Since their debut, KARD, long hailed as the representative mixed-gender K-pop group, dismissed widespread "disbandment" rumors and displayed strong loyalty.
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, where they candidly shared their thoughts on the group's disbandment.
Earlier, KARD debuted in 2017 and released songs such as "Oh NaNa," "RUMOR," "Don't Recall" and "밤밤," becoming a leading mixed-gender group beloved both domestically and internationally. But recent news that KARD would end group activities after nine years since debut heightened fans' disappointment.
On the matter, Jeon Ji-woo drew a clear line, saying, "To clarify in advance, we are not disbanding." He explained, "When we released the statement, finishing KARD's journey meant the end of the contract with DSP, but many articles said it was a disbandment," adding, "Think of it as a comma where we each spend some time in a slightly new environment and then meet again so KARD can continue."
Asked about the whole group transferring, Jeon Ji-woo said, "Actually, after these articles, we might get contacts. But we have no plans for the entire group to move, and I once said if we were to appear as KARD later, it would be right to do it with DSP." JaySeph also recalled, "My second nephew messaged me asking, 'Uncle, are you disbanding?'" and shared, "I told him that uncles are tied to companies, and it's only that that is coming to an end, not a disbandment," an anecdote that suggested solid teamwork.
Jeon Ji-woo confessed, "When the disbandment articles came out, I personally felt a bit disappointed and anxious, thinking we might not be able to release an album. That wouldn't happen, though. But many people showed interest after seeing the disbandment articles. What made me slightly sad was why they only showed interest now in Korea. Then I thought, 'Oh, you were watching; we just didn't know.'"
The members said their contract runs through Dec. 31 of this year and that while preparing the new album earlier this year they recognized it as their final album. JaySeph said, "In previous renewals with the company, it felt like something we naturally had to do, and we talked a lot about it, but this time there was no such talk, so I thought we might naturally not renew. Since we've never had two albums in one year, I assumed this year's album would be the last."
Although not a disbandment, as they close a 10-year chapter, the members' regret and emotions were especially strong. Jeon So-min, who said she shed tears during the interview, confessed, "I didn't feel it at first, but when I talked, the emotions came up and I cried today," and Jeon Ji-woo said, "Fans cried a lot and were very scared after seeing the disbandment articles. Even though we immediately said it wasn't true, they grew sad with each teaser for this album. That made me cry a lot," expressing apology and gratitude toward fans.
Jeon So-min, who said she might cry when meeting fans during activities, worried, "I'm worried I might keep crying, so I want to spend the time smiling as much as possible rather than crying. But fans are already crying a lot," and Jeon Ji-woo empathized, "What worries me during comeback practice is crying on stage. I didn't worry at first, but during today's interview I kept tearing up, so I'm a bit worried about what I'll do on stage."
KARD will spend time with domestic and international fans and reflect on their 10 years through a world tour following the album release. Jeon So-min previewed, "For the tour set list, we're trying to bring a list that recalls memories from the 10 years, not just recent songs."
When asked about reuniting, they replied, "We are keeping all possibilities open, so the word 'disbandment' probably surprised fans and acquaintances. It's not a true disbandment; we're going to do some things we couldn't do for a long time, and if talks go well later we can show KARD again, so I hope people won't be too sad."
On their respective second acts, Jeon So-min said, "I want to continue to bring good music," JaySeph said, "I'm setting my mind to postpone things and focus on 'Back to Life' for now," Jeon Ji-woo said, "I've been thinking about what kind of music and image I should approach next, but the details are still secret," and BM said, "I'm considering BM's brand that can integrate three images: rookie actor, musician and entertainer," adding, "Whether it's one year or two years, I want to keep making music, and someday when I have a great album ready, it might be easiest to go to the members and DSP and ask if they'd want to do it," promising another start.
At the end of the interview, when asked what kind of group they hope KARD will remain in the public's memory, they answered, "a likable group (BM)," "a group that evokes nostalgia (Jeon Ji-woo)," "a group that made one song brilliantly (JaySeph)," and "an energetic group (Jeon So-min)," promising a future reunion.
[Photo] DSP Media Co.
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