By Wonsuh Song
Today’s KARA concert in Japan felt like a full‑length “life drama” unfolding on stage. Until this evening, I had no idea the group was still active. During their heyday I was consumed by raising children and earning a living; television and YouTube were luxuries I could not afford. I therefore held no particular nostalgia for KARA—yet the performance I encountered, with no expectations at all, was a cascade of surprises.
What astonished me first was the sheer number of KARA’s hit songs. One after another, each tune sent waves of spirited fan chants rolling through the hall. Their fandom is very much alive. All the members are now in their thirties, and so are most of the fans who have grown alongside them. Middle‑aged male fans were especially conspicuous—calm, yet more passionate than anyone. To call them a fandom feels inadequate; they were true companions on this journey.
Among the members, Jiyoung Kang left the deepest impression. Communicating with the audience in flawless Japanese, she has built an acting career in Japan since 2014. On stage she was far more than a former idol: moving effortlessly between music and acting, she has grown into an artist fully rooted in Japanese society.
The moment that touched me most, however, was the absence of smartphones. There was no sign prohibiting photography, yet not a single spectator raised a camera. Japanese concert‑goers watched quietly, their sincere gaze fixed on the stage. That silent respect spoke louder than any cheer, proving that this was not a mere nostalgia tour but a living, breathing performance.
KARA is not merely a “second‑generation girl group.” They have become protagonists who demonstrate the courage to endure and rise again. My Japanese friend and I both found deep comfort and encouragement in their show. People often say fans drift away with age, yet tonight the devotion of older fans illuminated the venue.
Singing the songs of their teens again in their thirties is no simple re‑enactment. It is an artistic challenge that spans time—a heartfelt response between people who have shared slices of life. I sincerely hope KARA will keep walking this road, stacking new memories with fans who grow older alongside them.
Tonight, KARA’s stage surpassed the idea of a concert; it became a scene from life itself. I want to keep cheering for whatever lies ahead of them.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full‑time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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