Ahead of the sixth anniversary of the late Goo Hara, unreleased photos revealed… the pleasant yet poignant reason
'With the late Goo Hara's sixth anniversary a week away, unreleased photos capturing her in life have been revealed, once again making fans' hearts heavy. Although six years have passed since she left the world, longing and memories remain ongoing.'
On the 16th, acquaintance Han Seo-hee posted several photos on her blog showing Goo Hara during her lifetime. Having left memorial posts on each anniversary, this year she even brought out "photos that had not been released until now," revealing deep affection.
In the photos, Goo Hara shows the same image she had when she was known as a 'pure icon'—bare, clear skin without makeup, a transparent smile, large eyes and a natural atmosphere. The pure mood of that time remains intact, and fans are responding, "Just seeing her again makes me choke up."
Along with the photos, Han Seo-hee left a short but meaningful note saying, "In a few days it will be the day Goo Hara royally betrayed me. Sister, I'm now older than you. Call me sister," conveying the complicated feelings amid longing.
Last year, KARA member Kang Ji-young released a photo from their fresh days sharing earphones and left a short message saying "ㅂㄱㅅㅇ (missing you)," moistening fans' eyes. The KARA members have not stopped their annual memorials and remembrances.
In particular, Goo Hara's name still remains on KARA's official member list, proving her presence as an "eternal member."
Fans have continued their tributes, saying, "My heart tightens every time I see Hara's name in KARA," and "She is still our center."
Goo Hara died on Nov. 24, 2019, at the age of 28. She was found dead at her home in Gangnam District, Seoul, and it was confirmed that there were no criminal charges. Her sudden death, after active activities during her life, shocked the public.
After joining KARA in 2008, she led the group's heyday with hit songs such as 'Pretty Girl,' 'Honey,' 'Lupin' and 'STEP,' and was loved across various fields including acting in dramas such as 'City Hunter' and 'The Sound of Footsteps' and her solo album 'Alo Hara.' However, she went through a difficult time in 2018 due to a legal battle with hairdresser Choi Jong-beom, and later Choi Jong-beom was sentenced to one year in prison on charges including assault and threats.
After her death, controversy continued over her biological mother's inheritance claim. The dispute grew when the mother, who had not fulfilled her childcare duties during Goo Hara's life, demanded half of the proceeds from the sale of real estate, and eventually her brother, Goo Ho-in, pushed for legislation of the 'Goo Hara law' to limit inheritance. The bill passed the National Assembly and is scheduled to take effect in January 2026. Many people find added meaning in this as a change born from the family's affection and earnest efforts for the deceased.
KARA moved fans when it released the full-group comeback 'When I Move' in 2022 after seven years. This year it also released the special single 'I Do I Do' and remains actively promoting. And Goo Hara was always part of that. The six names, including hers, carry the message to fans that "Hara is still with us." After the release of the unreleased photos, comments included reactions such as, "Seeing Hara's face makes me happy and then choke up," "Time has passed but she's the same in my heart," "Unreleased photos… more poignant ahead of the sixth anniversary," "Thank you for bringing back these memories. I won't forget and will remember," and "Every time I see KARA perform as a full group, I think of Hara… I miss her." Goo Hara remains and will remain a special presence in fans' hearts.
Although six years have passed since she left, the Goo Hara in the photos still appears vivid, dazzling and lovable before us. That is why this release feels all the more welcome, all the more aching and all the more precious. Memories do not disappear as long as they are kept—fans today, tomorrow and forever will keep Goo Hara in their hearts.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, SNS'
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