On Wednesday a representative for the South Korean talent agency Wellmade STARM denied reports that singer Nicole Jung, who left the girl group Kara earlier this month, is considering teaming up with former T-ara singer Hwayoung.

According to spokesperson for Wellmade STARM, the rumor was most likely the result of an offhand comment a company employee made regarding the fact that Hwayoung joined the agency last year after leaving the group T-ara.

"It seems like a joke we made about forming a duo with Hwayoung was misinterpreted," the spokesperson told the publication Ilgan Sports.

The agency rep added that Wellmade STARM executives haven't even been in contact with Nicole as of late.

"It's true we did negotiate regarding a contract about a month back, but we haven't talked since then," the rep said. "As of right now, it is not true that she is being recruited."

The rumor first circulated when an alleged K-pop industry insider claimed that Wellmade STARM had been aggressively courting Nicole.

"As the entertainment industry focuses on Nicole, Wellmade STARM reps approached her the most actively," the insider claimed.

"It's said the reps of Wellmade STARM also attended KARA's last concert in Japan last year to talk with her."

And the agency has big plans for the singer, the insider alleged.

"Hwayoung plans to make her debut as an actress under Wellmade StarM first, she is also preparing for [her career as] a singer," the source said.

"The agency reps approached Nicole with the thought of forming a possible female duo consisting of Nicole and Hwayoung."

On Tuesday, a representative for Core Contents Media denied a recent report in a Japanese women's magazine claiming Nicole's mother begged the label to hire her daughter.

"Although it's true that we do know Nicole's mother, there was never any talk of her transferring agencies or being recruited," a Core Contents representative said. "It is not true. There has been no such occurrence."

According to a representative for Nicole, the singer is still weighing her options.

"There is nothing that has been decided regarding the agency issue," the rep said according to the online publication allkpop.

"We will take time to seriously think it over. For now, she'll be focusing on training. She is planning to pursue solo activities later on."