TVXQ (left) and KARA (right) [SM Entertainment/DSP Media]

Korean singing duo TVXQ and girl group KARA have been named nominees for the grand prize of the upcoming Japan Record Awards, according to its official website on Monday.

The website showed that TVXQ's song "Why? (Keep Your Head Down)" and KARA's "GO GO SUMMER" are up against several of Japan's top artists such as JUJU, AAA, FUNKY MONKEY BABYS and AKB48 for the grand prize at the 53rd Japan Record Awards set to air on TBS on December 30.

In the meantime, female idols 2NE1 will compete for the best newcomer award against SUPER☆GiRLS, Ito Miyu and Fairies.

The Japan Record Awards is held annually by the Japan Composer's Association to recognize outstanding achievements in the music market.

TVXQ, composed of members Max Changmin and U-Know Yunho, have topped Oricon's charts and achieved platinum status with "Why? (Keep Your Head Down)" which went on sale in the country in late January. The boys will soon release their new Japanese single "Winter" on November 30.

KARA, composed of members Gu Hara, Han Seung-yeon, Park Gyu-lee, Kang Ji-young and Nicole, is currently one of the most successful Korean girl groups to break into the Japanese market.

The girls have achieved gold status with their fourth Japanese single "GO GO SUMMER" in late June and will release their second studio album "Super Girl" this Wednesday.

2NE1, formed of members Park Bom, CL, Sandara Park and Minzy, is one of the most popular girl groups since making their debut in May 2009.

The girls have been focusing on their singing activities in Japan and released their first mini-album in September. They also placed within the top ten on Oricon's chart with their new single "GO AWAY."

2NE1 [YG Entertainment]

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