”This album is different (from previous ones) in that a lot of our thoughts and opinions were reflected in it, from choreography to the overall concept. Which is why we feel more attached to it,” said Eunjung during a showcase for the EP in Seoul.

”What’s My Name” is a standard up-tempo dance number with a hint of tropical house, written by producer and songwriter Brave Brothers.

The showcase also marked an opportunity for the four members to demonstrate solo stages. Each song had a unique style: “Real Love” by Eunjung showed off a funky electronic piano riff while “Ooh La La” by Hyomin was an upbeat dance number.”

Qri’s “Diamond” used the synthesizer sound to, as she put it, “create a sort of mysterious vibe” while the choreography for Jiyeon’s “Lullaby” was inspired by a feedback from the fans.

Another song that stands out is “20090729,” which has a personal significance to the band -- it indicates the date of T-ara’s debut eight years ago on July 29, 2009. 

The latest EP almost never came to be, as the group nearly disbanded last month due to a bumpy re-signing process.

Four current members agreed to remain as a group until the end of this year, but Soyeon and Boram did not re-sign.

“It’s regrettable that things turned out the way it did. Be that as it may, (the re-signing) is a matter of choice and we just wish the best for Boram and Soyeon. Just as they did for us,” said Hyomin.

Jiyeon said the members feel attached to the group that they have spent nearly eight years together.

”I think people tend to remember our troubles more, but we did receive so much love,” she said.

Such troubles have included a bullying controversy in 2012 that hit its popularity hard, and ended with Ryu Hwa-young leaving the band. A recent internet post by a self-proclaimed former staff member of T-ara, however, pinned the blame on Ryu.

The bandmates did not definitively say whether December will be the end of T-ara.

”So much time has passed, and I am cautious about addressing the issue,” said Eunjung.

”A lot has happened in the past eight, nine years, but we’ve felt like we don’t want it to end. ... We did learn a lot, and we feel so attached. We don’t yet want to let it go,” said Qri.


By Yoon Min-sik
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)