Girl group KARA's Nicole will be leaving the group upon her contract expiration, and the attention is now focused on Jiyoung's contract, which will expire in April.

On January 14th DSP Media announced on KARA's official homepage, "Nicole, who has spent the last 7 years eating and sleeping with the members, will have her contract come to an end on the 16th"

Upon news of Nicole's withdrawal from the group, there's hot interest on Jiyoung, a remaining member of KARA. Her contract with DSP Media will be coming to an end on the 4th, and her contract renewal is still pending. There have been rumors that she will be leaving the country to study abroad. Meanwhile, Seungyeon, Hara, and Kyuri have all signed renewal contract with DSP Media for another 2 years. Jiyoung's renewal situation has drawn attention from KARA fans.

Jiyoung, who is the youngest in KARA, is a key member of the group. If Jiyoung happens to leave as well, KARA will become a 3-member group. There's question as to whether they will survive and continue expressing KARA's colors with such few members. It's possible that KARA's position may be shaken, especially with all the new girl groups that are springing up. Not only that, with Jiyoung's possible withdrawal from the group, KARA fans are wondering if KARA will recruit some new members, and curious as to their upcoming album activities.

DSP Media spoke regarding Jiyoung's next move, saying "Currently we are still thinking about the contract renewal. It's been decided that with she needs a little more time to think seriously about her singing and academic career."

For now, it's been decided that KARA will continue their activities even after Nicole leaves. DSP Media stated, "Currently all of KARA's members are considering appearing in dramas and movies. As the projects are determined they will be actively pursuing those works, and a new album release is scheduled for mid to late 2014. This year KARA's activities will be more active and of a larger variety than ever before."

With all this talk going on about Nicole leaving KARA, more attention has been focused on what decision Jiyoung will make.