Han Seung-yeon was born on July 24, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea. She left South Korea to study at Tenafly High School in New Jersey, United States. However, she withdrew from high school mid-course in order to pursue a singing career.[1] After returning to South Korea, she debuted as a singer on March 29, 2007, as a member of the girl group Kara along with Park Gyuri, Jung Nicole and Kim Sunghee. During her time with the group, she passed a high school qualification exam, the College Scholastic Ability Test, and was accepted by Kyung Hee University, majoring in Theater and Film.