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Japan's 'Sankei Sports' published an article today with the title, 'KARA Nicole, to study abroad in the U.S. next February'. 

According to the article, after the expiration of her contract with DSP Media in January, Nicole will leave for the U.S. to prepare for a solo career. The news outlet explains that this will happen if Nicole and DSP Media cannot work out an agreement with Nicole staying active as a part of KARA even though she's not under the agency. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, Nicole will leave for the U.S. to further expand her singing and dancing skills.

A source close to Nicole is reported to have said, "Nicole is planning to go to the U.S. in February after her contract expires in mid January. Nicole is a U.S. citizen and was born in LA, and she's planning to further expand her dancing and singing skills at LA, the center of entertainment and world's top stars. It is Nicole's dream to be active as a solo artist. As she is now 22 years of age, it seems she has made this decision to achieve her dreams."

In addition, 'Sankei Sports' suggests that the reason for the conflict between DSP Media and Nicole stems from the issue of pursuing activities as a solo artist. They said, "Nicole has wanted both group and solo activities from the start of KARA. However, DSP Media does not recognize solo activities as an artist. Because of this, there was a difference of opinion. It seems this was one of the reasons for when she asked for her contract to be terminated back in 2011."

Regarding this report about Nicole's intention to leave for the U.S. in February, a DSP Media rep commented, "We are currently looking into the situation. The KARA members are currently on their tour in Japan. We haven't heard any details, so we will reveal our official statement after we confirm with Nicole."

For those just catching up with all this, DSP Media previously revealed that Nicole would not be renewing her contract with them, hinting that she will no longer be a member of the group. However, Nicole then spoke up to say that even if she is not under DSP, she hopes to carry on her activities with KARA. It seems the two sides have been working to reach an agreement on this issue, and fans can only hope that the two will be able to make a compromise.