012 on July 10, Tuesday, 7pm at Festive Grand Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa.
Catch KARA at an autograph session on July 9, Monday, 7pm, Causeway Point.
Source: xinmsn