T-ara sets sights on China

Six-member girl groupT-araconfirmed they will advance into China's entertainment business, according to local media yesterday.

"T-arawill now pursue their musical careers in China more actively", said a representative of the group's agency, Core Contents Media, yesterday.

"On Sept. 5, we signed a contract with Long Jeon, one of the most prominent agencies in China".

It is said that Long Jeon, which organized the concerts of Chinese superstarsAndy Lauand Jacky Cheung, suggested 5 billion won ($4.8 million) as a down payment for a contract withT-ara.

"T-arais very popular in China", said the Chinese agency. "It is expected that withT-ara, we are going to raise up to 1 billion yuan annually".

The official also said that the company expects the move will encourage more cultural interaction between the two countries.

"By working with the girls, we are planning to contribute more in promoting the development of Hallyu [Korean Wave] content", the agency official said.

Next month,T-arais set to hold a press conference in Beijing to officially embark on their activities in China. Afterward, they will appear on local TV dramas and commercials, and plan to hold concerts there.