Pandora is the fifth EP by South Korean popgirl group, Kara. It was released on August 22, 2012.
Background
On August 6, 2012, the title track of the album was revealed. The song was apparently leaked at KBS'radio show, 2FM Super Junior's "Kiss the Radio" on August 17. Following the leak, the group's representatives and the staff working for the show apologized on Twitter and posted a message on the radiocommunity board. On August 7, 2012, the title was revealed by Kara's agency and explained its origin from Greek mythology. The concept of the album was to show the group's matured charms through a modern interpretation of Pandora's Box. Steward Ho for M.net noted that the group were about to "ditch their younger image and look more like empowered women". Member Nicole Jung stated during the album's show case that the group aimed to display their "maturing feminism".
Composition
The EP contains four songs plus an instrumental version of the title track. The group worked with Han Jae-ho and Kim Seung-soo along with Sweetune, who produced most of the group's past material. The title track, "Pandora", is a synthpop dance track.
Promotion
The group held a showcase to promote the release of the Pandora EP at the Seoul Walkerhill Hotel on August 22. The event was streamed live at M.net Global's website. The group's agency also stated that the members are devoting themselves towards the promotion of the album in South Korea. The group began their weekly promotions for the album starting on KBS' Music Bank where they performed some of the album's songs including "Pandora" and "Miss U". A promotional truck that was entirely covered with the album's jacket cover traveled through various parts of Seoul, including Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon and Myeongdong.
Critical reception
Enewsworld editor Erika Kim stated that the group had improved in their vocals. She complimented the member's role within the song and noted some influences from Japanese pop music such as the opening theme songs of magical-girl anime series like Sailor Moon. Throughout the day of release, the members of the group also become the most searched terms on several popular Korean search engines which includes Naver and Daum. Following the music video's release, some concerns were raised regarding the group's suggestive choreography, a dance move where the members remove their jackets to reveal their backs. A representative for KBS's Music Bank stated that the group may need to make changes. However no changes were made when the group made their first televised performance on August 24 at the music program to start their weekly album promotion cycle.
Chart performance
In South Korea, the EP peaked at number 1 in Gaon Album Chart, and the title track peaked at number 2 in Gaon Digital Chart. The other three songs from the EP, "Way", "Miss U", and "Idiot" also placed on the Gaon Digital Chart. In Japan, the EP debuted at number 104 in Oricon Albums Chart through importation from South Korea. After the Japanese edition was released, the EP peaked number 15 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.
