"Nicole" officially out of Kara

As has long been rumored,NicoleJung has officially leftKara, according to the group's agency, DSP Media.

But DSP says the group will continue to release albums without her.

"Nicole, who has been withKarafor about seven years, is no longer part of the group as her exclusive contract with DSP Media expires as of Jan. 16", said the agency yesterday.

"Although her work asKarais regretfully completed, we hope the fans encourage her as she is preparing to have another new start".

DSP Media has renewed its contract with three members of the five-girl group -Park Gyoo-ri-I,Han Seung-yeonandGoo Ha-ra- for another two years.

The last member,Kang Ji-young, whose contract expires in April, said she will take some time to think about whether she wants to stay with the agency and the group.

By Lee Sun-min