Popular K-pop starlet Kang Ji-young of KARA will be leaving the group, following fellow member Nicole’s departure confirmed just a day before, according to a statement issued by her agency, DSP Media, on Wednesday.

Kang, whose contract with DSP Media ends in April, has previously mentioned that she may leave the group in order to study abroad.

DSP Media announced on Tuesday that only Nicole was leaving KARA as her contract expired on Jan. 16, but that Kang was still considering her options regarding her contract renewal.

Kang has now confirmed the rumors about her departure by delivering a final notice to her agency saying she would not be renewing her contract in order to “focus on her studies and acting career,” said DSP Media.

Even without the two members, KARA will continue its activities as a group with remaining members Park Gyu-ri, Han Seung-yeon and Gu Ha-ra starting from April, said the agency.

KARA, which debuted in 2007, has enjoyed high popularity not only in Korea but particularly in Japan, where the group has emerged as K-pop icons. They regularly hit the top of major Japanese music charts and have held several sold-out tours.

The departure of yet another KARA member is expected to cause a stir among fans both at home and abroad.

By Sohn Ji-young
(jiyoung.sohn@heraldcorp.com)