Vinko

I recall reading somewhere a couple of months back that supposedly TGSK himself told Karen that she may have her own great qualities (or something in these lines) but that she may not have what fans are looking for.

 

Also read some fans saying that Karen has more of an image of an artists than an idol. (whatever they may mean with those words)

 

I bet Karen is in a lot of people's favorites, maybe not at the top though, so it doesn't translate to votes and HS. Hopefully she will stick around and see her popularity increase.

I agree about that. Because it seems like many people who came to her Handshake Event line, are not only her AKB fans, but also a lot of common people. Rumors said, the propotion of Fans:Common People almost 50:50. I bet they know her because of her as Tohoku's origin, her regular appearance NHK's program, and "Hana wa Saku".

So in my opinion, Karen is more popular rather than her peers but not to the extent of fanatic ones. It will be hard for her if she wants to continue her career as an idol in AKB, but I am pretty sure that she will survive on the outside world when she decided to graduate in the future.

Karen indeed is close to be an artist, rather than an idol. But she already decided to join AKB because of her adoration to Takamina, and Okaro of course. I think I will follow her progress, even after she will be graduated from AKB48.