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[PICS] Weibo Update feat. Jiyeon (05/15) Credit: Shine-溪恩 Weibo + 黎冷 Weibo + 巴塞游 Weibo + red4summer + TiaraDiadem It's time consuming to trace the actual sources and hence I credit according to the tags.

T-ara’s Eunjung just made her debut as a solo singer. However, she did not use her actual name, but a stage name 'Elsie' to release a solo album with the title song being 'I’m Good' to start off her schedules. Although she is the third member in T-ara following Jiyeon and Hyomin to have their solo debuts, Eunjung is the first member to use a new stage name to release an album. After debuting for 7 years as an idol, Eunjung is using 'Elsie' to come back as a new singer. Eunjung sat down at a cafe in Jongno-gu Sogyeokdong with reporters for an interview on the 13th of May. She talked about her feelings about the solo album release and some back stories etc. Among listeners of female idol groups’ music, many would definitely know who T-ara Eunjung is. But they wouldn’t be familiar with Elsie. There were even rumors that Elsie is a parody name to imitate the movie Frozen. So why did Eunjung use “Elsie” as a stage name for her solo activities? "It’s a name thought of by our CEO. The name wraps around the meaning of having all sorts of beauty. It includes honesty, straightforwardness, joyfulness, etc. Actually, I feel that if I use my own name Eunjung rather than Elsie, it would have been better. But for the sake of bringing out a better feel of the song, we decided to use Elsie instead of Eunjung. I hope the song would stand out more in that way." Although it is a blind concept, mysterious, but in actuality, many people knew that Elsie was T-ara Eunjung even before the official announcement. Even though Eunjung’s face did not appear in the teaser, netizens pointed out that “T-ara Eunjung is Elsie.” Therefore, the marketing of Elsie ended just like that. "Haha, actually I figured that everyone would know that it’s me. But it’s like a mysterious-yet-obvious kind of emphasis I think? Actually, the fact that many people could recognize Elsie is Eunjung had me relieved. Frankly speaking, B2ST’s Jang Hyun Seung and Secret’s Jeon Hyosung are releasing solo albums right now too, right? Because it’s my first solo album, and with Jang Hyun Seung and Jeong Hyosung, everyone was worried about what I would do." Having debuted in 2009, this is Eunjung’s first time going solo after 7 years of being a singer (including trainee years), and she has a different feelings as compared to when she is with T-ara. Although she is given the chance to display an image that is perfectly unique to herself on stage, she feels the burden of having to fulfil what is required of her on stage all by herself. "Previously, we went on stage as 6 girls, but now, it’s just me and the male dancer. I feel shy and curious at the same time. Furthermore, our CEO wants me to constantly perform better than my previous performance. (laughs) During my solo schedules, it feels like my promotion song: although I’m trying to feel fine being by myself, but in fact, being alone is not easy at all. I prefer having activities with the other members. But in order to present a new and fresh image, I have carry the thought of being ok by myself.” Eunjung had talked about past events regarding the conflict with ex-member Hwayoung on MNet's 4 Things Show while tearing non-stop and received the public’s attention. She revealed the truth behind the past events through an interview. “Because it seemed like we said a lot of things that was misunderstood, so we were very upset. Because I felt that my tears gave the impression that I was wronged, but that should not have been the right thing to do, so I blamed myself. I felt like I should have been more careful, it should not have been like that. Actually, when the filming was over, there were more relaxed moments. It wasn’t because of certain happenings that I cried, but more of because the filming was very meaningful and I felt so blessed that I cried. Because it was a reality and variety show that was filmed over a span of a few days so it became very comfortable. Thank you all (the crew) for making the filming so comfortable and relaxing, a program that wouldn’t get me scolded, I said these words. There was a female producer and director on set that cried after listening to my story; upon seeing them cry, I cried too." A T-ara that relies on their cute and joyous music, to receive huge popularity and support every time they release songs, went through a tough time after the ex-member Hwayoung bullying controversy. After some time, the controversy and debates slowly subsided, but it left a painful emotional scar on T-ara’s members. Eunjung who was thankful for not getting scolded during film shoots was asked how she managed to cope with the emotional pain. “Firstly, I thought of the fans, they are the reason why I was determined to hold on. And I am the kind of person that would admit to something very quickly, so I thought, “so it’s like that” and I slowly accepted it. I also had to think about future activities. The public might not think that I have admitted it because it was not clearly expressed. But I have already admitted and accepted the fact.” Although it has been 3 years since T-ara’s bully controversy, there are still some malicious labelling remarks (labelling T-ara as bullies). Eunjung hopes that giving it more time will be the solution to this. Instead of forcefully doing things (to explain and receive forgiveness), I would rather let time solve everything, put things back in order. “I hope we can be like before. But it seems like it’s not easy to go back to how things were. Giving our best and displaying a good image, everyone’s perspective of us would slowly improve, this is what I think. Instead of making statements, I think it is more important to show our effort and do our best in our activities.” Using the stage name Elsie to stand on the solo stage, Eunjung uses her sexy charms to replace her usual adorable and at times, boyish charisma. In order to display a perfect image on stage, her goal is to use this period of time to show new charms to captivate the public. “To make everyone think, ’T-ara's Eunjung is capable of this image?’ I wanted to display a contrasting look. Besides, after displaying a feminine and sexy concept, I hope to show yet another different image the next time.” Eunjung was asked about her thoughts of what T-ara would be like during their 10th year. Eunjung imagined an image of the members being in their 30s and exclaimed. At the same time, she mentioned that she wants to use the name T-ara to be with the other members, showing her love for the group. “T-ara’s 10th anniversary? How old would I be then? I would be in my 30s. I hope to be able to produce music that would appeal to the audience of that generation. I also hope that we can use the charms of all 6 of us to continue having activities. However, it is not up to us whether we can continue having T-ara activities regardless of time. We must release albums and have fans around. When all of us discussed this, we expressed our hopes of being able to have activities of our own while also continuing as T-ara. This is our burning wish.” *** Source: Star News

[iG] Seok JungHye Update featuring Eunjung (05/14) *** Credit: seokjno1 IG + ily_shannon + tiaradiadem

[PRESS] Eunjung Heading to KBS Music Bank (05/15) For the rest of images: *** Credit: Newsen + starjn + fnstar + ily_shannon + tiaradiadem

[PICS] Elsie at SBS Inkigayo (05/10) *** Credit: SBS Official + ily_shannon + tiaradiadem

[15.05.14] Video - Eunjung I'm Good @ M Countdown I'm Good Credit: Mnet + Tara World + red4summer + TiaraDiadem

[PIC] Coca Cola Korea Blog featuring Eunjung (05/16) *** Credit: Coca Cola Korea Blog + ily_shannon + tiaradiadem

[iG] Byuree Jung Update feat. Hyomin (05/15) Credit: Byuree Jung Instagram + red4summer + TiaraDiadem

[iG] Hyomin Update (05/15) Credit: Hyomin Instagram + red4summer + TiaraDiadem I shall not share those which Hyomin deleted.

[iG] Eunjung Update (05/15) 카톡에서 보다가 실물보니 더 귀엽..! 엘시 포스터 있는 버거킹 가서 버거먹꼬 다른 친구들도 모으는걸로오 Credit: Eunjung Instagram + red4summer + TiaraDiadem Wish I could see her poster in my local Burger King restaurant.

​ 로마 에서 (In Rome) Cr: jiyeon2__ + omar + tiaradiadem

*** Credit: Jiyeon Weibo + ily_shannon + tiaradiadem

[15.05.15] Video - Elsie (Eunjung) "I'm Good" Feat. Ki-o at KBS Music Bank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYuf2rPI12s *** Credit: skpb k-live music [banned]

[iG] euna3579 Update Featuring Eunjung (05/15) *** Credit: euna3579 ig + ily_shannon + tiaradiadem

[iG] Qri Update (05/13-14) 나는 그저 테스트 모델일 뿐... ごちそうさまでした。 Credit: Qri Instagram + red4summer + TiaraDiadem

The reason to use "Elsie" is to let the public listens to the song first, before they find out who sang it. From the company opinion, they are worried that the public won't give the song a fair chance if the public is to learn about the singer first. That's how bad in Korea for T-ARA. However like Eunjung said, the plan didn't work according to plan as everyone knows who Elsie is. We don't need to change what had happened but we must learn through experience and reflection. At the end of day, we mustn't live with regrets. If we think we've done enough, we don't need everyone to agree with us. T-ARA 10th anniversary? Give me 20th.

[15.04.12] T-ara, Why They Are So Popular In China Local girl's group, T-ara, has received the 3 highest honours in China. Their popularity in China is unlike the rest. In a key music award ceremony, The 3rd V Chart Awards, they won the highest popularity award, celebrity of the year award and member Jiyeon won the award for best female singer. Particularly for the highest popularity award, it was determined by the voting of fans. Being able to defeat the rest of the well-known artists to win this award has a deep significance. So what is the reason why T-ara is so popular in China? On the 12th, T-ara's agency announced that T-ara had won the highest popularity award, celebrity of the year award and best female singer award in the annual V Chart Awards ceremony held in Beijing. Many of the Chinese industry reps expressed that the high popularity of T-ara was due to their songs. Many of their songs are widely popular. Roly Poly, TTL, Bo Peep Bo peep, Like The First Time, I Go Crazy Because Of You, etc are well-liked not only in Korea but also in China. In addition, their unique music style and their catchy tunes are also key in obtaining the love of the local fans. Due to their unique concepts, their stage performances are diverse in style and hence, they became the 1st to be considered for invitations for many of the activities. Shuffling dance and retro-dance moves that are choreographed to be easy to follow were effective in their aim. Last year, T-ara collaboration with popular Chinese duo, Chopstick Brothers, for 'Little Apple' also helped raised their recognition in China significantly. With the familiarity of the songs, though unfamiliar faces, this activity raised their level of presence among Chinese fans. Although not fluent, T-ara still try hard to use Chinese to communicate with their fans. Their effort put in are also recognised and appreciated, adding to their popularity. Learning and being familiar with the Chinese words/phrases to use on performance stages in order to interact with fans is the key in the eyes of T-ara's agency. T-ara had also earlier performed for the sultan coronation ceremony in Malaysia as the main performing artists on 29 March. They performed 10 songs and along with Taboo from Black Eyed Peas, they were promoted heavily in the local promotion posters. All these overseas activities had led to the accusations of "T-ara are focusing on overseas activities due to their difficulties in domestic activities." If this is indeed true, their strategy has been very successful indeed. *** Source: TopStarNews Chinese Translation via T-ara Tieba

t-ara is famous because their hardwork is paid off finally,they were having a hard time when all the netizens tried to shut them down.I'm really grateful that t-ara is still strong because we queens believe in them.whatever happens,t-ara and queens will always be one.forget all the haters.don't let them get in your way.티아라 ,파이팅 !! t-ara is famous because their hardwork has finally paid off not because their domestic activities having some difficulties.seriously,they all work hard to promote t-ara to the world.I'm grateful that t-ara is still standing strong as one of the well known k-pop idol.whatever happens,t-ara and queens will always be one.I'll keep supporting them in whatever they might do in the future.티아라,파이팅!!!

It's great that T-ara is so popular in China. I think they should focus less on South Korea and Japan and move on to China to focus more on that. They don't have too much time to promote T-ara N4 or QBS I think. They can do some occasional solo projects as well. Maybe 1 South Korean and 1 Japanese title track each year, and 1 solo project each year, with the rest of the time focusing on China may be good. T-ara has been around since 2009, they only have a few more years left I think, so this is their chance right now to focus on China. I think they will get even more popular and I'm excited to buy their Chinese music! :-) I am a member of both Tiaradiadem and T-araworld. I wonder if you all are posting there, and if posters from there are posting here? I want to see the international T-ara fans united and posting on multiple websites please. O:-)

Business is business. Where the demand (and more importantly, profit) is, that's where they'd go. Even without the perception/accusation of their OLD scandal still hounding them in their home soil, it's likely T-ara (and even other groups/artists) would still expand, due to the heavily saturated Korean market (look at the ever growing number of girl groups alone). I say 'good' thing about the scandal is that they don't 'need' be tied down and not lose their initial/local fanbase. Talk about turning misfortune into (lucrative, hopefully) opportunities. As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot. If there is demand, it would be illogical to turn it down, unless a better option present itself (or that demand is detrimental in some way). Like their recent singles/albums have less than stellar sales, would it be a wonder if they tried/moved on their hand in other (and bigger) markets, especially if they are being invited? Another thing, less domestic projects mean T-ara need not go 300% activities in at least 3 countries. They are reputed as one of the most overworked (at which they even have a clip complaining/demanding of having no breaks since debut) I shudder what state they would be in if they are moving all around in East Asia (and other parts of the world) all the time. I acknowledge that having a strong and loyal fanbase is important as the core, as overseas activities may only be trendy in those countries (i.e. short term), but complaining about the lack of local activities is laughable in the least. PS: I just hope the girls further improve their language skills (whether Japanese, Korean, English, etc). Any work that requires regular interaction with foreigners (relatively to oneself), good communication skills are a must, especially in an industry T-ara is in.

Sigh! The netizens... always the netizens. T-ara's agency already stated last year near the end of 2014 that T-ara would be busy focusing on their overseas activities in 2015. 'difficulties in domestic activities?' then stop making it difficult for them will you? That aside congratulations once again to T-ara for winning 3 major awards. Its nice to see their hard work and efforts being appreciated. *cough*Burns, don't it?*cough*