Best known for her time as part of popular K-pop girl group Kara, in recent years she was relentlessly cyberbullied and suffered from depression. Here are five things you should know about one of Korea’s brightest stars, who passed away too young.
1. She was a member of one of Korea’s best-loved K-pop groups
Hara was part of the highly successful second generation girl group Kara. Formed by DSP Media in 2007, she joined the group together with Kang Ji-young in 2008, and was one of the most popular members, famed for her looks. With a string of award-winning hits like Honey, Mister and Lupin, Kara was also one of the pioneering K-pop groups to enter and find success in Japan, paving the way for today’s generation of world-conquering groups.
Sadly, Kara disbanded in 2016, after the contracts of Hara, Han Seung-yeon and Park Gyu-ri expired (members Nicole Jung and Kang Ji-young had already left in 2014). All the girls subsequently parted with DSP, leaving only Heo Young-ji remaining.
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2. She was a popular fixture on variety shows
Together with members of other popular girl groups like Yu-ri of Girls Generation, T-ara’s Hyomin, 4 minute’s Hyuna and Secret’s Han Sun-hwa, Hara starred in reality show Invincible Youth, which saw seven female celebrities sent to live and experience life in the countryside.
The show was a massive hit, and was also known for promoting sustainable farming practices as well as making the village of Yuchiri a tourist attraction.
She was one of the MCs on 2015’s fashion and beauty show A Style for You, together with close friend Kim Hee-chul of Super Junior.
Hara also dabbled in acting, with her most famous role being that of Choi Da-hye in 2011’s TV series City Hunter, which boasted A-list stars Lee Min-ho and Park Min-young.
3. She sued her ex-boyfriend for sexual assault and blackmail
The year 2018 was a harrowing one for Hara, who sued her ex, hairdresser Choi Jong-bum, after they got into a physical altercation in September of that year. Choi initially reported that Hara assaulted him, but Hara reported that he broke into her house while she was asleep, and kicked her awake, in addition to destroying her property.
Hara was later admitted to hospital with bruising and internal injuries. Choi also threatened to release a sex tape, and had already contacted several media outlets. During investigations, a CCTV video after the altercation of Hara on her knees, begging him to relent, went viral.
Choi was found guilty of four out of five charges, yet was only given one year and six months of jail, suspended for three years of probation.
Choi apologised in March 2019 on social media, while promoting his new hair salon in the same post. He only set his account to private after news of Hara’s death broke.
4. She was a victim of cyberbullying
Much like Sulli, Hara suffered hateful comments for years, even though she admitted she suffered from depression, and made an apparent suicide attempt in June this year. After posting on her Instagram to show fans she was recovering well, she was called out for seeking attention.
She received flak after being caught dating former Beast and Highlight member Yong Jun-hyung in 2011 and “angrily throwing” a water bottle after being “teased” by the male hosts of TV show Radio Star in 2014. Hara’s friendship with Sulli and double-eyelid surgery were also picked on by detractors.
Netizens also criticised her in the aftermath of her altercation with Choi, with many shaming Hara for being filmed in such intimate circumstances, and blaming her for provoking the ordeal.
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5. She had a successful solo career in Japan
Hara was huge in Japan, thanks to her time in Kara, and partly because of her resemblance to Japanese superstar Namie Amuro. She was a frequent face on television, billboards and fashion shows, and had signed with a new agency, Production Ogi.
This month she completed a four-city tour, with her last performance on November 19 in Tokyo, following the release of her latest single, the Japanese-language track Midnight Queen.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.
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