Former Kara member Goo Ha-ra signed a new contract Monday with talent agency KeyEast Entertainment, headed by hallyu actor and businessman Bae Yong-joon.

“Goo is an artist with high potential as a singer, an emcee and an actress,” said Yang Geun-hwan, chief of KeyEast’s entertainment business division. “We have high expectations of her limitless potential to grow. We will fully support Goo in her domestic and international promotions, including Japan and China, so that she continues to work actively as a hallyu star representing Korea.”

Goo Ha-ra (OSEN)

With the agency’s announcement, the 25-year-old starlet now joins one of the fastest-rising agencies in the industry, which houses stars Kim Soo-hyun, Park Seo-joon, Han Ye-seul, Ahn So-hee and Kim Hyun-joong, among others.

Goo made her debut in 2007 as a member of quintet Kara. The girl band enjoyed popularity in Korean and Japan, releasing hit songs such as “Pretty Girl,” “Honey,” “Mister” and “Lupin.” Kara officially disbanded last week.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)