Saturday, January 25, 2014

Let's help KARA have a bright future

Almost everybody reading this will know that KARA, one of k-pop's biggest groups, has had some line-up difficulties lately with two members Nicole and Jiyoung not renewing their contracts, leaving the group as a three-piece.  I guess it must be a pretty shit group to be in if the girls are making enough money to buy real estate yet some of them can't stand to be part of the KARA machine any longer, but then if I were an idol maybe I'd be sick of that bullshit by now and I'd bail too.  In any event, the girls probably aren't giving anything away.

kara-lupin

So what does this mean for the future of KARA... and how can we help?

A lot of people are now predictably saying "well, Nicole and Jiyoung leaving is surely the death of the group" - but k-pop fans have an excellent way of being wrong about these kinds of things.  Even the k-pop media continually gets it wrong.  Remember at the start of 2013 when people speculated on which groups would disband in the coming year and Allkpop laughably picked T-ara and Block B?  If you ever wanted any hard evidence that these people have no idea about anything, there it is.  As much as I absolutely hate to direct my readers to click on a link to the Great Satan of k-pop websites, feel free to click the above link anyway just to take a look at their other insane predictions for 2013 to see what else didn't come true.  Then scrub your computer thoroughly for malware and tracking cookies and add the site to your browser's permanent block list.

It's easy to get distracted by the fact that 40% of KARA didn't sign new contracts while ignoring what this ALSO obviously means - the other 60% of the group DID sign new contracts.   We can only presume that DSP still intends to do something with KARA - and why wouldn't they?  KARA makes a shitload of money and even in Korea's "keeping up appearances" industry, money still talks and netizen bullshit still walks - for the same reason that CCM were very obviously never going to disband T-ara, DSP will keep KARA going as long as they possibly can get away with it.

The other thing to keep in mind is that KARA has had line-up juggling this severe before, and not only survived it, but benefited from it.

kara-gir

Kara's debut album "The First Blooooming" was an awful R&B piece of shit with only about two good songs on it, and while it didn't do all that badly commercially, the group didn't kick their career into high gear until Sunghee's parents pulled her out of the group for some more daddy-time, they got two new members in and their producers finally found where the "soft-ass R&B shit nobody over the age of five wants to hear" knob was on the studio desk and turned that down a bit.  So there's no reason, at least theoretically, why KARA couldn't also survive and benefit from this latest line-up juggle.

Three members isn't a very good number for a k-pop group though.  A group like KARA really needs at least four members, just so they can match the four letters of the group to them in photos and promotional material - it's just good graphic design for an idol group.  Even TVXQ do okay with just two members because you can place two letters over each member, but four over three is just a mess when you're trying to make posters and CD covers.  KARA really needs another member just so the girl over at DSP graphic design doesn't pull a hernia over this shit.

This might all seem a bit trivial - but remember, graphic design is part of branding and it's very important to people.  Look at how excited people get about their favourite sports teams.  Where I live, sports fans of team X won't necessarily live anywhere near location X, it's very common to find devout fans of a team way over on the other side of the country, and if you ask them "what initially got you into team X as your faves" they probably can't even tell you.  They'll just say "they're the best" over and over while drooling and scraping their knuckles lightly on the carpet, but the truth is that usually they got into the team when they were very very young because they were asked one day "what team is your favourite" in the schoolyard and they hadn't really thought about it yet so they just picked the one that had the coolest looking logo.  Sports fans at heart are really graphic design junkies.  Who says it's any different for k-pop groups?  After all the groups are interchangeable in just about every other aspect.

I thought it would therefore be cool to help out DSP and try to find a fourth member for KARA, by scouting through various people in the world of k-pop that may be potentially looking for employment, to see if they're doing much for the next few years, and if they would be a good fit for KARA.

Let's look at the positives and negatives of some candidates:

KAHI (ex-AFTER SCHOOL)

kahi-tumblr

It's no secret that Kahi's career has been on the downturn since leaving After School and she's likely to be questioning her next career move.  Could joining KARA be a mutually beneficial arrangement?

Positives: 

Looks pretty

Can sing somewhat, dance and do PR

Relevant work experience

Existing sexually frustrated fanbase will appreciate her recreating KARA's dance moves

Negatives:

Probably a little overqualified for the role

Potential ego/leadership problems given that she's used to running shit

Might also have ego issues if management doesn't have enough time for her

Conclusion:

Seems like more trouble than it's worth.  Don't call us Kahi, we'll call you.


HWAYOUNG (ex T-ARA)

hwayoun

It's a pretty safe bet to say that T-ara's ex-nail polish application specialist has probably been looking for more things to do to fill her time lately.

Positives:

Looks hot

Nice boobs

Only a rapper, can't sing whatsoever, great replacement for Nicole

Increased web traffic from netizens can be monetised if DSP attach ads to trashy rumour mill sites

Negatives:

Reliability is obviously an issue

Lack of determination, potential difference in determination levels

Poor at clarifying rumours

Recent cameo MV appearance in bath suggests leg may not be completely healed

Conclusion:

Does not play well with others.  Should stick to wearing clingy white clothes and getting them wet, it's a solitary activity and she seems to be very good at it.

SOHEE (ex-WONDER GIRLS)

sohee-32

JYP's ex-#1 crush is at a bit of a loose end right now - does she have what it takes?

Positives:

Looks hot

Barely functional vocals will fit right in

Can pick up lots of extra CF and magazine fashion work

Strange eyes compliment Seungyeon's, balancing her appearance

Negatives:

Prank calls from JYP whispering his name and hanging up a possibility

Lamination of photocards and packaging an extra expense

If Sohee and Seungyeon look in opposite directions from the stage their eye-beams could intersect and create a "crossing the streams" incident resulting in many casualties

Conclusion:

The thought is appealing but this looks like another high-maintenance option, the restraining order necessary to keep JYP away alone may cost thousands.

HAEIN (ex-GANGKIZ)

333be-haein

CCM's failed MILF concept group has left more than a few careers on pause.

Positives:

Looks hot

Nice boobs

Modelling experience

Not really good at anything much except the above, won't cramp KARA's style

Negatives:

As the oldest, could create ego/leadership issues

Group might flop-by-association

Future MV concepts involving bikinis may lead to post traumatic stress flashback of working on shitty CCM beach karaoke videos

Conclusion:

Seems high-risk somehow.  Maybe search elsewhere, but DSP should keep her resume on file for when it's time to make the official KARA karaoke beach DVD set.

HWANG MINWOO (aka LITTLE PSY)

little-psy-hated-online-1

Little PSY is growing up, he won't be able to milk the "I'm a younger cuter version of PSY" angle for much longer.  Perhaps a career shift is in order.

Positives:

Already has a working relationship with KARA

General talent deficit in all areas won't cause any group dischord or bruised egos

Ugly appearance will only serve to highlight the attractiveness of the other members

Negatives:

Mixed gender groups traditionally not popular

Basically unlistenable

We'll probably have to watch him do the horse dance again

Performing of the "butt dance" from "Mister" could cause mass suicides across Asia as both fans and casual observers alike lose all hope in future generations of young people

Conclusion:

Although I feel for Little PSY's dim career prospects, the greater good of humanity outweighs the needs of the individual so let's decline this option.

DANIEL (DMTN/DALMATION)

dmtn-daniel

While technically still a member of DMTN, maybe a fresh start is in order for Daniel's career as his reputation has taken a hit lately.  What better way to turn over a new leaf than to change groups before his career goes up in smoke?

Positives:

An eligible adult male presence might get more fangirls onboard with KARA

Nothing notable talent-wise, should fit right in

Overall happiness levels within the group bound to increase

DSP revenue streams may be bolstered even if the group doesn't do well commercially

Negatives:

Mixed gender groups traditionally not popular

Seungyeon may become even more crosseyed and awkward

Conclusion:

Would probably be a good idea internally but may struggle to find mainstream acceptance.  DSP employees should keep his business card for weekend use though.


CLARA

clara

Word on the street is that Korean actress/model Clara is trying to break into music lately.  Could she have what it takes to make a positive contribution to KARA?

Positives:

Looks hot 


Only really famous for being famous, so should fit in

Clara rhymes with KARA, good from a marketing perspective


Did I mention tits

Negatives 

Everyone will bitch and moan OH WAIT ACTUALLY THAT'S A POSITIVE

clara3

Conclusion:

DSP, do it.  Don't leave her out on the sidewalk like that.  How could you?

clara2

42 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm glad someone appreciates the labels. Usually they seem to pass by without comment.

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  2. Knowing eff all about KARA I still think ex-Chi Chi member Su-i could fill the role. But only because I'd hate to see her end up at a Dunkin Donuts in Bangbae-dong or something.

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    Replies
    1. I would have included her and a few others but I couldn't think up enough jokes.

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    2. speaking of chichi shine would fit right in or maybe disband them entirely. she went to chichi and bam. disband.

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  3. Replies
    1. … Ok, I might have had just a lil bit too much before writing that

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    2. I forgot to mention that KARA may all get the munchies and gain weight.

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  4. Has there ever been a successful member change in the kpop world AFTER a group has its break? (i mean look at tara going back to 6, no dani still doesnt exist, i refuse to believe she does) i think all groups had changed members after they still were in unknown status and if they did lose members they continued with who they have.

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    Replies
    1. Don't know why people keep bringing up Dani, it's well documented she's going in the N4 subunit not T-ara themselves.

      Jay Park getting the a from 2PM doesn't seem to have hurt 2PM any.

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    2. Oh sorry I misread slightly. Yeah um... After School.

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  5. If DSP is still interested, my offer to combine KARA and T-ARA to create TQP (Top Quality Pussies) is still open.

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  6. KIM POSSIBLE !!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i was actually referring to the AKP article, which i read in full because wow. they thought that in 2013 amber was going to change her look, and suggested that she ease into a feminine look by drawing inspiration from kim possible's look.

      i laughed out loud.

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    2. Ahhh now I get it, thx.

      I'm sure the real reason that Allkpop takes longer to load than any other site on my browser is that stupidity has a mass value that scientists haven't figured out yet which affects particle density and thus data transfer rates.

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  7. Sohee? Pretty hot? really?

    also those 3 are the relevant ones in kara, I see no difference.

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    Replies
    1. I think Sohee is the hottest one in WG by a mile. I realise that's an unpopular opinion and not many will agree but then I just gotta have those kinds of opinions.

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    2. stop looking at lim oppar

      well at least imo yubin is the prettiest one in wg.

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    3. Sohee is the only WG member past or present that I would touch with my dick.

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    4. YU????? BIN?????/!!?!!!!!

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    5. Its was actually sohee who was my first WG favorite, then moved to sunye until she betrayed us all.

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    6. In case someone is interested in what Yenny is up to these days.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jviUA4uJeCo

      I'm surprised they didn't include Yubin in the video.

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  8. dem titles XDDDD and dem titties! (clara)

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  9. Daniel would probably teach Kara how to distribute his secret stash of marijuana. As for Clara, the cameraman would be too busy zooming into her tits and the camera would shake for reasons men would know and she'll probably be upset her face doesn't show up on camera. As for Hwang Minwoo, just listen to his hit single, I guess it's called a song, or a more accurate description would be a virtually horrifying, headache and cancer inducing few minutes of ear torture where you'll find your ears bleeding uncontrollably and having an unborn child listen to it might cause them to grow a third eye or something

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  10. oh but isn't daniel childhood friends with nicole?? he said something about growing up in cali together

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  11. "Prank calls from JYP whispering his name and hanging up a possibility." GENIUS.

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  12. Just throwing it out there, I liked Kara's first album best....

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    Replies
    1. I didn't listen to it all but I think Break It is KARA's best song.

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  13. I suggest finding Sunghee and throwing her in the group again.

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    Replies
    1. she's married and probably seungyeon would throw a hissy fit

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  14. I would like to help Seungyeon at this difficult time by providing moral support & sexual relief

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  15. Hwayoung's Positive: Tension & fanwars between Kamilias and Queens could be amusing.

    Clara's Positive: More publicity for KARA. We all know that anything Clara related is guaranteed an article every other day on AllKpop's website.

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  16. clara yes, wonderful addition. but speaking of stalking, wouldnt heechul be accuse of stalking sohee too

    ReplyDelete
  17. Make a 2-ara with Hara and Seungyeon, the important Kara members.

    Clara should stay a bikini model, I don't need to see her sing.

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    Replies
    1. Don't worry I'm sure she won't be actually singing anyway.

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  18. More Clara will never be a bad thing

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  19. I had totally forgotten about GANGKIZ.
    I never had a problem with their ages, they were hot.

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  20. i laughed loudly in many occasions reading this. 10/10

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  21. Snatch Dani from EXID and watch this group become all-star caliber

    ReplyDelete

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