The agency of the five-member girl group KARA said Sunday it had no plans to replace Nicole with a new member after its recent announcement that only three members have decided to renew their contracts with the firm.

“Nicole will leave the team after her contract expires in January, but the remaining members will continue to perform home and abroad without introducing new scouts,” said DSP media.

Three members -- Park Gyu-ri, Goo Hara and Han Seung-yeon -- will be staying another two years with the entertainment agency. 

The agency is looking into different options for KARA, after the group makes its last appearance with all 5 members on Nov. 24, at the end of the Japan ARENA Tour. But it said it was skeptical of recruiting a new member, since the group is established with a distinct character of its own.

Kang Ji-young, whose contract ends in April, is also reported to be deliberating whether she would return to her studies or stay on as a member of KARA.

By Yoon Ha-youn, Intern reporter
(yhayoun@heraldcorp.com)