Nicole's contract with entertainment agency DSP Media came to end, and she has officially withdrawn from KARA activities. She revealed her own position in this matter. She also revealed what she'll be doing now that she's withdrawn from KARA, and put an end to various rumors.

On January 14th DSP Media wrote on KARA's official homepage, "Nicole, who's spent the past 7 years eating and sleeping with KARA members, will let her contract expire on the 16th. Unfortunately her KARA activities will come to an end, but we ask that you cheer for her as she pursues something new." Regarding KARA's upcoming activities they wrote, "The individual members will be pursuing acting and preparing for their upcoming album."

After Nicole's withdrawal, there have been reports about her agency.

On the 22nd a Japanese magazine published an article titled, 'Nicole's Withdrawal from KARA Is Mother's Plan, Negotiated With T-ARA's Agency." The article reported, "Nicole's mother directly negotiated with T-ARA's agency, 'Recruit my daughter.'" However, Core Contents Media responded by saying, "While it's true that we know Nicole's mother, there has been no talk of transferring or bringing her to the company. There is no truth to that rumor. There's no way."

Actor Lee Jong Suk's agency Well Made Star M did get in contact with Nicole, but they didn't discuss specifics about a contract. Well Made Star M stated, "It's true that we did get in contact with her. However we didn't discuss anything about contracts, and nothing has been confirmed yet." The rep commented on rumors that Nicole will be joining Hwayoung to make a duo, "Hwayoung is currently receiving training to debut as an actress."

Nicole wrote on her Twitter that afternoon to clear up the stories that were circulating. She wrote on the 22nd, "My loving fans, first of all I'd like to apologize for bringing you heartache. When I think about the stories that arise here and there regardless of my position, and how you must all be so confused with the different stories, I'm sick to my heart."

Regarding her future activity plans Nicole wrote, "Right now I think need time to recharge and reorganize. That's why I'll be leaving for training for a short while. I'll practice and work hard so that the time is not wasted, and will prepare to meet you all again.

Nicole also spoke on entertainment company Well Made Star M, Core Contents Media, and other contract issues. She said, "I want to take time to think before I choose an agency. I don't want to rush it, so nothing has been decided yet. But one I do, I'll inform you very first."

Lastly Nicole wrote, "Thanks to all the people who always cheer me on, I'll be able to get energized and work really, really hard and return in a healthy state. Please wait for me," in greeting her fans.

KARA's Nicole has left the group, and Jiyoung will be leaving when her contract expires in April. From then on KARA will be left with members Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara.