T-ara Showcases Individuality In New Album ‘What’s My Name’

A trimmed down T-ara has made a comeback as 4 members with their 13th EP titled 'What's My Name'. This time around, the members showcased their individual charms with solo tracks in their latest album.

On June 14, T-ara faced the media and press at the Shinhan FAN Square in Seoul to talk about their possible last album together, 'What's My Name'. Jiyeon told reporters who were present, "We tried to do a lot this time. We initially planned to showcase group songs, but the program for the showcase was changed abruptly at the last minute." She further added, "Members hurriedly decided on the change for us to show a more diverse side of the team."

T-ara debuted in 2009 with 'Lies' and has continued to release 12 EPs after, with 'Memories' preceding 'What's My Name'. The group has managed to release hits like 'Bo Peep Bo Peep', 'Roly Poly' and 'Lovey Dovey'. Members Soyeon and Boram left the group after their contracts expired in May. Their agency, MBK Entertainment, initially planned to release the album with all 6 members in the tracks before the 2 members leave for good but they never reached an agreement. This left remaining members Jiyeon, Qri, Hyomin and Eunjung no choice but to re-record all the tracks. Eunjung told the press, "We were a bit stretched in regards to the amount of time given for making the album, but I hope fans appreciate our wish to present our hard work."

'What's My Name' has 13 tracks which featured 3 group songs, 4 solo songs for each member, a Chinese version, and an instrumental version of the title track, 'What's My Name'. T-ara also talked about their struggles as a group. It is known that T-ara has had a lot of controversies in the past. The biggest one was when 7th member Hwayoung left the group and accused the girls of bullying. The scandal resulted in T-ara being dropped by television shows and other media arrangements including endorsements and appearances. The girls began to lie low after the issue and promote to a foreign market instead.

Qri said, "We've gone through a lot of things that were hard to bear, but I think we're standing here today because we didn't want to let go (of T-ara)." Jiyeon also added, "I think many people remember our difficulties in the past. But at the same time, we've received so much love. At the end of the day, it's all okay since we are T-ara." The members didn't clearly state if they will stay together until December. The 4 previously agreed to remain together until the end of this year.