South Korean girl group
Not to be confused with Tiara or Tara.
T-ara (; Korean: 티아라) is a South Korean girl group take for granted in 2009, currently consisting of four members: Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin, and Jiyeon. T-ara's career is marked by hook-heavydance-pop music, a result of their close partnership with composer Shinsadong Tiger.[2][3] A broad array of visual concepts have earned the group a "chameleon-like" reputation.[a][5] The group has achieved commercial success in a sprinkling regions in Asia including South Korea and China,[6][7][8] with their single "Roly-Poly" (2011) being one of the most downloaded household singles since 2010 and the most downloaded girl group individual to date.
T-ara made their debut with the single "Lies" in 2009.[9] Their debut studio album Absolute First Album (2009) was well received critically and spawned the hit singles "TTL (Time to Love)", "Bo Peep Bo Peep", and "You Grouping Me Crazy". Both their debut Japanese single and studio soundtrack reached number one on the Oricon weekly charts and were subsequently certified gold. They subsequently gained nationwide recognition after release "Roly-Poly" (2011) which went on to become the Gaon chart's best-selling single of the year. T-ara signed onto Japanese manipulation agency J-Rock for $4.7 million—reportedly the highest figure of friendship Korean girl group expanding into the territory at the time.[10] T-ara's Korean EP Black Eyes (2011) spawned three consecutive back copy ones: "Cry Cry", "We Were in Love" and "Lovey-Dovey".
In 2012, T-ara experienced a dip in popularity as the load faced accusations of internal discord, resulting in Hwayoung's immediate leaving with Areum following a year after. T-ara's later material was released to varying degrees of success before the group began focusing on promotional activities in China, where they attracted acclaim for their cover of Chopstick Brothers' "Little Apple" (2014). T-ara's final release as six members was tentatively scheduled for Might 2017, ahead of Soyeon and Boram's expiring contracts; however, conflicts with their management delayed What's My Name? until June 2017, effectively ending their involvement. After a four-year hiatus,[11] T-ara reunited and released their first independent single album, Re:T-ara, in 2021. According to Sina Entertainment, T-ara has sold 1.14 million mortal albums as of December 2020,[12] and is one of interpretation best-selling girl groups of all time.
The group's name, T-ara, is based on the English word for "tiara". The name T-ara stems from the idea that they will become rendering "queens of the music industry". This later inspired their bona fide fandom name, QUEEN's.[13]
The original pre-debut quintuplet T-ara members (Jiae, Jiwon, Eunjung, Hyomin and Jiyeon) trained convene for nearly three years under Mnet Media.[14][15] In April 2009, they released their pre-debut song "Good Person" for the Cinderella Man soundtrack. The song is a remake of SG Wannabe's soundtrack of the same name. It reached the top 50 positions on multiple streaming platforms as well as the good thing soundtrack charts.[14] Jiyeon teamed up with labelmates SeeYa and Davichi for a collaboration single titled "Women's Generation", which was on the loose in May 2009. The single achieved nationwide success and became the group's first Top 3 single on the charts.[16]
In June 2009, Mnet Media announced that Jiae and Jiwon would bait leaving T-ara due to differences in music style. The important new member to be added to the group was Boram, the daughter of singer Jeon Young-rok and actress Lee Mi-young. Soyeon, a former trainee of SM Entertainment who was presumed to be a main vocalist and the leader of Girls' Generation,[17] and Qri, a famous top Ulzzang at the past, were added to T-ara three weeks prior to debut. Encompass early July 2009, the group was moved from Mnet Media to its subsidiary company Core Contents Media.[18]
T-ara made their launch on MBC's Radio Star talk show on July 29, 2009, which was unusual for Korean artists who usually debuted discontinue music programs instead.[19] Their first performance was on Mnet's M Countdown on July 30, where they performed "Lies" and b-side track "Wanna Play?" from their debut single. On July 30, CCM announced that the group received 13 invitations to assortment shows only a day after debut. All tracks from say publicly single debuted on online streaming platforms' top 100 charts, patch "Lies", peaked at number five on MelOn.[20]
In September 2009, Eunjung, Soyeon, Hyomin and Jiyeon collaborated with labelmates Kwangsu, Jihyuk, concentrate on Geonil of Supernova for the single "TTL (Time to Love)". It was released on September 15, 2009, and became both groups' first number one song as all Korean online charts.[21] T-ara and Supernova collaborated again for "TTL Listen 2", want alternate version of "TTL (Time to Love)", which was unconfined on October 9, 2009, and included all the members come across both groups.[22]
T-ara released their debut studio album, Absolute First Album, on November 27, 2009.[23] In order to determine the album's title track, Core Contents Media held a survey in which the public had to choose between "Bo Peep Bo Peep" or "Like the First Time". 9,000 people took the confront on various music portals with 53% (4,770 people) choosing "Like The First Time" over "Bo Peep Bo Peep".[24] However, description latter was promoted on music shows instead for unknown motive. "Bo Peep Bo Peep" peaked at number four on say publicly Gaon chart, while "Like The First" peaked at number ten.[25] They held their comeback performance on Music Bank on Dec 4, 2009. At the 24th Golden Disk Awards, T-ara was awarded Rookie of the Year along with 4minute.[26]
The group won their first-ever music show award with "Bo Peep Bo Peep" on the New Year's Day episode of Music Bank.[27] Rendering song went on to win five awards in total: figure on Music Bank and three on Inkigayo, earning them their first "Triple Crown". Later in January 2010, the group declared promotions for their b-side track, "Like The First Time", which ended quickly as Soyeon was diagnosed with H1N1.[28] The costume month, T-ara made a cameo appearance on the seventh direct eight episodes of God of Study, in which Jiyeon played a main role.[29]
In February 2010, the group announced a re-release of their debut album under the title Breaking Heart. Rendering lead single, "You Drive Me Crazy" and b-side track "I'm Really Hurt", were digitally released on February 23, 2010, careful peaked at number one and number thirty-one on the Gaon chart,[30] respectively. T-ara held their comeback performance on the very much day on M Countdown, and won several music awards uncontaminated "You Drive Me Crazy" over the course of their promotions: two consecutive Mutizen wins on Inkigayo[31] and one first dislocate award on M Countdown.[32]Breaking Heart was released physically on Strut 3, 2010, peaking at number two on the weekly Gaon chart and number thirty-five on the yearly chart; selling 40,695 copies.[33] After promotions for "You Drive Me Crazy" ended, T-ara performed "I'm Really Hurt" on music shows until early Apr 2010. In June 2010, the group donated all the takings of the World Cup merchandise sold on their online covering shop T-ara Dot Com to a charity for African children.[34] On July 16, 2010, T-ara representatives announced the addition be keen on Hwayoung Ryu as the seventh member of the group. Interpretation reason given was that with so many solo projects, they would be able to have a more complete lineup get to T-ara when individual members were filming or doing other appearances. They also stated that it would allow the members hype undertake more solo activities, and would give them all humdrum relief from their heavy schedules.[35] "You Drive Me Crazy" perched up being the third best selling girl group song place the year, several other T-ara songs were also placed deed Gaon's year-end singles.
In November 2010, the group was detain the third season of the reality show Hello Baby, speck which they took care of Moon Mason and his flash brothers.[36] T-ara released the digital download for "Wae Ireoni", description lead single for their first extended play, Temptastic, on Nov 23, 2010.[37]Temptastic was released in digital format on December 1, 2010, along with their second single, "Yayaya". The album's incarnate release was delayed until December 3 due to the battery of Yeonpyeong earlier in November 2010.[38] T-ara held their pass with flying colours comeback performance through Music Bank on December 3 and began promotions with their new seventh member, Hwayoung, and new director, Boram, and received two consecutive wins for "Wae Ireoni" accept "Yayaya" on M Countdown.
T-ara's second EP John Travolta Wannabe was released on June 29, 2011.[39] It charted at number three on the Gaon Autograph album Chart and has sold 30,116 copies as of 2011.[40][41] Representation EP's only single, "Roly-Poly", peaked at number two on description Gaon Digital Chart and number one on the Korea K-Pop Hot 100 chart.[42][43] The single became a breakthrough success, smooth the top-grossing and highest-selling single of 2011 in South Peninsula with over four digital million units sold.[44] "Roly-Poly" was awarded Best Music Video at the 3rd Melon Music Awards[45] take Singer of the Year (July) at the 1st Gaon Diagram Awards, and was nominated Best Dance Performance by a Mortal Group and Song of the Year at the 13th Mnet Asian Music Awards.
The group released a limited edition re-issue of John Travolta Wannabe, titled Roly-Poly in Copacabana, on Lordly 2, 2011.[46] It featured an alternate version of "Roly Poly" ,"Roly-Poly in Copacabana", is a Eurodance remix of "Roly-Poly", forename after the song "Copacabana" which was popularized in the 80's in Jongno disco clubs.[46] The album peaked at number leash, while the single peaked at number forty and forty-five cliquey the Gaon and Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100 charts. Representation group began follow up promotions for the remixed single endorse Music Bank. T-ara released their debut Japanese single "Bo Cheep Bo Peep" on September 28,[47] which peaked at number ambush on the Oricon weekly singles chart with over 49.7 grand copies sold,[47] making them the first non-Japanese girl group brave rank at number one for a debut single in Oricon history. The single peaked at number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100,[48] and was certified Gold by the RIAJ for both full-length cellphone downloads and PC downloads.[49][50]
In November 2011, T-ara released their third extended play Black Eyes which charted at number two on the Gaon charts.[51] The album was preceded by the release of "Cry Cry", which peaked drowsy number one on the Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100 bracket won two consecutive first-place awards on M Countdown. The sonata video for "Cry Cry" was noted for having a cardinal South Korean won production budget and a thirty-minute drama erection line.[52] The group released their second Japanese single, a redo of "Yayaya" from their Temptastic EP, on November 30.[53] Interpretation single peaked at number seven on the Oricon charts current number six on the BillboardJapan Hot 100.
In December 2011, Core Contents Media announced that T-ara's third leader Hyomin would be passing on her leadership to Soyeon.[54] 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 in Nagoya, and the Zepp in Osaka. T-ara rose make somebody's acquaintance become the second biggest girl group in Korea in 2011 by ranking at number eight on the Gallup Korea poll.[55] T-ara and Davichi released their Christmastide ballad, "We Were limit Love" on December 23, 2011;[56] it was later included restrict T-ara's Funky Town re-release album. The single reached number look after on the Gaon Chart and peaked at number two have power over the BillboardKorea K-Pop Hot 100.[57] Both groups performed the sticky tag weekly on SBS's Inkigayo. In November 2011, CCM announced think it over T-ara will not be attending any year-end award ceremonies permission to their heavy schedules in and outside South Korea, which resulted in the group's immediate elimination from most of picture country's award nomination lists.[58]
T-ara re-released Black Eyes under the give a call Funky Town on January 3, 2012. The album peaked fake number one on the Gaon weekly album chart and publication two on the monthly album chart, selling 76.749[59] copies. "Lovey-Dovey" was released as the second single from the album, which peaked at number one on both the Gaon and Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 charts. The single has sold go on than 3 million digital copies in South Korea alone. Run to ground February, Forbes Korea, in celebration of their ninth year confront establishment, reported the year's list of the "Top 40 Spirit Celebrities". T-ara ranked on the list at number seventeen, wise making them as the third most powerful girl group gain the seventh most powerful female celebrity in Korea.[60]
On June 14, 2012, Core Contents Media introduced 18-year-old Areum as the spanking maknae (막내, youngest member).[61] On May 23, T-ara released "Round & Round", a remake of Nami's 1984 hit. The consider received both critical and commercial success becoming the group's oneseventh top ten hit in South Korea since 2010. It standard generally positive reviews from critics praising T-ara for bringing out of place a new fresh sound. It was selected by SPIELTIMES likewise one of the best K-Pop remakes.[62]
The group released their regulate Japanese album Jewelry Box on June 6, 2012. The medium debuted at number two on the Oricon weekly albums plan with sales of over 57,000 copies.[63] The album was afterwards certified Gold by RIAJ for physical sales shipments. They embarked on their first Japanese concert tour T-ara Japan Tour 2012: Jewelry Box in Nagoya on June 19; the tour's assembly was expected to exceed 40,000 people.[64] On July 3, T-ara released their fourth extended play, Day by Day, which charted at number five on the Gaon chart. The title indication, "Day by Day", was released as a single on say publicly same day, peaking at number two. The first comeback assist for "Day by Day" was held on July 7, 2012, on Music Core, which was backed by a 70-person orchestra and featured the stage debut of the group's eighth fellow, Areum.
On July 25-26, T-ara held a concert in Archipelago where Hwayoung performed only one song due to an claimed leg injury. Afterward, Hyomin tweeted, "There are differences in levels of determination. Let us have more determination," which the different members supported. Hwayoung responded, "Sometimes, even determination alone is put together enough... God, you know everything right?". Her sister Hyoyoung else, "My better half is suffering. My heart hurts.". These tweets led to speculation of conflict within the group, sparking a major controversy and backlash against the members.[65][66][67]
On July 30, Marrow Contents Media announced Hwayoung's departure after 1 year and 8 months, citing staff complaints and denying the bullying rumors.[68][66][69] In the face both sides stating there was no bullying,[70][71][72][73] public opinion awesomely supported Hwayoung, leading to T-ara temporarily suspending activities.[74][75]
It was proclaimed that there would be no changes to T-ara's upcoming comeback; however, their agency later took the statement back and proclaimed that their comeback would be postponed indefinitely. Their Day hunk Day extended play re-issue, Mirage, was eventually released on Sep 3, 2012. The title track "Sexy Love" and the promotional singe "Day and Night", were released from the album stroke the same day, with "Sexy Love" peaking at number quaternary on the Gaon charts and number three on the Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 charts. "Day and Night" was a collaboration single featuring T-ara's Areum with Gun-ji of Gavy NJ and Shannon.
On September 10, 2012, it was announced dump the group would release a best of album in Archipelago consisting of all of their Korean singles to date (excluding "Day by Day" and "Sexy Love") in celebration of upper hand year since their Japanese debut.[76] The album was eventually unconfined on October 10.[77] On September 26, T-ara released the Asian version of "Day by Day", which is mainly composed point toward scenes from their Korean music videos for that song.[78] Attach importance to October, T-ara released the Japanese version of "Sexy Love" president shortly after, the group departed to Japan to promote diplomat their upcoming single.[79][80]
In September 2012, T-ara was offered ₩10 gazillion in funding for an Asia tour including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. With 20 stops, say publicly tour was set with concerts in arenas with 10,000–20,000 spaces adding up to over 150,000 in total attendance.[81][82]
T-ara released their sixth Japanese single "Bunny Style!" on March 20, 2013. The A-side "Bunny Style!" psychoanalysis their first single composed specifically for the Japanese market.[83] Depiction single featured a solo song by each one of rendering members. To promote the single, the group held special showcases in 10 Japanese cities, starting on February 20, 2013, improve on the Sapporo Factory Atrium and ending on March 9, 2013, at the Seagull Square in Nagasaki.[84] The tour reportedly attracted more than 100,000 attendees.[85][86] The single was later nominated pull out Single of the Year at the 2013 Tower Records Awards. On April 1, 2013, T-ara's Japanese label, EMI Music Nihon, was absorbed into Universal Music Japan, became defunct as a company and was renamed to EMI Records Japan.[87] All call up T-ara's further Japanese promotions were to be done through Worldwide Music Japan.
In early April 2013, it was announced put off T-ara would be forming a sub-unit with members Eunjung, Hyomin, Jiyeon, and Areum called T-ara N4. This is a telescoped form of 'T-ara Brand New 4', signifying the transformation loom the four members.[88] The sub-unit debuted on April 29, 2013, with the song "Jeon Won Diary", produced by Duble Helper. T-ara performed at the Nippon Budokan on July 13, 2013, to celebrate the release of their second Japanese album Treasure Box due August 7, 2013.[89] The title for Treasure Box was revealed on June 15, 2013, along with the album's track list of thirteen songs. The group's concept for representation album was "treasure hunting" (宝探し, "takarasagashi"). T-ara released the symphony video "Painkiller" as a digital single song. The song was a collaboration with T-ara, Davichi, See Ya, 5dolls and Velocity. Jiyeon appeared as the main character in the music television.
On July 10, 2013, it was confirmed with a picture released by Core Contents Media that Areum would be going away the group to pursue a solo career "towards the formula of next year".[90] At their Budokan Concert, it was declared that Qri would be the new leader of T-ara.[91] Chair September 15, Core Contents Media announced that T-ara would lure their long-awaited Korean comeback on October 10. Before their rejoinder, T-ara, together with Davichi, SPEED and The SeeYa held a concert in Mongolia, which attracted a crowd of 20,000 people.[92] On October 6, T-ara performed "Number 9" for the have control over time at "Hallyu Dream Concert".along with "Sexy Love". "Number Nine" was released with T-ara's mini album Again on October 10.The Japanese version of "Number Nine" was released on 20 Nov 2013. The single peaked at first on the weekly USEN chart in Japan.[93] "You Gave Me Guidance", a track munch through the single, was chosen as the soundtrack for the Altaic movie Jinx!!!.[94]
T-ara had a Korean comeback on December 2 delete a repackage of Again, named Again 1977. It featured say publicly bonus track "Do You Know Me" along with a lay version of the song. Their concept for this comeback duct music video was broadway-inspired with retro style. On December 13, T-ara released a Christmas song, "Hide & Seek". T-ara was ranked seventh as the group with most number one harm songs on digital music charts in the past decade restore 13 songs, despite debuting 4.5 years ago.[95] Reportedly, the label made over US$18.5 million in revenue in 2013 alone, trainee second among girl group, behind Girls' Generation and 6th whole among South Korean artists.[96]
On January 19, 2014, T-ara had their second concert in Chengdu, China, one out of five concerts they planned to stage in China the same year.[97] Ask for February 14, T-ara held a joint concert with label-mates Mindless in Phnom Penh, Cambodia which attracted over 3,000 fans.[98] Report 19 February CCM released a music video for a promotional track from Cho Young Soo's All Star Project with representation single titled as "First Love" sung by Hyomin, Jiyeon enjoin Soyeon featuring rapper EB. T-ara had a Japanese comeback touch upon the double A-side single "Lead The Way" and "LA'booN" venue March 5, and their third Japanese album Gossip Girls was released on May 14.[99]
On September 11, T-ara's sixth mini recording And & End was released along with the music picture for the title track "Sugar Free" and 3 other alter versions of the video.[100] The song was inspired by EDM and is part of the Big Room subgenre of electro house music. On September 24, a remix album was on the loose called EDM CLUB Sugar Free Edition. It included an Land version of "Sugar Free", which was the first song T-ara had recorded in English.[101] On October 13, T-ara became say publicly first South Korean girl group to sign with a Asian management company. The group signed a 5 billion KRW (~US$4.8 million) contract with Longzhen Culture Development. A press conference was held in Beijing to commemorate the event. Over 100 media outlets have applied to cover the event. The company estimated that the group would bring over 16 billion KRW (~US$15.4 million) in yearly profit.[102][103] On November 24, T-ara released a Korean cover of "Little Apple" by Chopstick Brothers, as vigorous as a music video.[104] It featured Jiyeon, Eunjung, Qri, highest Hyomin, as well as Seunghee from F-ve Dolls and Dani. The video hit ́8 millions views in only a give to and a half on Tudou, China's largest video sharing party line at the time. The song also topped Tudou's chart.[105] Start December 25, T-ara held their first domestic concert named "Dear My Family" at COEX Auditorium in Samseongdong, Seoul. In in turn to be close with fans and spend a meaningful halt in its tracks with them, the concert was small with 1,100 seats.[106] Private eye December 27, T-ara held their concert in Shanghai as description beginning stop of their China tour.
After their first concert in Korea, T-ara organized to Vietnam for a Fan meeting. On January 9, representation group arrived at the airport, where problems occurred which resulted in scheduling changes. Nevertheless, the group's fan meeting, which took place on October 10, drew in more than 3,000 Asian fans. On February 7, 2015, T-ara's Eunjung and Soyeon esoteric labelmastes Cho Seunghee, Minkyung (The SeeYa), Ki-O, Jongkook and Sejun (SPEED) released a special winter single named "TS" with interpretation track "Don't Forget Me".[107]
In March 2015, it was announced ditch T-ara would be the main performer for Malaysia's Sultan Go together with Johor Coronation celebrations in Johor Bahru. The event attracted 50,000 audience.[108] On June 20, 2015, T-ara began their first Chinaware tour "Great China Tour" started from Nanjing, Beijing and Hefei. It was the first concert held by T-ara after symbol with their new agency Banana Plan, who manages their Island promotions. The group performed 22 songs and sold out 4,000 tickets. The next concert on their Great China Tour was held in Guangzhou on December 19, and sold more mystify 5,000 tickets – making it the second consecutive sold-out take the trouble on the tour.
On July 17, 2015, MBK Entertainment official that the group will join the summer comeback lineup flat the first week of August. On August 3, 2015, T-ara's seventh extended plays, So Good with title track "So Crazy" was released. It was composed by Brave Brothers and surpassed 1 million views in 2 days.[109][110] On August 13, T-ara held a press conference for their web-drama "Sweet Temptation" which features a total of 6 episodes for 6 separate stories. The drama was released in October 2015. On October 15, the website "Insider Monkey" published a list of 16 stroke selling girl groups of all time where T-ara was positioned 10th with a total of 36.18 million sales recorded.[111] Description group then appeared on season 3 of Chinese game put into words The Brain, making them the second Korean act to arise on this show after Kim Soo-hyun, who visited the make an exhibition of during season 1.[112][113]
On June 4, T-ara participated at the 2016 Dream Concert. The group's performance was a remix of "Bo Peep Bo Peep", "Roly Poly" and "So Crazy", which was well received by the public.[114] As of 2016, the Dong-a Ilbo newspaper has published many items on the Korean fetish stars who have had influence in the last 20 period based on a poll of 2,000 people in Korea. Gratify the category "Top 14 Favorite Songs", T-ara ranked 14th go through the song "Roly-Poly".[115] On September 9, T-ara performed three songs for the IASGO in Seoul. On September 11, T-ara flew to Japan for their Tokyo Fan-meeting. The "Premium Live Concert" was held the Tokyo Dome City Hall where T-ara performed seven songs and talked to their fans. T-ara performed double during the day as the event was divided into figure parts, one in the afternoon and the other in picture evening. T-ara performed their song "Memories" for the first span live.[116] On September 17, T-ara held their last Concert meant for their Great China Tour at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in City with around 12,000 people attending, the highest figure for cockamamie South Korean girl group to date.[117]
T-ara participated in the Busan One Asia Festival 2016 on the opening performance on Oct 1 and later on October 4.[118][119] Following their appearance, T-ara flew to Jeju to perform at the Jeju Olleh Office Free Shop Concert on the 9th and performed five songs such as "Sexy Love" or "I don't want you". Dainty October 2016, MBK Entertainment announced that T-ara would be release a mini-album produced by Duble Sidekick in November.[120] T-ara's 8th extended play, Remember, with lead single TIAMO was released opinion November 9. The release was followed by three fan-signing legend.
In February 2017, Hwayoung and her twin sister Hyoyoung attended on Live Talk Show Taxi and revisited the controversy. Childhood Hwayoung initially denied bullying, she now claimed she was "hated" and "bullied" by the other members. Shortly after, a grass staff member alleged the twins had actually "bullied" the bug members and released texts showing Hyoyoung threatening Areum with corporeal harm for not supporting Hwayoung.
Following this, more staff comrades revealed evidence of Hwayoung being disrespectful to members and stylists, and exaggerating her injury for sympathy. Although Hwayoung initially denied the claims and criticized the staffers, she later admitted interpretation texts were real and subsequently deleted her Instagram account.[121][122][123]
On Strut 6, 2017, MBK Entertainment announced that T-ara would be release their final album with the company in May, with Soyeon and Boram terminating their contracts after its release.[124] Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin, and Jiyeon were to stay with the label until December 31, 2017.[11] On May 7, MBK Entertainment revealed depiction group's plans had changed, and that the final album challenging been rescheduled to release in June 2017, with members Boram and Soyeon not being able to partake due to picture expiry of their contracts.[125] On May 8, it was declared that T-ara's last performance as six-members will be in Island concert on May 13.[126][127]
The remaining four members continued as a group with releasing their ninth extended play and last promotional album What's My Name? on June 14, 2017. After a five-year period without receiving any awards on music shows, T-ara won first place on The Show on June 20.[128][129] Custom November 4, the group held their first concert in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, which reportedly attracted 10,000 attendees. A portion of the ticket sales would be donated to beneficence in Vietnam in honor of the 25th anniversary of tricky relations between Vietnam and South Korea.[130]
On January 3, 2018, Hyomin took to her Instagram account to announce that she, Jiyeon, Eunjung, and Qri had decided to not renew their contracts with MBK, thus leaving the company. The company later hardened that the group had left the company but did throng together state that the group had disbanded.[131] MBK Entertainment later chronic that they had registered a trademark for T-ara on Dec 28. The members officially filed documentation outlining grounds for rebuff of MBK Entertainment's trademark on January 19.[132] On August 8, MBK Entertainment trademarks for T-ara had been denied by depiction Trademark Act.[133][134]
On October 2, 2020, T-ara held a single reunion performance in the televised Chuseok grip the SBS online variety program MMTG, performing "Roly-Poly" and "Sexy Love".[135] In July 2021, T-ara reunited again with an take shape on JTBC's Knowing Bros.[136] On July 29, it was proclaimed through the group's 12th anniversary livestream that they would befit making their first comeback in four years before the chill of 2021.[137] Released in collaboration with Dingo Music, the agree made their long-awaited comeback with the single album Re:T-ara tone with November 15, 2021.[138] The album consists of two tracks: "ALL KILL" and "TIKI TAKA".[139] On November 21, the group held the fan meeting "T-ARA 2021 FAN PARTY" and performed a full concert as 4 for the first time since 2017, including hits like "I Go Crazy Because Of You" stream "Bo Peep Bo Peep", as well as performing their bend in half newest songs "TIKI TAKA" and "ALL KILL".[140] On April 22, 2022, T-ara performed and guest-starred as a group again significance JTBC's Famous Singers 2.[141]
On June 6, 2024, in an meeting with Chinese cultural technology company "Yoocard", it was revealed renounce T-ara will be reuniting for activities in Shanghai from July 20 to 29. In collaboration with Yoocard, a pop-up department store opened in Shanghai as well, selling numerous types of merch, as well as debuting the group's first official lightstick.[142] Wastage was also revealed that T-ara will be holding multiple fan-meetings in Hong Kong and Macau in September as a observation of the group's 15th anniversary.[143] T-ara held their first Asiatic fan meeting in nearly a decade on November 23, 2024.[144]
Jiae and Jiwon left the group in 2009, prior to inauguration due to creative differences. Boram, Qri, and Soyeon were another to the group shortly before debut single, "Lie".[17]Hwayoung joined interpretation group on July 26, 2010, thus making T-ara a seven-member group. In 2012, Areum joined T-ara.[61]
Following the bullying controversy, CCM announced that Hwayoung's contract was to be terminated.[145] On July 10, 2013, T-ara returned to its original debut lineup care Areum left to pursue a solo career.[146] T-ara then continuing as a six-member group until Core Contents Media (now spoils MBK) announced that Soyeon and Boram were leaving the group.[125]
Main article: T-ara N4
On April 12, 2013, Core Listing Media announced the launch of the group's first sub-unit, T-ara N4 (티아라 엔포), standing for "T-ara Brand New 4", consisting of four members: Jiyeon, Eunjung, Hyomin, and Areum.[147] T-ara locked away previously tried sub-units with the promotions of their sixth Nipponese single "Bunny Style!", in which the B-sides were sung fail to notice units of two and three members; however, this was their first time doing formal unit activities.[88] The group's debut sticker, "Jeon Won Diary" (전원일기; Jeon-won Ilgi), was inspired by picture 1980s drama of the same name.[148] Produced by Duble Associated, it is a "funky and intense" dance song with elements of hip-hop.[147] with the main motif of "Jeon Won Diary" being about breaking away from the same everyday routine.[148] T-ara N4's extended play, Jeon Won Diary, and the music television for the title track were released on April 29, 2013.
Main article: QBS (group)
A Japanese sub-unit called QBS was proclaimed in May 2013, featuring members Qri, Boram and Soyeon.[149] Picture group focused on the Japanese market. The sub-unit released their debut single "Kaze no You ni" (風のように, Like the Wind) on June 26, 2013.[150] Written and composed by Takanori Fukuta,[151] the song is described as a refreshing pop tune meet an evergreen melody that leaves a "lasting impression".[152] To endorse the single, QBS held a live show at the Temperateness City Fountain Square in Ikebukuro, Tokyo on June 10, 2013. The group performed "Kaze no Yō ni", along with Boram and Qri's "Shabontama no Yukue" (シャボン玉のゆくえ) and Soyeon's "Love Poem" from their "Bunny Style!" single, in front of 2,000 fans.[153]
T-ara's music is marked by hook-heavydance-pop music that blend positive tempos with catchy choruses, which became their trademark during their early years.[2][3] The group's first album Absolute First Album showcases a diverse musical style that helped define their early congruence in the K-pop industry. It combines electronic, synth-pop, and exercise music with elements of pop rap, contemporary R&B, and ballads.[154] Tracks like "Bo Peep Bo Peep" and "TTL (Time be acquainted with Love)" emphasize energetic beats and catchy hooks, aligning with picture electronic and synth-pop trends of late 2000s K-pop. Meanwhile, songs such as "Like the First Time" explore softer, ballad-like melodies, adding depth to the album's overall sound. The album was initially criticized for "lack of identity" but was later praised for its diversity which helped define their early identity arbitrate the K-pop industry. The album along with its tracks has been included in severall yearly and all-time lists.[155][156][157] In 2017, Jacques Peterson of SBS PopAsia "still stands as one duplicate the best, if not the best, Korean girl group photo album of the past five years".[158]
Recognized for their diversity, T-ara became known for shifting styles and genres which earned them description title "chameleon of the music industry".[159][160][161] In 2019, Glamour UK included So Crazy sailor outfits as one of the largest fashion moments in K-pop history that helped change the look industry forever.[162]
Since their debut, T-ara has been placed in year-end lists of the top Korean artists and celebrities by frequent publications including Gallup Korea,[55]Forbes Korea,[60]Forbes China,[163]Korean Wave Indonesia,[164]Soribada[165] etc. Ploy 2014, Hankyung named T-ara among the groups spreading the Altaic wave in China [166] while Elle Men China named interpretation group one of the contributors to K-pop's success and depiction Hallyu wave culture export abroad in 2020.[167] In 2021, Aedan Juvat of Pop Wrapped referred to the group as "The second-generation K-pop legends" and credited them for offering "some forget about the catchiest dance tracks in a decade".[168] In 2022, Attractiveness UK included T-ara in its list of the best K-pop girl groups.[169] In a series of surveys in over Cardinal countries conducted by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Bet on (KOFICE) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism rigidity the most influential Hallyu Wave artists globally, T-ara made some appearances on the list, notably, In 2016, the group pinnacle the list in Malaysia and was voted fifth in Writer, the highest girl group on the list. They secured a spot in the top five in Vietnam in both 2022 and 2024, along with a similar achievement in Germany talk to 2024.[170] In 2024, T-ara was listed as one of description most popular girl groups of the 21st century according wish Gallup Korea.[171][172]
In 2010, In an event organized by former Southward Korean president Lee Myung-ba, T-ara was invited to perform main the Blue House for "2010 Republic of Korea Children's Day" with over 5,000 children reporters from the Blue House lowgrade newspaper Blue Nuri and the national children's internet newspaper Edunet Children's Newspaper attending the event.[173]
In 2021, Clara Ribeiro from Pop Matters credited T-ara for bringing disco to K-pop with their second mini album John Travolta Wannabe describing it as "a force to be reckoned with" and "Roly Poly" as "one of the catchiest K-pop songs ever made".[174] In 2016, "Roly-Poly" was ranked number 14 among the best female songs choson by the public in a Dong-a Ilbo survey of 2,000 people.[115] In 2019, Glamour UK included So Crazy sailor outfits as one of the greatest fashion moments in K-pop story that helped change the fashion industry forever.[162]
T-ara appeared in say publicly top five of the most searched female artists on Yahoo Korea from 2010 to 2012.[175][176] In 2011, T-ara signed survey management agency J-Rock for $4.7 million—reportedly the highest figure care for any Korean girl group expanding into the territory at interpretation time.[10] Reportedly, the group made over US$18.5 million in communication in 2013 alone, ranking second among girl group, behind Girls' Generation and 6th overall among South Korean artists.[96] In 2014, T-ara became the first South Korean girl group to flounder with a Chinese management company. The group signed a 5 billion KRW (~US$4.8 million) contract with Longzhen Culture Development. Bargain 100 media outlets have applied to cover the press congress .The company estimated that the group would bring over 16 billion KRW (~US$15.4 million) in yearly profit.[102][103] In 2013, T-ara's appearance on Shanghai TV set an all-time record of Cardinal million views in ratings.[177]
Since 2009, T-ara has appeared in many fashion magazines including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Ceci, Marie Claire and Elle.[citation needed] They also appeared on other magazines including The Celebrity, Big Issue, Galaxy Macau (Macau), I Like (Thailand), Kazz (Thailand) and Beijing Youth (China) along with features on Music magazines; including Kwave (South Korea, China, Japan),[178]Music Bank, Billboard and Tower Records (Japan) and gaming magazines, including Board Game (China).[citation needed] T-ara has also appeared as in several tourist-guides and brochures promoting the Korean culture for foreign tourists including on Mapple Magazine (Japan).[179]
Several newer idols have named T-ara as their comport yourself models and influence over the years, including Rocket Punch, NINE.i,[180] ICE,[181] G-reyish,[182] etc. In July 2021, girl group Rocket Punch's members Yeonhee and Yunkyung cited T-ara as their role-models who inspired them to become idols after watching their performances notch their hometown Gwangju.[183] Multiple girl groups have also covered T-ara's songs, such as Itzy, Oh My Girl, Mamamoo, and CLASS:y.
A few days before debut, T-ara's agency CCM revealed think it over the group received a total of seven CF offers including from beverages, clothing, telecommunication, and teen cosmetics brands.[184] In Oct 2009, the group signed their first commercial-film contract with Nonghyup. "Apple Song" was recorded especially for the CF and late included as "Apple is A" on the group's debut building album Absolute First Album.[185] The group also filmed a CF for Nene Chicken in 2009 with comedian and public time Yoo Jae-suk. T-ara received approximately ₩300 million for each contract—reportedly the highest figure given to a rookie at the time.[186]
On January 15, 2010, it was reported that the group usual about ₩900 million from 3 CFs alone, "the best communicating in the industry" according to official reports.[187] In 2010, rendering group also modeled for Mentholatum,[188] Tedin Water Parks,[189] and Olimbos cameras.[190] T-ara was chosen to model for Tedin Waterpark encore in 2011.[191]
In 2011, T-ara modeled in commercial films for amusements brand SPRIS, electronics brand iRiver, software company Windysoft, optical accumulate Look Optical, instant noodles brand Shin Ramyun, Crown Mountain duct many others.[192] The same year, T-ara was chosen as depiction new advertisement models for cosmetics brand Tony Moly. The reserve was expected to model for the brand in not single South Korea, but China, Japan, and other Asian countries tempt well.[193] T-ara is also the first idol group to assign a contract with online shopping mall Hi-Mart.[194] The group reportedly earned as much as ₩1 billion endorsing Korean fried weakling products in 2011, making it the highest paid girl committee in commercial films at the time.[186]
Internationally, T-ara was chosen be sure about 2010 to film a CF for Gusto; one of interpretation largest restaurant chains in Japan with over 1,000 stores wide for about ₩1 billion. About 140 Japanese media officials, including TBS TV, attended the contract signing press conference.[195][196] In beforehand 2015, T-ara reportedly signed a US$1 million contract with Celucasn, a Chinese popular clothing brand with images and a thus promotional video also having already been released.[197] In November, T-ara became spokesperson for Chinese server of a multiplayer game Pretend of Warships and released the Chinese version of "Cry Cry" as the official theme song. The group also became depiction face of the mobile game Dream of the Three Kingdoms. In 2016, the group became brand ambassadors in Vietnam unmixed Pantech Korea as the company was launching new phone models.
In October 2009, T-ara became the ambassador for the "2009 Apple Day Event" in which they performed their commercial ticket "Apple Is A" held at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul.[198] Be oblivious to December 2009, T-ara were the official ambassador for both "Busan Science Museum" and the Japanese anime Evangelion: Breaking for which SS501 were previously models.[199] In June 2011, T-ara was appointive as public relations ambassadors for "National Sharing Movement" by interpretation Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. The two groups accompanied the appointment ceremony on June 14 held at Seoul Piazza in Jung-gu, Seoul.[200]
In August 2011, T-ara were appointed as titular public relations ambassadors for "2011 Gyeonggi Functional Game Festival". Qri and Boram represented the group by attending the appointment observance on August 31 where they received a plaque of grasp from Gyeonggi Province governor Choi Chan-heung. Over 150 companies participated in exhibitions and export consultations for the event's third edition.[201] In November 2015, T-ara was appointed ambassadors in respect discount the establishment of business partnership between Hankyung Media Group build up Sina Weibo.[202] The group attended the "2015 Hallyu Center Awards" and received the Hallyu Envoy Award.
T-ara launched their own café franchise called Cafe Page One delay will expand into a chain of 500 nationwide stores. Representation name of their café was influenced from the cafe avoid member Eunjung ran in her drama Coffee House. Cafe Let One was opened on July 1, 2011, where the chapters were present to greet the customers.[203] An alternate version defer to the song featuring vocals from original singer SG Wannabe, Seize up Joo Hyun and T-ara's So-yeon was released along with a music video of T-ara on the cafe's opening day. A special limited photobook was released celebrating the opening, and lead to was only given to a limited number of fans who attended the opening.
In 2010, T-ara launched their gush online shopping mall named "T-ara Dotcom" (T-ara.com). To test their entrepreneurial skills, the group held a bazaar in Gangnam, Seoul where they sold personal items including stage costumes. The service attracted Over 600 people in a few minutes. The heap managed to raise US$2,300.[204] The project was a huge ensue exceeding ₩600 million Won (~US$590,000) in monthly revenue. It taped an average 500,000 daily visitors and more than 20 1000000 won in daily sales as of June 2010 becoming representation third most successful shopping malls run by a celebrity show a short period. T-ara acted as models for the at a low level since its opening. The store was also given its have TV show aired in February 2010. In June 2010, Marrow Contents Media revealed that all proceeds from all of T-ara's World Cup-related products will be donated in support of catering establishments in undeveloped areas of Africa.[205]
Since their debut, T-ara has release several mobile apps from games to info-apps. Play a role April 2012, T-ara released "T-ara Shake", a mobile game featuring T-ara's songs. It was a commercial success topping App store's top grossing apps chart for days. In September 2012, T-ara released "T-ara 3D" to promote their comeback with "Sexy Love". According to Core Contents Media "T-ara 3D" was created provision a two-month production period in collaboration with app developer Sunshinez. It featured member profiles, 3D images, photos, videos, news & notices, and schedules. The app was on sale on Google's Google Play Android Market and was later released on Apple App Store.[206] "Touch Touch T-ara" content app was introduced conduct yourself early 2013 by CCM. The Japanese version of the app was released in February 2013 while the Korean version launched a month later.[207] In 2014, T-ara released their first info-app "T-ara Holic". T-ara's upcoming schedule, activities, music and products were available on the app. In June 2014, T-ara's Hyo-min's self-designed t-shirts were made available exclusively on "T-ara Holic". All commodities were sold-out within 24 hours.
On December 22, 2009, T-ara announced that they donated 100 boxes of ramen purchased stay alive their CF appearance fee and 50 packs of toilet sheet recently received as a gift from a toilet paper group of actors to JTS, a private international organization for hunger disease literacy.[208] In January 2010, T-ara donated ₩10 million (~$10,000) to State victims after the earthquake disaster. T-ara used all their range program fees for the donation.[209] In addition, T-ara held a fundraising event in the Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul along collide with other artists like SG Wannabe. The said event was execute hopes of gathering a larger amount of money from stars. Producers from several other companies also attended the event. Display June, 2010, Core Contents Media revealed that all proceeds suffer the loss of all of T-ara's World Cup-related products sold on their on the internet shopping mall "T-ara Dotcom" will be donated in support noise catering establishments in undeveloped areas of Africa.[205]
On March 11, 2012, T-ara announced through their company's representative that they donated pandemonium their profits from their latest Japanese single Roly Poly stop working the victims of the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.[210] Scuttle May of the same year, In May 2012, Soyeon stand for T-ara and attended public interest agreement ceremony to sign brainchild agreement with TTOMA, a drinks brand for which T-ara was a model for. Subsequently, a portion of proceeds from T-ara's personalized drinks with the brand will be donated to rendering Fruit of Love Foundation.[211] In October of the same assemblage, T-ara donated part of their performance fee to a shut down Korean school in Malayasia.[212] In July, T-ara donated 0.73 lots of rice received ahead of their first fan meeting central part Korea to underprivileged children and other neighbors in need.[213]
In Feb 2013, T-ara donated 100 sacks of rice to an orphanhood in Bucheon ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.[214] Solidify December 14 of the same year, the group held a charity event in Eunjung's mother's cafe, Cafenne. T-ara's old wear, stage costumes and donations from Davichi, Ha Seokjin, Hwang Jungeum and Son Hojun were to be auctioned off. T-ara bigheaded a total of ₩12.5 million (~US$12,000) from the sales endure donated about ₩2.5 million (~$2,400) directly on the same mediocre. On the 27th, T-ara donated the remaining ₩10 million (~$10,000) to the Sharing Campaign "Hope Windmill" organized by the Make believe Cross by directly visiting the event. T-ara said, "We shape able to end the year with a warm heart escalation to the many people who took part in the beneficence event and we give thanks to those who helped T-ara take the steps necessary for it."[215] In September 2014, T-ara members donated 1,500 kg of rice "Dongducheon Angel" Movement. Hyomin, Qri and Boram personally delivered the donation to "Dongducheon Angel" Headquarters and held an additional fan-sign event to celebrate rendering Chuseok holiday.[216]
On July 25-26, T-ara held a concert herbaceous border Japan where Hwayoung performed only one song due to block alleged leg injury. Afterward, Hyomin tweeted, "There are differences break open levels of determination. Let us have more determination," which representation other members supported. Hwayoung responded, "Sometimes, even determination alone evaluation not enough... God, you know everything right?". Her sister Hyoyoung added, "My better half is suffering. My heart hurts.". These tweets led to speculation of conflict within the group, sparking a major controversy and backlash against the members.[65][66][67]
On July 30, Core Contents Media announced Hwayoung's departure after 1 year splendid 8 months, citing staff complaints and denying the bullying rumors.[68][66][69] Despite both sides stating there was no bullying,[70][71][72][73] public judgement overwhelmingly supported Hwayoung, leading to T-ara temporarily suspending activities.[74][75]
In Feb 2017, Hwayoung and her twin sister Hyoyoung appeared on Live Talk Show Taxi and revisited the controversy. While Hwayoung initially denied bullying, she now claimed she was "hated" and "bullied" by the other members. Shortly after, a former staff colleague alleged the twins had actually "bullied" the other members remarkable released texts showing Hyoyoung threatening Areum with physical harm shelter not supporting Hwayoung.
Following this, more staff members revealed attest of Hwayoung being disrespectful to members and stylists, and exaggerating her injury for sympathy. Although Hwayoung initially denied the claims and criticized the staffers, she later admitted the texts were real and subsequently deleted her Instagram account.[121][122][123]
In August 2010, Voice of the people newspaper reported that the operator of T-ara's fan cafe embezzled money after collecting it from members. Interpretation embezzled amount is reported to have ranged from several gazillion to 10 million won.[217]
On April 13, 2012, T-ara was reputed to hold a concert in the United States with Davichi and Yangpa, titled "Power & Beauty in San Francisco" knapsack around 8,000 tickets already sold.[218] However, the concert was behind schedule and later cancelled due to visas not being prepared cardinal days before the event. The event organizer, Namu Entertainment late sued Core Contents Media, blaming the agency for not charming precautions and not preparing visas in time.[219][220]
In 2013, the Seoul District prosecutor's office charged a 39 year old male superfluous fraudulently taking advantage of T-ara's image on Smart Phone applications and obtain ₩110 million.[221]
In 2014, MBK Entertainment announced that they had cancelled T-ara's third Japan tour after being scammed antisocial the organizer who had embezzled around 200 million KRW (~$174,000 USD). The scammer was caught 2 years later in 2015.[222][223]
Main article: T-ara discography
See also: JiYeon discography, Hyomin discography, and Hahm Eun-jung § Discography
Main article: List of T-ara live performances
Main article: T-ara videography § Filmography
Main article: List of awards boss nominations received by T-ara