KARA member Kang Ji-young has shared the heartbreaking news of her beloved cat's passing.
On November 1st, Kang Ji-young took to Instagram to announce, "Nini has traveled to the cat star," revealing that her cherished feline companion has passed away.
Kang Ji-young shared, "Nini was born in Japan and came to Korea in 2019. She has been with me through every moment for the past nine years." She expressed her ongoing grief, saying, "While I find solace in knowing she is no longer in pain, I still can't believe she's gone."
Nini was diagnosed with subcutaneous lymphoma, a rare condition that made treatment challenging. Kang Ji-young reflected, "It was a rare case, and the treatment direction was difficult, leading to many tough days." She expressed regret for prolonging Nini's chemotherapy due to her own desires. Kang Ji-young acknowledged, "Nini never showed any signs of discomfort when going to the hospital, and even as the tumor grew to half her body size, she endured without showing pain."
Kang Ji-young's group, KARA, debuted in 2007 and gained immense popularity with hits like "Pretty Girl" and "Mister," not only in Korea but also in Japan.
Full Message from Kang Ji-young's SNS
2016.02.26 - 2025.11.29
Nini has traveled to the cat star.
Nini was born in Japan and
came to Korea with me and Leon in 2019.
She has been with me through every moment for nine years.
From the first moment we met to the last,
our angelic and beautiful Nini.
While I find solace in knowing she is no longer in pain,
I still can't believe you're gone.
My beloved Nini,
when we were diagnosed with subcutaneous lymphoma,
it was a rare case, and the treatment direction
was difficult, leading to many tough days.
But I promised myself,
I wouldn't let you suffer during treatment,
and I would let you eat whatever you wanted
and live comfortably.
However, as the chemotherapy, which is tough even for humans,
continued, my desires grew,
and I only thought about how I could keep you
by my side a little longer.
I feel very sorry for not keeping my promise.
Still, Nini never showed any signs of discomfort
and always went to the hospital with me,
even as the tumor grew to half her body size,
she endured without showing pain.
Even though it must have been tough, she wore
the cone she disliked,
and took large pills twice a day without complaint.
You were much braver than me, weren't you, Nini?
You worked so hard, my dear.
I'm sorry for being inadequate.
Now that you're no longer in pain,
I'll try to find peace too.
You, who called me with your sweet voice every day,
who woke me up at dawn for food,
who chattered for snacks,
who always climbed onto my lap during meals,
who accepted and groomed even when Goat played pranks.
I'll miss every moment, from your jiggly belly to your fragrant black jelly beans.
Nini, you're not in pain anymore, right?
You're not hurting at all now, right?
Rest comfortably.
You've probably already met Leon
and are enjoying delicious food
and traveling to wonderful places.
Don't worry about me and Goat,
do everything you want
and have fun.
And let's meet again
somewhere, someday.
Come greet me with your brother.
My wonderful cat, my angel Nini.
I love you so much, more than words can say.
Jung Da-yeon, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr