"K-pop's leading coed group" KARD is returning to their most refreshing and radiant true selves to quench fans' long-standing thirst as they approach their final activities at DSP.
KARD recently held a release interview for their first full-length album "Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE" at a cafe in Gwangjin District, Seoul, and discussed various stories about the new album.
KARD, who disappointed many by announcing the recent end of group activities, previewed a spectacular finale through their first full-length album. The first full-length album releasing on the 28th, Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE, is a continuation of the mini album 7 Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light) released in August 2024 and signals the conclusion of a series that melts into its music and performance the truths encountered at the long-sought destination.
Jeon Somin described the album as "a time that made me think a lot about the past 10 years" and introduced it as "an album that takes references from 'Onana' and 'Ola Ola' to show KARD's refreshing side."
She added, "Many people liked those songs, and after that we changed the concept to a sexy and intense direction, so there were people who missed that," and explained the concept, "Since this is (our) last album (at DSP), rather than intensity, I thought it would be nice to finish happily with smiles."
BM, who produced the overall album, also emphasized, "I really wanted a lot of the early-era vibe to come through," adding, "We arranged it to revive synth sounds and rhythm and beat patterns used in mumbaton and dancehall genres, and I wanted it to feel refreshing."
As KARD's first full-length album, great care was put into the dynamics among the tracks and the completeness of the performances. Jeon Somin said, "The solo songs released one by one since the beginning of this year were for the full album, and I thought a lot about what kind of dynamics to create within the 10 songs."
The title track "Back To Life" is a dancehall song based on mumbaton that stylishly reinterprets tropical sounds, offering intense addictiveness with KARD's signature refreshing energy. All members participated in writing the lyrics, and it is expected to leave a lasting impression by embedding a tender message of mutual support — each becoming a place to lean on for the others.
There were also major changes in performance. Jeon Somin explained, "This time we really rehearsed with dancers after a long time," and said, "We created a truly festive and exciting atmosphere like the concept of 'Last Carnival.'" J.Seph said, "It's especially exciting because it's almost the first time in six years we've worked with dancers," adding, "The dancers filled the numerical limits that the four of us can cover with dance, so when we filmed the music video it felt very grand."
The music video also includes a special device that traces the previous narrative. Jeon Jiwoo revealed detailed behind-the-scenes, saying, "In the ending credits of our 'Ola Ola' music video, we leave on a journey in a yellow Mustang, and as a circular narrative I wanted to show that we again board that car to depart and have come to the current destination, the present moment. The yellow Mustang also appears in this music video and in J.Seph oppa's rap lyrics."
Above all, this album is a tender consolation and tribute to the fandom, Hidden Card. Jeon Somin said the core message of the album is "that when you are lonely, struggling and exhausted, you are never alone and we will be a place to lean on," and spoke sincerely about the fan song Always, which the members wrote themselves: "Hidden Card has always been a bright light for us, so we wrote it centered on gratitude for sharing those radiant moments."
J.Seph also expressed deep affection, saying, "In the exhausted and broken moments I thought a lot about the fans. Someone says I'm the best, but when I'm broken I feel so apologetic that it motivates me. They are my driving force and my light," and BM took pride in the musical completeness by saying he received high praise from producer RT, who asked, "Are you leaving after releasing such a masterpiece?"
Finally, KARD named a music show first-place win as the goal of this promotion, and J.Seph added a cheerful yet determined wish: "I hope 'Back To Life' does moderately well, and that earlier releases like 'Onana,' 'Don't Recall,' and 'Ola Ola' even reverse-chart."
[Photo] DSP Media Co.
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