It has been four years since the death of Goo Hara.
Goo Hara passed away on November 24, 2019, in her home in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, at the age of 28. At the time, the police concluded that there were no signs of foul play, noting a handwritten note expressing her despair.
Goo Hara joined KARA in 2008, and was beloved for hits like 'Pretty Girl', 'Honey', 'Mister', 'Jumping', 'Step'. She was known for her exceptional athletic ability, earning the nickname 'Goo Usain Bolt' and was recognized as a representative 'athletic idol'. With her stunning looks resembling the Japanese singer Namie Amuro, she became a pivotal figure driving popularity in both Korea and Japan. Goo Hara also ventured into acting, appearing in dramas like 'City Hunter' and 'Footstep', showcasing her versatile talents.
However, Goo Hara's personal life was fraught with challenges.
In 2018, she was deeply hurt by a public dispute with her ex-boyfriend, Choi Jong-bum. Choi initially accused Goo Hara of assault, but she countered by revealing that he had threatened to release a private video of her, leading to a revenge pornography controversy. Subsequently, Goo Hara took legal action against Choi for assault, threat, and illegal filming.
The court, however, only found Choi guilty of four charges, excluding illegal filming, and sentenced him to one year in prison in 2020.
Meanwhile, Goo Hara was grieving the loss of her close friend, the late Sulli. Upon hearing the news of Sulli's death while in Japan, Goo Hara was devastated, vowing to live diligently for both of them, reassuring fans through tears. However, just two months after Sulli's death, Goo Hara also tragically passed away, causing immense shock.
After her death, Goo Hara was embroiled in controversy again. Her biological mother, who had left the family when Goo Hara was nine and cut off contact for 20 years, appeared demanding half of her daughter's inheritance. Goo Hara's brother, Goo Ho-in, filed a lawsuit challenging the inheritance claim, arguing that their mother had not fulfilled her parental duties. However, the court ruled a 6:4 division of the inheritance, acknowledging the father's contribution in raising the siblings.
In response, Goo Ho-in proposed the 'Goo Hara Law', aimed at limiting inheritance rights for parents who fail to fulfill their parental duties. The bill has passed through the cabinet but is still pending in the National Assembly.
Amidst all this, KARA members made a full-group comeback on November 29 last year to commemorate their 15th debut anniversary and Goo Hara's 3rd death anniversary. Particularly touching was their decision to leave Goo Hara's place vacant in their new release 'Move Again', with the title track 'When I Move', adding to the emotional weight of their return.
