Kim Kwangsoo explains the decision on T-ara's future in Japan

[velvetsunglass.livejournal.com]

T-ara has been receiving endless love calls from popular music agencies in Japan, however, just like last year, T-ara has decided to take their Japanese advancement slowly.

But why?

On January 4th, Core Contents Media told Money Today Star News, “Ever since their popular hits “Bo Peep Bo Peep” and “I’m Going Crazy Because of You” last year, T-ara have been receiving endless calls from Japanese agencies. We filmed a Japanese CF together with Supernova last year, however, we’ve always made cautious decisions regarding advancements music-wise.”

As the Japanese market is currently favoring the successful advancement of girl groups SNSD & KARA, T-ara’s much more cautious approach on this matter have gotten both fans and other Korean agencies wondering on Core Content Media’s reasons behind this approach.

Kim Kwangsoo, CEO of Core Contents Media, explains, "T-ara has received alot of offers, and they are very big offers, too, from major japanese labels. We are in the final step of negotiations, but we are still extremely careful. The members are currently enjoying success as soloists and are very busy."

He continued, “This is why Eunjung, Jiyeon, Hyomin, Soyeon and Boram participated in acting, variety, and musical activities throughout last year. We will continue with that approach this year, and we feel this is strengthening the endurance of the members.”

Kim concluded, “Since we have more plans in mind after their various schedules, we have been taking the Japanese advancement into cautious consideration. However, as we are still receiving calls from Japanese agencies, we expect to share good news in the near future.”



January 3rd was the start of Eunjung's second major drama, "Dream High". She was previously cast in "Coffee House" as the lead actress, and has also been cast the lead role in the movie "White", which is set to be released early this year.

Boram's debut in the musical world happened recently, through the musical "I Really Really Like You" with her father Jeon Youngrok.

Jiyeon who made her movie debut in 'Death Bell 2' last year was also cast in the dramas 'Jungle Fish 2' and 'God of Study', in which people praised her for portraying her characters well.

Hyomin is a regular member of 'Invincible Youth' and was also cast in 'My Girlfriend is a Gumiho' last year.

Soyeon, who has been more active on variety shows, accepted a movie role last year. The release date of the movie is still yet to be revealed.

Qri was also cast in the special KBS drama "South Korean Trader Kim Cheol-Soo". Kim Kwangsoo revealed that Qri along with Hwayoung have also received movie roles, but have yet to decide on them.



Finally Kim Kwangsoo ended the interview saying "We are not in a rush and will never rush T-ara's entrance to the japanese market. We are just more on building a solid identity of T-ara more."

Star News
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ALLKPOP

Comments

[unreal.livejournal.com]

Wise decision.

[girlknees.livejournal.com]

one on hand, i welcome all groups coming to japan cause at least then i get a chance to see them live.

on the other hand, dnw bo beep in japanse so, good desicion CCM

(if anything, send me DAVICHI.)

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

LOL good plan. Do these girls actually want to do music these days anyway? Seems to me like they're way to busy acting. /stays bitter/

[funkaliciousss.livejournal.com]

but they still have the best discography of any girl group today.

[fuuism.livejournal.com]

Yep!

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't call them the best, but they are without a doubt at the top. Absolute First Album is nothing short of amazing. It's nice that the girls get to do what they like and everything, but as their mini album was a complete mess imo, I'd rather see them focus on releasing new music that can live up to AFA.

[jonghyunf.livejournal.com]

their latest mini was hardly a mess

[ghost-whisper.livejournal.com]

imo, this is GREAT NEWS.
For one thing, I totally agree that it's a good idea to build Tara's "identity" in Korea more. They are starting to get more of a fanbase with Bo Peep and I Go Crazy especially, and now is the time to solidify it and expand it - not run off to Japan just as the public is starting to get to know them! It's a pity so many other *brand new groups* left Korea right after debuting... that's no way to build a fanbase - which is the heart and soul of how *idol* music works.

Morever, I question how succesfull all the groups going to Japan will be. Not only will they have to compete with the Japanese market, but they'll have to compete with each other - because lots of Japanese people will just say "oh, another Korean group? how are they different?" unless they bring something truly unique/solid. And while I'm sure there are Hallyu fans in Korea who will buy albums simply on the basis of a new Korean group coming over, I'm sure there's gonna be lots of antis who are pissed off about the invasion of Kpop and will go to lengths to spread that hate too.

Hallyu expansion is really gonna be a double edged sword in the future.

[kpop-fandom96.livejournal.com]

finally someone wise

[hicmeup.livejournal.com]

japan debuts are soooo overrated. every group's heading there for a hope of success it's getting......lame

solid identity? yea, t-ara has the most comebacks since debut.

[royalantares.livejournal.com]

How good is Qri's Japanese? I remember she spoke some on Dream Girls. Maybe They should send her over there to do some acting/modeling.

[royalantares.livejournal.com]

they*

[notyourgeisha.livejournal.com]

A wise move. Don't wanna pull a 4minute now. Can't Make Up My Mind should've been the promo track.