How did K-pop goddesses KARA end up here?

KARA had previously announced that they would temporarily be suspending activities to regroup their team members. However, it was revealed that they sang at a supermarket chain in-house sports competition.

Japan's online newspaper "J-Cast" reported that KARA was invited to the Saitama Super Arena on the 25th last month for the Supermarket chain 'Yaoko In-House Sports Competition'. The event was hosted by former Nihon TV announcer Akira Fukuzawa, and was reportedly a grand in-house event.

Coporate events such as this aren't uncommon, but what became the focus was that one of the best K-Pop girl groups in Japan was invited to this event.

J-Cast reported, "According to the leaked athletic competition contents and schedule in January, KARA appeared from 12:30PM to 2:10PM, and the time slot indicated, 'Enjoy eating lunch and listening'." Singer Tahara Toshihiko had a concert starting at 3:40PM.

KARA's performance was not revealed, but Twitter had a lot to say about it.

J-Cast reported, "KARA, who once wielded immense popularity, made an appearance at the 'in house sports competition' in the form of lunch time entertainment. As a group that has many K-Pop fans and is well-known, KARA surprised quite a few people with their appearance." Many net users commented on KARA, saying, "It's kind of pathetic," "So, they were lunch time entertainment?" and "Is Yaoko great? Or is KARA on their way down?"

It's been noted that besides avid KARA fans, many were unaware that KARA was visiting Japan. J-Cast wrote, "KARA held their solo live concert last year in January at the Tokyo Dome, released their singles in March and July, and their album in August. They also held their live tour from October to November in 7 different venues. Although they aren't as popular as before, they still had lively activities. However, the 2014 schedule for KARA on their homepage is almost empty. Their recent Japan visit wasn't even listed in their schedule."

It's been revealed that plans for their Japan concert was made before Nicole's termination of contract in January and news of Kang Jiyoung's departure from the group. As such, KARA's 4 members (excluding Nicole) went up on stage for this appearance. The 4 members performed a total of 6 songs, including "Mr", "Step", and "Go Go Summer".

Of course it's only right that KARA should keep their scheduled appearance as promised. But the problem lies in the fact that KARA's popularity might be shaking, even in Japan.

J-Cast wrote, "Do you remember the girl group KARA who rode the K-Pop boom late 2000 and entered Japan? When they debuted in 2010, they were the number 1 Oricon Annual Ranking Rookie group. In 2011 they attended the NHK Red and White." They continued, "KARA is more popular in Japan than in Korea. Will they be able to overcome the issues regarding member withdrawals from the group and restore their popularity?"

It seems as if J-Cast recently published their article with the deliberate intention of shaking up the group. Some are even concerned that other medias will contribute to KARA bashing in their articles.

KARA is planning to reorganize their group this year, and currently the members are pusuing acting. Han Seungyeon has been appearing in SBS Plus drama "Her Lovely Heels". Park Gyuri and Goo Hara are looking for their next project.

KARA's agency DSP Media previously announced on January 15th, "Kang Jiyoung's contract won't expire until April, and she will carry out her remaining schedules until then." They also stated, "Starting from April, KARA will reorganize with the remaining members Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara, and they will carry out their schedules henceforth."