Jeon Jiwoo (KARD) Debuts as Solo Artist with EP '(EX)IST', A New Beginning After Nearly Nine Years
2026년 2월 12일
Jeon Jiwoo of KARD has debuted as a solo artist after nearly nine years. At 6 p.m. on February 11, her first EP '(EX)IST' was released across major music streaming platforms, described as a work that condenses the time and experience she has accumulated. The title track is 'Home Sweet Home', which traverses between R&B and alternative pop, with Jeon Jiwoo's distinctive vocal tone layered on top to elevate the song's immersion. The accompanying music video released alongside the track reportedly presents the true Jeon Jiwoo as the 'temptation' and 'liberation' selves amid the interplay of darkness and light. EP contains five tracks: the dreamy 'Mutual', the strong pull that begins the moment two people's gazes meet in 'Dang Dong (feat. BM of KARD)', 'Lily', and the instrumental version 'Home Sweet Home (Inst.)'. Notably, the lyrics of 'Lily' were written by Jeon Jiwoo herself, signaling a clear imprint of her musical color as a solo artist. BM also contributed to the album by helping work on the tracks 'Mutual' and 'Dang Dong (feat. BM of KARD)'. Jeon Jiwoo says this EP reaffirms her place as a solo artist. In an interview, she described '(EX)IST' as a condensed work of time and experience accumulated from the past to the present. Regarding the title track, she said that listeners should hear the song about three times: first, enjoy the mood casually; second, focus on the lyrics and follow the story; and finally, feel the breathing, texture, and subtle emotions inside the song and fully enjoy the music. She also shared that there are many aspects of herself she has yet to show. Ahead of the solo debut, she hoped to hear people say, Oh right, Jeon Jiwoo is like this, and she wants to display more colors and energy. She also expressed interest in new and bold concepts like rock or band sounds, which could become future challenges. All eyes are on how this nine-year-long solo journey will unfold. Jeon Jiwoo's first solo EP '(EX)IST' was released at 6 p.m. on February 11 on music platforms, and fans are expected to gradually savor her musical evolution. To repay fans' long wait, the project is said to capture the traces of the time Jeon Jiwoo has lived through and her honest emotions. Her future activities are drawing much attention.