Kong's debut single was launched in January 2007. She immediately garnered attention due to her entire album being written in Malay. Her debut EP also includes her singles Cinta Hello Kitty and Ku Tak Upaya, both penned by fellow Malaysian songwriter Asmin Mudin (writer of Malaysian IdolJaclyn Victor's Gemilang).[1] Both were featured on several radio station top charts including ERA, Xfresh and others.
On 15 January 2007, Kong released her full Malay album, Mulakan, which not only featured the debut single, but also nine other tracks including Na Na Na Nada Cinta, a remake of the Japanese song La La La Love Song by Toshinobu Kubota.
On 17 July 2007, she made a first in the Malaysian music scene by being the first artiste to hold a web concert. In September, she announced her plan to produce a Mandarin album (and her Chinese stage name, as stated above). The album, titled Showtime, which has since been finished and scheduled for release on 27 October,[citation needed] however, hit a snag when it was found that retail stores refuse to distribute or sell the album. This lead her company to only sell her album in a 50-leg promotional tour around the country.[2]
In 2009, Universal Music decided to bring her international recognition by re-launching her career in Taiwan.[3] The new album I'm Karen released on 10 July 2009 to serves as an introduction of the rising star to the Chinese music fans. It comes with songs from her first Chinese album Showtime plus four new songs, including the first plug AEIOU (a remake of The Ting Tings' Great DJ, famously featured in the trailer for Slumdog Millionaire).
