KARD Releases First Full Album Ahead of DSP Contract End: 'It's Not a Disbandment'

Mixed-gender group KARD has released their first full album, 'Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE', ahead of the expiration of their exclusive contract with DSP Media on December 31. The members plan to continue their activities as a team even after the contract ends, offering comfort to fans through the title track 'Back To Life'.

During a joint interview at their agency's cafe in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 28th, KARD stated, 'Both KARD and DSP Media have done their best over the past 10 years. We thought it might be time to spread our wings outside as well.' They explained that while there was some regret over not becoming superstars in their home country of Korea, this had always been a task for them, which is why they chose a 'comma' rather than a full stop. They emphasized, 'It is not a disbandment. It is the end of our journey with DSP.' They added that members might feature for each other later or even reunite at DSP to release a commemorative album.

KARD began their activities in 2016 with the project single 'Oh NaNa' and officially debuted in 2017 with 'Hola Hola'. Known for their strong musical identity featuring tropical sounds and mumbaton genres, they gained attention in overseas markets like South America earlier than in their home country, where results were relatively modest. J.Seph remarked, 'Except for the time spent overseas, our domestic schedule was 'nothing'. If we had more recognition in Korea, I would have lived more diligently during that time.' Jeon Jiwoo shared her honest feelings, saying, 'I feel sorry and grateful to our fans, but I couldn't simply ask them to wait or join us blindly.'

The first full album includes 10 tracks, including the title track 'Back To Life', 'Armor', 'Signal', and 'Always'. 'Back To Life' is a mumbaton-based dance song that elegantly reinterprets tropical sounds, reminiscent of KARD's early music. BM expressed, 'Since it is both our first and last album, I feel both regret and relief. After various musical trials and errors, it feels like we have returned to our true selves.' Jeon So-min explained, 'We aimed to show energetic vibes with the concept of a spectacular 'last carnival'.'

The members have become like family, able to sense each other's moods and thoughts without words. In particular, BM has provided songs for group tracks and members' solo projects without receiving composition fees. Following the album release, KARD is set to start a new world tour covering Europe, Asia, and South America, beginning at Gavin Art Hall in Seoul on the 8th of next month, to greet fans around the world.