After School Kahi to part from group, pursue solo career

After School's Kahi [Pledis Entertainment]

After School's leader Kahi has decided to leave her group to launch a solo career, according to her agency Pledis Entertainment on Thursday. Kahi, the leader of After School, said that she will embark on her solo activities once the group wraps up their scheduled events in Japan in early September. "I want to thank my fans who have shown so much love to me, and the members who were there with me in good times and in bad since we made our debut," Kahi was quoted as saying. On pursuing her solo career Kahi said, "I will begin the whole thing like I'm a new artist and continue to study acting. I hope to make my return as a better person." Currently, After School is in Japan fulfilling their singing activities and will hold their encore concert at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on June 17. Several days after meeting their fans there, the girls will drop their fifth local single on June 21, which is likely to contain two to three songs, according to the firm. Kahi made her debut as the leader of After School with their first mini-album “New Schoolgirl” in 2009. The girls have produced a number of hit songs including "Because of You," "Diva" "Bang!" and "Shampoo." Outside of her group activities, Kahi has made her acting debut by taking on the role of a dance teacher in KBS' "Dream High 2" early this year, alongside Kang Sora, Jeong Jinwoon of 2AM, Hyolyn of SISTAR, Jiyeon of T-ara and Park Jin-young. ※ Any copying, republication or redistribution of 10Asia's content is expressly prohibited without prior consent of 10Asia. Copyright infringement is subject to criminal and civil penalties.10 아시아 Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@10 아시아 Editor : Monica Suk monicasuk@<ⓒ즐거움의 공장 "10 아시아" (10.asiae.co.kr) 무단전재 배포금지>