Korean pop group Kara is bidding farewell with member Kim Sung-hee as she is leaving the showbiz to focus on her studies. It’s a pity cause she’s probably the best vocalist in the group.

Stories are that Sung-hee has promised her father that she would not neglect her studies while working with Kara, which unfortunately wasn’t the case due to their hectic schedule.

And the situation isn’t helped by the fact that Kara is not doing particularly well comparing to other pop groups that made their debut in 2007 – i.e. Girls’ Generation and the Wonder Girls.

The group’s agency, DSP Media, is going to hold a public audition to look for replacements. It’s mentioned that Sung-hee could make a comeback in future but it seems unlikely that she would be part of the group anymore.

[Update 2011] Sung-hee got married in May 2011.

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