Formed before the K-Pop boom, KARA was created by (at that time) a struggling DSP Media. They debuted as a quartet at a time when various companies were starting idol bands like Girl's Generation and the Wonder Girls and dominating the charts.

Upon their debut, KARA was marketed as fierce and confident while featuring an R&B-inspired sound. They also showed their versatility early on as they look quite serious in "Break It," but they can also mix it up with a more innocent image, seen in "If You Wanna."  Hara and Jiyoung joined the group following Sunghee's departure, bringing the group to the fivesome that we are accustomed to and solidifying their lineup.  It beats me as to why they weren't successful at this time, I think "Break It" is a really good song.

Their next comeback showed a fun-loving side and a cutesy sound, a 180 degree turnaround from their debut.  I think that image was more common and accepted back then, and, in some ways, I miss it. Their singles "Pretty Girl" and "Honey" gained them a solid fanbase. By and by, the innocent image was abandoned and you can see the costume changes. Bared legs and midriffs show them leaning closer to the concept that colored their debut, as well as the can't-be-missed "butt dance" in "Mister," which didn't hurt their popularity any. Their sound changed, too, becoming catchier and more mature to match their new image. It worked and catapulted the group to mainstream success.

2010 is when their fortunes changed for the better. Their single "Lupin" rocketed to the top of the charts with a darker, sexier image for their comeback. You'd probably think that a risky move after their debut failed using a similar concept, but the timing was right.  

After a months-long hiatus in South Korea during their Japanese promotions, they released "Jumping," which won on Music Bank and earned a Mutizen Award on Inkigayo (RIP Mutizen Awards). The next single, "Step," was released to immediate success, topping various charts, hitting number two on Billboard's Korea K-Pop Hot 100, as well as winning on various music shows. "Step" showed an evolution in the group's appearance as well as they favored brightly colored clothing and outlandish outfits. I like it; it's sort of a fusion of the cute and sexy all at once. And bright colors catch the eye a lot more than a monochrome teddy. 

For their next comeback, the single "Pandora" saw them return to the mature, dark, sexy concept. The single enjoyed a success similar to "Step," charting well and winning awards on music shows. Soon after, the girls released an album containing lyrics they had partially penned, and Gyuri's single from that album, "Daydream," hit #1 on the Gaon chart.

A major turning point was 2013, the last year that we would see them with Nicole and Jiyoung, who elected not to renew their contracts. "Damaged Lady" MV.  "Runaway" showed scenes from their drama "Secret Love." The sound of the album was edgier, the singles enjoying top 10 success while the album itself topped the Gaon chart.  Why did this approach work so well? You can see for yourself.

With Nicole and Jiyoung gone, they held auditions to find a fourth member, and inducted Youngji into the group. They continue to develop their songwriting skills on their new album, penning the track "Story." Their most recent single, "Mamma Mia," shows a return to the sexy concept, along with a newer, sleeker R&B sound.  If I'm any judge, I think Youngji did a fine job on her first outing, even though I would have preferred a longer album and at least more parts for Youngji, if not more input in general. But it was still a great thing to cut her teeth on. Left me wanting more.  

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