T-ara
T-ara 티아라 | |
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![]() T-ara at the Cyworld Dream Music Festival, July 23, 2011 (From left to right: Hwayoung, Qri, Hyomin, Boram, Jiyeon, Soyeon, Eunjung) | |
Background information | |
Also known as | Tiara |
Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
Genres | K-pop, dance-pop, electropop, R&B, teen pop |
Years active | 2009–present |
Labels | Core Contents Media, CJ E&M (South Korea) EMI Music Japan (Japan) |
Members | Boram Qri Soyeon Eunjung Hyomin Jiyeon Areum |
Past members | Jiae Jiwon Hwayoung |
Website | Official Korean website Official Japanese website |
T-ara | |
Hangul | 티아라 |
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Revised Romanization | Tiara |
McCune–Reischauer | T'iara |
T-ara (/[invalid input: 'icon']tiˈɑːrə/; Korean: 티아라, Japanese: error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help), often stylized as T-ARA or T♔ARA) is a South Korean girl group formed by Core Contents Media in 2009. The meaning behind the group's name, which is based on the word "tiara", comes from the idea that they will become the "crowned queens of the music industry".[1] Before their debut, there was a high level of interest in the group as they were called the "Super Rookies" and had been training for three years prior.[2]
Originally a five-member group composed of Jiyeon, Eunjung, Jiae, Jiwon, and Hyomin, they released their first song "Joheun Saram" (좋은 사람, "Good Person") for the soundtrack of the Korean drama Cinderella Man in April 2009. After Jiae and Jiwon withdrew from the group in June, T-ara debuted as a six-member group with the addition of Boram, Qri, and Soyeon in July 2009.[3]
Their debut studio album Absolute First Album was released in December 2009 and spawned several hit singles including "Geojitmal", "TTL (Time to Love)", "TTL Listen 2", "Bo Peep Bo Peep", "Cheoeum Cheoreom" and "Neo Ttaemune Michyeo". The album was followed by the group's first extended play, Temptastic (2010), which included the top-five singles "Wae Ireoni" and "Yayaya". John Travolta Wannabe (2011) produced "Roly-Poly", the Gaon chart's number one single of the year, which earned the group several awards and nominations as well. In less than six months, the group released their third extended play Black Eyes (2011), which spawned three number one singles: "Cry Cry", "Uri Saranghaetjanha" and "Lovey-Dovey". The lead single, "Cry Cry", became the group's first number one on the Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100.
In 2011, T-ara signed a $4.3 million contract with management company J-ROCK for their Japanese debut, the highest out of all the girl groups debuting in Japan.[4] Their major record label is EMI Music Japan while their management and promotional marketing takes place under J-ROCK.[5] The group's first single was a remake of their 2009 hit "Bo Peep Bo Peep". It ranked at number one on the Oricon weekly charts with 49,712 copies sold,[6] the first time a debuting Korean girl group has done so in the charts' history.[7] T-ara released their debut Japanese studio album Jewelry Box in 2012, which peaked at number two on the Oricon charts.
The group has added three members to their lineup since debut: Hwayoung in 2010, Areum in June 2012, and Dani to be added in December 2012, thus briefly becoming a nine-member group in 2012, before the departure of Hwayoung in July 2012. T-ara uses a rotating leader system in which a different member of the group is elected as leader each year, in order to give both the group and the individual members the opportunity to grow in a new direction.[8]
History
Early beginnings and pre-debut projects
The original five T-ara members (Hyomin, Jiyeon, Jiwon, Jiae and Eunjung) were trained together for three years, and released their first song "Joheun Saram" (좋은 사람, "Good Person") for the soundtrack of the Korean drama Cinderella Man. In early 2009, Jiyeon was in a collaboration with SeeYa and Davichi for a project single titled "Yeoseong Shidae" (여성시대, "Women's Generation").[citation needed]
In June 2009, Core Contents Media announced that Jiae and Jiwon left the group due to differences in music style. Soyeon, Boram and Qri were then added to the line-up. The group's agency released promotional pictures in July 2009, in accordance with the new members. Afterward, T-ara released their debut single "Geojitmal" (거짓말, "Lies").
2009: Debut and Absolute First Album
T-ara made their debut on MBC's Radio Star talk show on July 29, 2009.[9] Their music video was released that same day. Their first performance was on Mnet's M! Countdown music show, where they performed their debut single "Geojitmal" (거짓말, "Lies") and "Norabollae?" (놀아볼래?, "Wanna Play?"). Their debut was looked upon negatively by webpostings, where people stated that it was lipsynched and commented that it seemed like an "elementary school" performance.[10] The group announced afterwards that future performances would be live.[11] A few members of T-ara (Eunjung, Soyeon, Hyomin and Jiyeon) were in a project group with label mates Supernova for the song "TTL (Time to Love)". The single became the group's first number one as it topped many of the online charts. T-ara released their first full-length album, titled Absolute First Album, on December 1, 2009. The album had two lead singles, "Bo Peep Bo Peep" and "Cheoeum Cheoreom" (처음처럼, "Like the First Time"), both with music videos.
2010: Breaking Heart and Temptastic
On January 1, 2010, T-ara's single "Bo Peep Bo Peep" won the first place award on the New Year's Day episode of Music Bank. The song went on to win a second award on Music Bank and three consecutive wins on Inkigayo, earning them their first "Triple Crown".
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/T-ara_at_the_Mnet_20%27s_Choice_Awards.jpg/220px-T-ara_at_the_Mnet_20%27s_Choice_Awards.jpg)
Later in January, Core Contents Media announced that Eunjung and Hyomin would take part alongside label mates SeeYa and Davichi in project group called 'Wonder Woman'. Consequently, T-ara announced promotions for their follow up single, "Cheoeum Cheoreom" (처음처럼, "Like the First Time"), which ended quickly as member Soyeon was diagnosed with H1N1.[12]
In February, the group announced a re-release of their debut album, titled Breaking Heart. The music video for its lead single, "Neo Ttaemune Michyeo" (너 때문에 미쳐, "I Go Crazy Because of You"), was released on February 24, 2010. The group performed their comeback stage on M! Countdown. T-ara had won two consecutive Mutizen wins on Inkigayo and one first place award on M! Countdown. After promotions for "Neo Ttaemune Michyeo" ended, T-ara promoted the next single off the re-release titled "Naega Neomu Apa" (내가 너무 아파, "I'm Really Hurt").
T-ara released the digital download and music video for "Wae Ireoni" (왜 이러니, "Why Are You Being Like This"), the lead single for their first extended play Temptastic, on November 23, 2010.[13] Temptastic was released in digital format on December 1, 2010. The music video for their second lead single, "Yayaya", was revealed on the same day. The album's physical release was delayed until December 3 due to the bombardment of Yeonpyeong in November.[14] The group held their first comeback stage through Music Bank on December 3 and began promotions with their new seventh member, Hwayoung, and new leader, Boram. T-ara received two consecutive wins for "Wae Ireoni" and "Yayaya" on M! Countdown on December 9, 2010 and December 16, 2010 respectively.
2011: John Travolta Wannabe, Japanese debut, and Black Eyes
In June 2011, it was announced that T-ara would be making a comeback with the song "Roly-Poly" on July 1, 2011.[15] It was also announced that the group would be advancing into the Japanese market with a showcase on July 5.[16] Core Contents Media announced that Hyomin would be taking over the leadership for the album and their Japanese promotions on June 14, 2011.[17] They further explained, "In order to instill a sense of responsibility in each of the members, we have decided to change the leader for each new album release. We will be passing the leader role onto members who have not been leader yet. The reason Eunjung was leader during their debut was because she and Hyomin had trained the longest with T-ara, and we felt that she would be the best fit". They continued, "Likewise, Hyomin has been chosen for T-ara's Japanese and "Roly-Poly" promotions for the same reasons as Eunjung. We have made this decision after much discussions with both the members and our agency."
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/T-ara_at_the_Cyworld_Dream_Music_Festival.jpg/220px-T-ara_at_the_Cyworld_Dream_Music_Festival.jpg)
T-ara's "Roly-Poly" music video and song was released on June 29, and reached number one on various online real-time charts after just an hour. "Roly-Poly" had received a great success and became the most downloaded, streamed[18] and top grossing song of 2011 in Korea according to Gaon and other major charts.[19] The group released a limited edition re-issue of John Travolta Wannabe, titled Roly-Poly in Copacabana, on August 2, 2011. The title track, "Roly-Poly in Copacabana", was a eurodance remix of "Roly-Poly", named after the popular disco club in the 80's. The group began follow up promotions for the remixed single on Music Bank.
T-ara released their debut Japanese single "Bo Peep Bo Peep" on September 28, which debuted at number one on the Oricon weekly singles chart with 49,712 copies sold,[20] making the group the first non-Japanese girl group to rank at number one for a debut single in Oricon history. "Bo Peep Bo Peep" went on to chart at number ninety-seven on the Oricon yearly singles ranking.
In September, it was announced that T-ara would be making a Korean comeback in November. A 30-minute music video was released in early-November which had a drama-like storyline and a one billion won production budget.[21] T-ara released the track and music video for their song "Cry Cry" on November 9, 2011. The 15-minute music video for "Cry Cry" was followed up with the music video for "Lovey-Dovey", which both make up a 30-minute drama. "Cry Cry" starred Jiyeon and actor Cha Seung Won, along with Hyomin, Qri, and Eunjung. "Cry Cry" hit number one on various Korean charts including Gaon and Naver.[22] T-ara's third extended play Black Eyes was released digitally on November 11, due to the overwhelming demand for "Cry Cry".[23] The album was physically released on November 18, which charted at number one on Hanteo and number two on the Gaon weekly album charts. Two additional music videos for "Cry Cry" were filmed, a dance version and a ballad version, released on November 18 and November 21, respectively.
The group released their second Japanese single, a remake of "Yayaya" from their Temptastic EP, on November 30.[24]
Core Contents Media announced on December 7 that T-ara's third leader Hyomin will be passing on her leadership to Soyeon. She will be leading T-ara starting with their follow-up promotions for their song "Lovey-Dovey" on January 1, 2012.[25]
The group performed a three-day mini-concert tour titled X-mas Premium Live that was held at the Shinagawa Stella Hall in Tokyo, the Zepp Nagoya, and Zepp Osaka on December 20, 21, and 22, respectively.
T-ara rose to become the second biggest girl group in Korea in 2011 by ranking at number 8 in the Gallup Korea poll.[26]
"Uri Saranghaetjanha" (우리 사랑했잖아, "We Were in Love"), a Christmas ballad with label mates Davichi, was promoted as the lead single for the group's upcoming Funky Town re-issue album. The single reached number one on the Gaon Chart and peaked at number two on the Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100. Both groups performed the song weekly on SBS's Inkigayo in the midst of T-ara's heavy preparations for their year-end ceremonies.
2012: Funky Town, first Japanese album, Day by Day, line-up changes, and Mirage
T-ara released their fourth extended play's re-issue album Funky Town digitally on January 3, 2012, and physically on January 10. The album sold 43,049 copies its first month and topped both the Gaon and Hanteo weekly album charts. "Lovey-Dovey" was released on the same day as the album and immediately grabbed the top spot on various Korean real-time charts upon its release.[27] The single reached number one on both the Gaon Weekly Singles chart and the Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100, becoming the group's third and second consecutive number one on both charts, respectively, and has been legally downloaded over 3.5 million times in South Korea alone.
In February, Forbes Korea, in celebration of their ninth year of establishment, reported the year's list of the "Top 40 Power Celebrities". T-ara ranked on the list at number seventeen, thus making them as the third most powerful girl group and the seventh most powerful female celebrity.[28]
In March, T-ara's song "Roly-Poly" was announced to have topped the Gaon Top 100 Digital Singles for 2011 with a staggering 364,153,533 points.[29] Their song "Cry Cry" made it on the charts as well, coming in at number forty-eight.
Rumors of the group possibly switching their members and the overall concept of T-ara surfaced online on March 14. Kim Kwang-soo, the CEO of Core Contents Media was quoted as saying, "It is true that we are planning to make big changes to our group in April in order to take T-ara up another level. This change could of course possibly include member and overall concept changes." and continued with, "We will make the official announcement regarding T-ara's change on April 7. It could be an upgrade in the overall concept, musical style, or member change. We are doing our best to bring positive change to the group."[30] On April 5, 2012, their agency announced that two members who were previously trainees under the label will be added to T-ara's line-up in July, transforming T-ara into a nine member group.[31]
On April 6, Core Contents Media reported through a press release that, "We have plans to switch out any prideful members who are not working to their full potential, causing the other members to suffer as a result." showing a possibility for not only an addition of two new members but a exchange of old members as well.[32] Due to this new member change there has been much debate on whether it is the right move for Core Contents Media by fans and entertainment media personnel.[33]
T-ara released their fourth Japanese single, "Lovey-Dovey", on May 23.[34] The single debuted on the Oricon weekly single charts at number nine[35] and on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 at number eleven.[36]
A choreography video featuring Jonté Moaning and YAMA&HOTCHICKS (T-ara's current choreographers) performing choreography to a song by T-ara's sister group Gangkiz as well as a previously unheard track was leaked online on May 23. Fans quickly speculated that the new song was chosen to be T-ara's title track for their upcoming Korean album; the video was promptly taken down shortly after it was uploaded, with Core Contents Media threatening legal action against whomever it was that originally leaked the video. Shortly after the video leaked, Core Contents Media released a statement verifying that the new song was indeed the title track for T-ara's upcoming Korean extended play; both the album and song are entitled Day By Day, with the EP featuring five new songs. Producers for the EP include Cho Youngsoo, Kim Taewun, Ahn Youngmin, Kim Kibum, Kang Jiwon, and Brave Brothers. Day By Day, as well as the music video for the title track, were officially released on July 3.[37][38] Dance teasers for the music video were released on June 28.[39] It was also announced that the group will return to promote in August with a song titled "Mirage" and again in October with a song titled "T-ara's Effect".
On May 30, 14 year old Dani was announced to be one of the group's newest members, but will not be joining them until December, citing that she "wants to practice more and join when she feels she is completely ready so as to not bring any harm to the group’s way". Instead, she starred in the drama version of "Day By Day".[40][41] The announcement of her addition into the group was met with skepticism by many, as the group's manager stated that he scouted Dani on the street, calling her an "unrefined jewel".[42]
The group eventually released their first Japanese album Jewelry Box on June 6, 2012. The album debuted at number two on the Oricon weekly albums chart with sales of over 57,000[43] and is primarily a collection of their Korean songs translated into Japanese. Two new songs were recorded for the album: "Keep Out" and "T-ARATiC MAGiC MUSiC". They embarked on their first Japanese concert tour T-ara Japan Tour 2012: Jewelry Box in Nagoya on June 19; the tour's attendance was expected to exceed 40,000 people.[44] Four singles have been released prior to the album: "Bo Peep Bo Peep", "Yayaya", "Roly-Poly" and Lovey-Dovey".
T-ara will hold their first showcase in Malaysia on October 3, at the Dewan Wawasan, Menara PGRM in Kuala Lumpur.[45]
On June 14, Core Contents Media officially introduced 18 year-old Areum as the last of the two new additions to the group. [46] Unlike Dani, she joined the group in July during the promotions for "Day By Day". She made her official live debut with T-ara on MBC's Music Core to perform the song.
It was then announced that the girls will release a repackage mini-album "Mirage" on August 15, with the title song "Sexy Love" produced by Shinsadong Tiger who have created the girls' past hits like "Bo Peep Bo Peep", "Roly-Poly" and Lovey-Dovey" and it will be coupled with robotic dance performance from the girls. [47]
On July 30th, Core Contents Media officially announced Hwayoung's immediate departure after being with the group for one year and eight months. Core Content Media's CEO, Kim Kwang Soo, claims that Hwayoung's contract was terminated, "in deference to the complaints by T-ara’s staff of 19 people (5 stylists, 7 hair & makeup, 5 on-site managers, 2 team mangers)." He has also stated that bullying among group members was not the reason for her departure. [48][49] The controversy had caused T-ara to temporarily stop most of it's activities. The members of T-ara continued with their individual activities[50] Both Hwayoung and the other members of T-ARA have said there was no bullying, and confirmed that the accusations put forth by netizens were merely clips from variety shows that had been taken out of context or edited. [51][52]
Core Contents Media then announced that there would be no change to the girls’ upcoming comeback, “Sexy Love” which originally was slated for an August 14th release. However, the agency then took back this statement and announced that T-ara's comeback would be postponed indefinitely. On August 30, news was released that T-ara would release their seventh mini-album "Mirage" on September 3. T-ara then came back on September 3 with four music videos : a dance version of 'Sexy Love', a drama version of 'Sexy Love' (a continuation of the "Day by Day" drama video), a behind the scenes video, and a music video of the song "Day and Night" featuring T-ara's Areum, Shannon Williams, and Gavy NJ's Gunji.[53] The mini-album Mirage was also released.
Members
Current
Stage name | Birth name | Date of birth[54] | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Romanized | Hangul | Hanja | Katakana | Romanized | Hangul | Hanja | |
Boram | 보람 | 寶藍 | ボラム | Jeon Bo Ram | 전보람 | 全보람 | March 22, 1986 |
Qri | 큐리 | 居麗 | キュリ | Lee Ji Hyun | 이지현 | 李智賢 | December 12, 1986 |
Soyeon | 소연 | 昭姸 | ソヨン | Park In Jung | 박소연 | 朴昭姸 | October 5, 1987 |
Eunjung | 은정 | 慇晶 | ウンジョン | Ham Eun Jung | 함은정 | 咸慇晶 | December 12, 1988 |
Hyomin | 효민 | 孝敏 | ヒョミン | Park Sun Young | 박선영 | 朴宣映 | May 30, 1989 |
Jiyeon | 지연 | 智妍 | ジヨン | Park Ji Yeon | 박지연 | 朴智妍 | June 7, 1993 |
Areum | 아름 | 雅凜 | アルム | Lee Ah Reum | 이아름 | 李雅凜 | April 19, 1994 |
- Soyeon introduced herself as T-ara's spokesperson during KBS's Invincible Baseball Team's Supporter Audition.[55]
Former
Stage name | Birth name | Date of birth | Departure | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Romanized | Hangul | Romanized | Hangul | ||
Jiae | 지애 | Lee Jiae | 이지애 | August 6, 1987 | May 2009 |
Jiwon | 지원 | Yang Jiwon | 양지원 | April 15, 1988 | May 2009 |
Hwayoung | 화영 | Ryu Hwa Young | 류화영 | April 22, 1993 | July 2012 |
Leader timeline
Term | Member | Timespan |
---|---|---|
5 | Soyeon | January 2012 onwards |
4 | Hyomin | June 2011 - January 2012 |
3 | Boram | July 2010 - June 2011 |
2 | Eunjung | July 2009 - July 2010 |
1 | Jiae | Pre-debut |
Member timeline
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/lfr8b04zn5jfxteb19mw1yw2qpsq5v3.png)
Endorsements
Even before their debut, T-ara had been getting many proposals for endorsements ranging from sweets, beverages, apparel, cosmetics, and communications. In October 2009, The group signed a contract for their first commercial-film with Nonghyup Apples. They recorded the song "Apple Song" especially for the CF, which was later included and retitled as "Apple is A" on the group's debut studio album Absolute First Album.[56]
In 2010, the group modeled for such companies as Mentholatum Korea,[57] Tedin Water Parks,[58] and Olympus cameras.[59] T-ara was chosen to model for Tedin Waterpark again in 2011.[60] In February, T-ara and their labelmate Supernova signed an endorsement contract with Japanese family restaurant chain Gusto. Each group reportedly received a minimum of $1,000,000 USD.
The group opened their own online shopping mall "T-ara Dot Com" in March 2010. The members had planned the concept and the setup of the shopping mall, including choosing the models and styling as well as handling the sales of the online transactions. A reality show of the same name was centered behind the business.
In 2011, T-ara earned 3 billion won ($2.7 million) in the span of 3 months from modelling in commercial-flims for sports brand Spris, electronics brand iRiver, software company Windysoft, optical store Look Optical, instant noodles brand Shin Ramyun, Crown Mountain and many others.[61]
T-ara launched their own café franchise called Cafe Page One that will expand into a chain of 500 nation-wide stores. The name of their café was influenced from the cafe that member Eunjung ran in her drama Coffee House. Cafe Page One was opened on July 1, 2011, where the members were present to greet the customers.[62] The group had been chosen as the new advertisement models for cosmetics brand Tony Moly. T-ara is expected to model for the brand in not only South Korea, but China, Japan, and other Asian countries as well.[63] T-ara is the first idol group to sign a contract with online shopping mall Hi-Mart.[64]
In February 2012, T-ara became exclusive models for the chicken chain Brilliant Chicken. They were guaranteed a minimum of $892,000 for signing a one-year contract, along with receiving royalties for each increase of a Brilliant Chicken restaurant.[65]
T-ara has been chosen as the new advertising models for the outdoor clothing brand Wild Roses.[66]
Philanthropy
In 2010, T-ara donated $10,000 USD of their own income to charity for the 2010 Haiti earthquake victims.[67] Along with the donation, they helped in a fundraising event that was held at the Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul. T-ara were quoted as saying: "While watching the news about the disaster in Haiti, we were very disturbed to see the things happening there," and they continued, "So we decided to discuss about this after realizing it. We are aware that as a rookie group, we might not be able to donate as much money as we would want to, but we believe that any small amount can help out the people in Haiti."
The group was appointed honorary advisers by senator Na Kyung-won on the January 19 episode of T-ara's show Dream Girls.[68] They initiated a bill for the protection of abandoned dogs against inhumane treatment in South Korean animal shelters. The only thing that was hindering the law to be passed is for the congress to discuss it and pass their votes.
After the bombardment of Yeonpyeong in November 2010, T-ara donated $20,000 USD towards the defense of the island after they heard the news. The group expressed, "When we heard about the tragedy of the Cheonan ship sinking, we were sad because of the lives unjustly lost. We express our sincere condolences to the lost civilians and soldiers. The fact that North Korea sees our country as a country they can play around with, it angers us."[69]
In June, the group donated all the proceeds of the World Cup merchandise sold on their online clothing shop T-ara Dot Com to a charity for African children.[70]
In October 2011, T-ara along with boy band Infinite and magician Lee Eungyeol participated in volunteer work with 40 other people for Nongshim's Sharing Love Campaign.[71] They visited the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation in Gwangju, South Korea to help children with disabilities by playing, walking, and putting on magic shows and plays.
After T-ara won three consecutive first place wins on Inkigayo in January 2012, they kept their promise of doing volunteer work by visiting the elderly and donating food, clothing and life commodities.[72] The group gathered around 10 million won to buy food for the volunteer event. 7 million won was from their bonus after winning their Triple Crown on Inkigayo and 3 million won were from the members themselves.[72] All of T-ara, excluding Jiyeon who was busy with her Dream High 2 schedules, and even Eunjung who recently injured her leg were all at the volunteer event. Member Hwayoung was joined by her sister Hyoyoung from Coed School.[73] The group expressed that they wanted to volunteer at least three more times in 2012.
In March, T-ara announced that they will be donating all of their royalties from their Japanese "Roly-Poly" single to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The group said, "We debuted in Japan last September and we're happy for receiving a lot of love from "Roly-Poly". We want to give back by donating all of our "Roly-Poly" album royalties back in the full amount to Japan." and they continued with, "Although our donations may only be a little help, our wish is that it'll help some of the victims."[74]
T-ara volunteered with the Seoul Main Customs to help children with disabilities on March 22.[75] They helped pot plants with the children, assisted in medial service, prepared meals and even fed some of the children.[76]
Controversies
Illegal music distribution
In February 2012, Core Contents Media took legal action against two companies in Southeast Asia for distributing their artists' music without permission.[77] A copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against them in December 2011 when Core Contents Media took matters to the police. The companies illegally distributed sixteen songs in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia,[77] including T-ara's "Roly-Poly" and songs by SeeYa; Davichi; and 5dolls. The circulated tracks were found to be rearranged or re-recorded with other singers' voices.[77]
Hwayoung's contract termination and Twitter "bullying"
In July 2012, controversy arose as T-ara members were viewed as bullying Hwayoung through Twitter after their Budokan concert in Japan. On July 22nd, Hwayoung injured her leg after performing on a music program and was put in a wheelchair. T-ara then held their first independent concert on July 25th and 26th at the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Although Hwayoung performed during the concert, problems arose when Boram, Eunjung, Hyomin, Soyeon, and Jiyeon started tweeting on July 25th. Because the tweets were focused upon determination and commitment level (although they were not directly addressed to Hwayoung), many fans and netizens began to speculate that the tweets were ridiculing and even "bullying" Hwayoung for a "lack of determination" and causing inconveniences because of her injury. [78]
Hwayoung responded to the tweets with ambiguous messages expressing that she was upset and needed support. Hwayoung's twin, 5dolls's member Hyoyoung, also responded to the incident by sending messages of support to her sister through Twitter. [79] Core Contents Media responded to the whole incident by stating that the members' Twitter accounts had been hacked; however, because most of the members had tweeted on July 25th, the explanation did not add up.
Consequently, on July 28th, Core Contents Media announced that they would be making a major announcement regarding the "bullying" incident on Twitter. [80] On July 30th, Core Contents Media announced that Hwayoung would be leaving the group, "in deference to the complaints by T-ara's staff of 19 people..." Although Core Contents Media's CEO, Kim Kwang Soo expressed that Hwayoung's leave was not caused because of the "bullying" on Twitter, many fans and netizens believe that the incident and the controversy resulting from it were the cause of Hwayoung's contract termination and departure from the group. [48]
Agence France-Presse stated on August 1 that T-ara's official fan club had reportedly lost 6,000 members in the aftermath of the controversy. [81] The group has also lost endorsement deals, been forced to cancel concerts, fan cafes have shut down, petitions and groups to have T-ara disbanded and to uncover the truth behind the scandal have attracted hundreds of thousands of people, netizens have called for the members to be removed from their current television shows, and much more.[82] Core Contents Media also stated that “The upcoming T-ara concert on the 11th has been postponed, the members of T-ara desperately requested for the agency to postpone their first domestic concert on the 11th.” The representative also added, “While talking it over with CEO Kim Kwang Soo, the members stated, ‘In a situation like this, we don’t think we can show fans bright, happy, and lively sides of ourselves on stage. Fans will probably not enjoy seeing us that way as well,’ and requested for the postponement of the concert.”[83]
On August 29, 2012, T-ara released a handwritten apology letter on their official homepage. Although never explicitly mentioning bullying Hwayoung, the band did acknowledge that there were disagreements within the group, and it was their immature actions (especially by bringing internal conflicts public) that led to Hwayoung's expulsion. They ended the letter by apologizing to their families, Hwayoung, fans, and others they disappointed.[84]
Various celebrities and industry professionals in South Korea have expressed their concern about the group on Twitter including actor Shin Hyun Joon and singer-rapper E.via. Outside the country, Japanese pop-singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and many international fans of the group had also tweeted about the incident.[85][86][87]
Discography
Korean discography
|
Japanese discography
|
Filmography
- T-ara World (2010)
- T-ara Dot Com (2010)
- T-ara's Hello Baby (2010)
- T-ara Dream Girls (2010)
- T-ara's Pretty Boys (2011-12)
Tours
- T-ara Xmas Premium Live (2011)
- T-ara Japan Tour 2012: Jewelry Box (2012)
Published works
- Sparkle (2012) Tokyo: Gentosha, 2012. ISBN 978-4344021594. Shot by Shin Yamagishi.
Awards and nominations
References
- ^ Template:Ko icon 걸그룹 이름 뜻, 네티즌 “온 몸이 오글거리는 속 뜻”. Star FN News. August 2, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라 인기가요 여신 매력 발산 ‘슈퍼신인 위력 대단’ (T-ara Radiates Goddess Charm, "Strong Force from Super Rookies"). Joins.com//Newsen. April 15, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 전영록 딸 전보람, 티아라 새 멤버 합류! ‘가수 3대 집안’ (T-ara gets a new member) Newsen. June 3, 2009.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 50억 근접 역대 최고가 전속계약..일본 J-ROCK과 47억 Newsen. September 7, 2011.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 日 홍보 및 매니지먼트사 J-ROCK으로 정정 Nate. September 21, 2011.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라 '오리콘 1위 여세 몰아, 화려한 컴백 예고' (인터뷰) Naver. October 6, 2011.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 오리콘 데뷔싱글 주간1위..해외女 '최초' Nate. October 4, 2011.
- ^ Template:Ko icon "유닛공백 보완효과"...티아라, 7인조 시대 연 까닭? (Why T-ara Added New Member & Boram as Leader) Sports Seoul. July 16, 2010.
- ^ Template:Ko icon Jo, Hyeon-wu. ‘라디오스타’로 데뷔한 티아라, 소녀시대와 원더걸스 격파할 수 있을까 (T-ara Makes Debut on Radio Star, Can Compete with Girls' Generation and Wonder Girls). Kukinews. July 30, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
- ^ Template:Ko icon '립싱크야? 더빙이야?' 티아라 데뷔무대 '혹평' (Is it Lipsynched? Is it Dubbing?" T-ara's Debut Receives "Harsh Criticism"). Segye. July 31, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
- ^ Template:Ko icon Lee, Jae-hwan. 티아라 “더이상 립싱크는 없다” 뮤뱅부터 라이브 무대 (T-ara: "No More Lipsynching"; Live from Music Bank Onwards). Joins.com/Newsen. August 1, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
- ^ 티아라 소연 ‘공신’ 촬영 중 실신 응급실行 ‘신종플루 의심판정’ - 손에 잡히는 뉴스 눈에 보이는 뉴스 - 뉴스엔
- ^ "7인조 컴백 티아라, 문구류도 '대박났네' - 연예 - 스포츠서울닷컴". Sports Seoul. 24 November 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "T-ara album release date delayed to December 3". Retrieved December 14, 2010.
- ^ Template:Ko icon Kim, Yong-un 티아라 `존 트라볼타 워너비`로 7월1일 컴백
- ^ Template:Jp icon 韓国で快進撃!T-ARA日本初ライブへ
- ^ Template:Ko icon Kwon, Su Bin 티아라 보람→효민 리더교체 “모든 멤버에게 기회줄 것
- ^ "올해 가장 많이 팔린 음원은? 티아라 '롤리폴리' :: 네이버 뉴스" (in Template:Ko icon). News.naver.com. 2011-12-14. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ^ "티아라 '롤리폴리' 음원매출 20억 올 1위 등극, 아이유 '좋은날' 제쳐 : 네이트 뉴스". News.nate.com. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ Bo Beep Bo Beep tops Oricon Weekly Chart
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 10억 뮤비 제작 돌입...11월 소녀시대-원더걸스와 ‘맞대결’
- ^ "[Info] T-ara #1 on Gaon Chart! ~ Daily K Pop News". Dkpopnews.net. 2011-11-24. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라 오늘(11일) ‘크라이크라이’ 음원 앞당겨 공개 왜?. MelOn. November 11, 2011.
- ^ Template:Jp icon 遅くなりましたが・・・
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 효민에서 소연으로 갑적스런 리더 교체 왜. Nate. December 7, 2011.
- ^ "소녀시대, 전 연령대 1위..3년 연속 '올해 최고 가수'". View.heraldm.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ "T-ara's "Lovey Dovey" makes an all-kill on music charts". Retrieved January 14, 2012.
- ^ "韓유명인 40명에 재계인사'0'…1위는 소녀시대 :: 네이버 뉴스" (in Template:Ko icon). News.naver.com. 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ^ ":: 가온차트와 함께하세요 ::". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
- ^ "T-ara to Possibly Change Members Next Month". Soompi.com. 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ "티아라 새 멤버 2명 합류, "기존 멤버들은 불만 없을까?" : 네이트 뉴스". Nate. 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2012-06-07.
- ^ ""나태하지 말라" vs "팀 자체, 아티스트" 티아라, 9인조 논란 : 네이트 뉴스". Nate. SK Communications. 9 April 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
- ^ ""나태하지 말라" vs "팀 자체, 아티스트" 티아라, 9인조 논란 : 네이트 뉴스". Starin. Nate. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "티아라, 日 첫 앨범 타워레코드 예약 판매 순위 1위 : 네이트 뉴스". News.nate.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ "CDシングル 週間ランキング-ORICON STYLE ランキング". Oricon Style. Oricon Inc. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "Japan Hot 100 | Billboard.com". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "T-ara Shows Music Video Stills from "Day by Day"". soompi.com. June 21, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
- ^ "T-ara releases MV for "Day by Day"". allkpop.com. July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
- ^ "T-ara releases "Day by Day" MV teaser". allkpop.com. June 28, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
- ^ By Vitalsign (2012-05-29). "T-ara unveils new member, Dani". Allkpop.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ "티아라, '올리비아 핫세' 닮은 9번째 멤버 다니 얼굴 전격 공개 :: 네이버 뉴스". TV Report. Naver. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "티아라 다니 기막힌 캐스팅비화 "김광수대표 30년만에 처음으로.." : 네이트 뉴스". News.nate.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ "Oricon Style". Oricon.co.jp. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ "티아라, 오는 6월 日에 1집 앨범 발매...'일본 투어도' :: 네이버 뉴스". Osen. Naver. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "T-Ara To Hold First Showcase in Malaysia". soompi.com. June 22, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
- ^ "[단독]티아라, 8번째 멤버는 '아름'..얼굴최초공개 '깜찍' : 네이트 뉴스". News.nate.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ "티아라, 미니 음반 '데이 바이 데이" 리패키지 발매".
- ^ a b "[BREAKING] CCM announces Hwayoung will leave T-ara".
- ^ "티아라 소속사 "화영, 자유계약 가수 신분으로 계약 해지"". Retrieved July 30, 2012.
- ^ "The T-ara Incident Isn't Over Yet: Three Points Yet to be Addressed". Retrieved August 2, 2012 Yahoo.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ http://www.allkpop.com/2012/08/t-aras-soyeon-interviewed-about-her-new-drama-hwayoung-incident
- ^ http://www.allkpop.com/2012/08/hwayoung-speaks-on-the-controversy-surrounding-herself-and-t-ara
- ^ "T-ara to release four different music videos for their upcoming comeback". Allkpop.com. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
- ^ "T-ARA(ティアラ)公式ウェブサイト | プロフィール". T-ARA. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- ^ "Soyeon introduced herself as T-ara's spokesperson". Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 첫 CF 3억대 가까운 개런티 보장 받아
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 한국멘소래담 화장품 모델 발탁
- ^ Template:Ko icon 큐티 섹시 티아라, 워터파크 모델로 선정!
- ^ Template:Ko icon 림푸스, 티아라와 함께 한 이색출사 진행
- ^ Template:Ko icon 테딘워터파크, 티아라의 두 번째 워터스캔들!
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 3개월간 30억! CF 대박 홈런
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라 강남에 카페 오픈 “전국 500호점까지 체인 설립 계획”
- ^ Template:Ko icon 토니모리, 걸 그룹 티아라 전속 모델 발탁
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 수억원대 주류광고 모델로 발탁
- ^ "T-ara Receives $1,000,000 Guarantee to Model for Chicken Chain". Soompi.com. 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ "티아라, 한채영 바통 받아 와일드로즈 뮤즈 발탁 : 네이트 뉴스". News.nate.com. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 착한 티아라, 아이티 1000만원 기부 Daum. January 1, 2010.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라 ‘유기견 보호 법안 발의’ 법개정 이뤄낼까 Newsen via Nate. January 19, 2010.
- ^ Template:Ko icon '연평도발'에 뿔난 티아라, 방위성금 2천만원 기탁 Star News via Nate. November 26, 2010.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 온라인 쇼핑몰 월 매출 6억 돌파 '대박' Asiae. June 5, 2010.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 농심, 티아라와 함께 '사랑나눔' 봉사활동 Nate. October 27, 2011.
- ^ a b Template:Ko icon 티아라 측 “올해 봉사활동 3번 더 한다” DongA Ilbo Original via Nate. February 2, 2012.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 쌍둥이자매 효영·화영, 티아라 봉사공약 동참결정 Star News via Naver. January 31, 2012.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 티아라, 동일본 대지진 1주기 맞아 日인세 전액 기부 My Daily via Nate. March 12, 2012.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 서울세관, 티아라와 봉사활동 전개 Business Wire via Nate. March 22, 2012.
- ^ Template:Ko icon [포토엔]티아라 봉사활동, 바쁜 스케줄 속에도 아이들 만나는 시간은 즐거워~ Newsen via Nate. March 22, 2012.
- ^ a b c Template:Ko icon 티아라 소속사 고소, 해외 불법 음원 유통 강력대응 MK via Nate. March 3, 2012. Cite error: The named reference "Nate" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "T-ara members' tweets following Budokan concert receive some criticism".
- ^ "T-ara's Hwayoung leaves an ambiguous tweet".
- ^ "Core Contents Media to make a major announcement regarding T-ara".
- ^ S. Korea girl band stirs controversy over sacking, Agence France-Presse, Aug. 1, 2012.
- ^ [OP-ED Guilty until proven innocent: The lynch mob against T-ara and who’s really to blame], allkpop, Aug. 2, 2012.
- ^ T-ara’s first domestic concert to be postponed, allkpop, Aug. 2, 2012.
- ^ http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/13334/20120829/t-ara-finally-opens-up-foolish-behavior-deep-reflection.htm
- ^ "Japan's Kyaryy Pamyu Pamyu Tweets Then Deletes About T-ara". 7 August 2012. CJ E&M enewsWorld, Stewart Ho. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- ^ "신현준 '왕따' 일침, 티아라 화영 계약 해지 관련? '논란'". 31 August 2012. CityDaily. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- ^ "이비아, 티진요 비난 "마녀사냥 그만"". TV Report. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
External links
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