(continuing from interview ②) Jeon Somin, who debuted in her midteens and has now entered her 30s, marking the 10th year since KARD's debut, looked back on the past and smiled, saying, "I think we've done really well."
On the 2nd she released her first EP "UNVEIL(언베일)" and, having embarked on a new challenge as a solo artist, Jeon Somin recently conducted an interview with OSEN at the DSP Media Co. headquarters in Gwangjin District, Seoul, and reflected on her activities over the past 10 years.
In the early days of their debut there were prejudices and unfamiliar looks toward mixed-gender groups, but KARD broke that mold with solid skills and performances. Jeon Somin said, "Now many people compliment us as 'a group that sings well and performs well.' Thanks to the experiences built up over the past 10 years of activity, this solo album was able to come out safely. That decade was very precious to me; it was a path through which I got to know myself and that made me," she reflected.
She added, "Still, I feel like the efforts we made over those 10 years were not in vain. So I'm very grateful to the members, and having a place to return to after doing a solo album gives me great reassurance. Another thing I learned through this solo album is that I could express differences between the vocals I used in KARD activities and when I was solo, and I experienced breaking through a barrier. I think if we bring this broken wall into a KARD album, we can show refreshed music."
So what was KARD's driving force that allowed them to be loved by global fans and have long-term success over a long period of 10 years? Jeon Somin answered, "I think it's passion. When the four of us talk about an album, an enormous number of ideas come out. While working on this album I'm already thinking a bit about what to do for the next one, so even though the four of us could have been tired after 10 years, it's truly a blessing that we haven't become exhausted. I think having those conversations is why we've been able to come this far, and why we've continued touring and showing stages."
On how they resolve conflicts among members, she added the secret to their unwavering teamwork: "We never fight and we talk a lot. We listen to each other's opinions and tend to find a middle ground. I think we always do our best in those moments."
She also left advice for juniors dreaming of mixed-gender groups. She said, "I want to tell them to 'hold on.' (laughs) It's never an easy path, but if you endure and endure, someday you'll shine. Of course, we really went through a lot of difficulties in reality. But as we kept doing it, I wondered why no one would try this attractive combination."
She continued, "I think my life is also about 'holding on.' In a way, because I held on, this solo album came out. Also, having started at 16 and now being in my 30s, I think it's such a blessing and something to be grateful for that I can keep doing this profession. I want to tell people to look far ahead and keep going steadily rather than seek immediate big success," she offered sincere encouragement.
When asked what she would like to say to the 10-years-ago Jeon Somin, she honestly said, "Just live harder. Although I worked hard, now that I'm at this point I think there were times I wasted a bit of time. I want to urge my past self to use those wasted times more as time to develop myself. I'm the kind of person who finds faults in myself and pushes myself more than praising myself. If I could tell my 10-years-ago self, I'd say just work hard, seize every opportunity you can and do your best. Do even better, do your best."
Calling this first solo debut a "major turning point" in her life, Jeon Somin said, "Through the solo album I discovered strengths I didn't know I had, and my inner self has become very strong," and vowed, "I think I can approach this as if I'm a rookie again."
About her future goals, Jeon Somin said, "My life goal is 'to keep going.' Rather than short and intense, I want to do music 'shallow and long, for a long time'—protecting the people I love and expressing what I want to do."
Meanwhile, KARD, which includes Jeon Somin, will hold the world tour KARD 2026 WORLD TOUR 'DRIFT' IN JAKARTA on June 27 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is currently stepping up preparations for the next KARD album.
[photo] DSP Media Co.
[OSEN]