[News] KARA's Jiyoung's father reveals his daughter intends to leave DSP once her contract expires + DSP's Response

Amidst Nicole's contact expiring, eyes have turned towards the status of Jiyoung's contract status and whether she'll remain with KARA.

Regarding this, media outlet 'Sports Chosun' released their exclusive detailing the conversation they had with Jiyoung's father.

The media outlet revealed that they learned about a letter being mailed as a certification of contents (which means that the contents of the letter are recorded for reference so that the receiver cannot later say that they never received the letter) to DSP Media, announcing Jiyoung's intent to not renew her contract.

When 'Sports Chosun' contacted Jiyoung's father (Kang Gun Wook), he told them, "We forwarded the note last week. I notified DSP Media before that I would be sending it over... I thought that even if we part ways, it's right to part on good terms so that's why I've taken these steps."

He continued, "Prior to sending the note, we repeatedly expressed our stance to the agency. The agency reps are not showing any particular response to the note... Honestly, when the press release concerning Nicole was released by DSP Media on the 14th, we thought that the content regarding Jiyoung would also be included. It seems the agency reps are still holding on to hope for Jiyoung."

When asked about the reason for not renewing, he stated, "As she promoted with KARA, Jiyoung experienced a difficult time. As the maknae of a group for 7 years, there were things she wanted to do that she couldn't do... She is still young so there are a lot of things she wants to do. Jiyoung had to devote herself to the duty as KARA's maknae, so she wasn't able to pursue individual challenges and dreams."


"Of course, if she continues to promote with KARA for the next 2-3 years, she will earn a lot of money but money is not important. I thought that my daughter should pursue what she really wants to do and that is why we have decided to leave DSP."


According to 'Sports Chosun', Jiyoung seems leaning towards pursuing acting in the future and plans to head over to the States to receive acting lessons and improve her English.


When the media outlet contacted DSP Media regarding the note sent by Jiyoung's father, a rep reportedly responded, "There is still a lot of time left until April. Our first priority is handling Nicole's issue at the moment... We will meet with Jiyoung's side later this month and actively persuade them."

src | AK




For fans who don't know how the controversy happened in 2011, Karaholic has it all translated HERE.
Lots more information on what happened that wasn't always translated or covered.


DSP's response about Jing:

 Hello. This is DSP Media.


We wanted to inform you of our official position on the article concerning KARA's Jiyoung's contract expiration which was released on the morning of the 15th.


Jiyoung still has time and schedules under DSP Media until her contract expires in April, and like reported
earlier, she has expressed her wishes to study abroad while in negotiations with DSP.

We did not receive a letter in the form of certification of contents like mentioned [in the report], but rather a notice containing her position. The position was that 'We will not extend the contract without a new negotiation', so in time, we were planning to have further negotiations with Jiyoung's side about extending the contract.

(Portion of the notification we received) - 'Kang Ji Young will not extend her exclusive contract with DSP Media unless there is a new negotiation, we are officially informing you of this through this notice.'

However through the article that was released today, we have once again confirmed Jiyoung's intent, and received word that she still wishes to leave KARA for schooling and to walk the path of becoming an actress.

Thus, starting after April, the team will reorganize with Gyuri, Seungyeon, and Hara as the center to carry on future schedules.


 Thank You.

src | AK