KARA's Hur Young-ji leaves DSP Media

Girl group KARA’s Hur Young-ji ended her 10-year journey with her agency DSP Media, the agency said Thursday.

KARA's Hur Young-ji poses for the camera during a press showcase for her first solo physical single ″Toi Toi Toi″ held at the Shinhan pLay Live Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul on Sept. 12, 2023, ahead of the single release [DSP MEDIA, RBW]

Girl group KARA’s Hur Young-ji ended her 10-year journey with her agency DSP Media, the agency said Thursday.

“The exclusive contract with Hur, who has been with us for the past 10 years with unwavering trust, has come to an end,” the agency said in a press release.

“We sincerely thank Hur for delivering positive energy both on and off the stage as an artist under DSP Media, and we will continue to support her future activities. We also kindly ask you to continue the love and interest toward Hur as she embarks on her new chapter.”

Hur debuted as a member of KARA in 2014 under DSP media after winning the “KARA Project” (2014), an audition program to recruit a new member for the group.

The singer also released her first solo single “Toi Toi Toi” in September last year.

KARA returned as a group in 2022 with the album “Move Again” to celebrate its 15th anniversary since its debut in 2007. The album was its first in seven years since its seventh EP “In Love,” released in May 2015.

The group recently released its digital single “I Do I Do” on July 24, with two tracks — the title track and the B-side track “Hello.” The track “Hello” included the voice of late singer Koo Ha-ra, who died in 2019.

The group is best known for hits “Pretty Girl” (2008), “Honey” (2008), “Mr.” (2009), “Step” (2011) and “Pandora” (2012). Its megahit “Mr.” was a major contributor to the rise of K-pop and Hallyu in Japan, leading Kara to become the first Korean girl group to host a solo concert at the Tokyo Dome.

To find out more about Hur Young-ji, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]