South Korean girl group Kara to headline Taipei's New Year countdown

Taipei, Dec. 19 (CNA) The five-member South Korean girl group Kara will be the headliner act of Taipei's New Year countdown celebrations, the city's Department of Information and Tourism said Friday.

Besides the South Korean girl group, other international acts will include Singaporean singer-songwriter Tanya Chua (蔡健雅), the six-member South Korean-Taiwanese girl group Genblue and South Korean-Taiwanese singer-songwriter Bii, according to the department.

A total of 10 acts will take turns gracing the stage outside Taipei City Hall starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Kara's performance will mark the group's first return to Taiwan in 12 years.

To celebrate the occasion, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) posted a message in Chinese, English and Korean on Facebook on Friday to announce Kara's participation.

Aside from the main celebration held in front of the Taipei City Hall as per tradition, Taipei will also host performances on Dec. 31 at four other locations -- Dinghao Square on Zhongxiao East Road, Jingqin No. 1 Park, Xiangshan Park and Four Four South Village.