Personal Details :
- Full Name: Goo Hara (구하라)
- Stage Name: Hara
- Date of Birth: January 3, 1991
- Date of Death: November 24, 2019
- Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea
- Death Place: Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 164 cm (5′4″)
- Weight: ~43 kg (94 lbs)
- Blood Type: B
- Nationality: South Korean
- Education: Sungshin Women’s University (Broadcasting Major)
- Occupations: Singer, Dancer, Actress, Television Personality
- Years Active: 2008–2019
- Group: KARA (2008–2016; reunited 2022 for anniversary)
- Agencies: DSP Media, KeyEast, Production Ogi
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @koohara__ (memorialized account – marked “Remembering” since May 2020)
- Twitter: Previously @koohara__ (no longer active; was hacked posthumously)
Career Overview :
Early Career and Joining KARA: Goo Hara began her entertainment career as a model before joining the girl group KARA in 2008, following the departure of a former member. She became known for her strong stage presence and charming visuals, helping the group rise to fame with hits like “Honey,” “Mister,” and “Lupin.”
Peak Success with KARA: Between 2009 and 2014, KARA became one of the top K-pop girl groups, not only in Korea but also in Japan, where they achieved major commercial success. Hara played a key role in the group’s popularity, participating in albums, tours, and TV appearances across Asia.
Solo Activities: In addition to her group activities, Hara pursued a solo career. She appeared in dramas like “City Hunter” and starred in various variety shows. In 2015, she released her solo debut EP titled Alohara (Can You Feel It?), which showcased her abilities as a solo performer.
Acting and Variety: Goo Hara was well-regarded for her versatility. Her role in “City Hunter” received positive reviews, and she was a frequent guest on reality shows, admired for her honest and bubbly personality.
Later Career: After KARA’s disbandment in 2016, she continued to promote in Japan under Production Ogi. She released Japanese music and continued television work while advocating for cyberbullying awareness later in her life.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Goo Hara was born in Gwangju, South Korea, and had a challenging upbringing due to family issues.
- She was known for her sweet personality and close friendships with fellow idols, including Sulli and IU.
- Hara was a passionate advocate against cyberbullying, especially later in her life after facing online harassment.
- She enjoyed fashion and often modeled for magazines and appeared in fashion events.
- In her free time, she loved traveling, photography, and spending time with pets—especially her beloved cat.
- Despite her fame, she was known to be humble, thoughtful, and emotionally sensitive.
Net Worth :
At the time of her death in November 2019, Goo Hara’s estimated net worth was between $9 million and $10 million. By 2025, adjusted estimates place her net worth at around $9.5 million. A significant portion came from her investments in real estate—including high-value properties in Gangnam—that appreciated substantially, along with earnings from music (as a member of KARA and solo artist), acting roles, endorsements, and variety show appearances.
Awards & Achievements :
- 2010 KBS Entertainment Awards – Best Female MC (for *Invincible Youth*)
- 2011 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards – Hot Campus Girl
- 2011 SBS Drama Awards – New Star Award (for *City Hunter*)
- 2013 Savings Day – Savings Award
- 2015 SBS Entertainment Awards – Best Challenge Award (for *Shaolin Clenched Fists*)
- Posthumous group recognition: With KARA, won Special K-Pop Award at the 32nd Seoul Music Awards (2023); trophies placed at her memorial in tribute
Fun Facts :
- Goo Hara originally wanted to be a model before debuting as a singer with KARA.
- She was known among fans as the “Barbie Doll” of K-pop due to her stunning visuals and fashion sense.
- Hara was a cast member of the popular variety show Invincible Youth, where she earned praise for her hardworking and humorous personality.
- She had a pet cat named Haru, whom she adored and frequently posted about on social media.
- Goo Hara remained close friends with fellow idols Sulli and IU, often publicly supporting them.
- After facing cyberbullying, Hara advocated for stronger anti-cyberbullying laws in South Korea.