Mixed-gender group KARD, 'Dissolution' Was Not the Case... "Only Contract with DSP Ended" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

Mixed-gender group KARD has returned with their first full-length album, "Last Carnival," marking a culmination of their 10-year journey. This release comes ahead of the termination of their exclusive contract with agency DSP Media.

While some speculated this signaled a dissolution, the members firmly drew a line and pledged to take on new challenges.

KARD (B.M, J.Seph, Jeon So-min, Jeon Ji-woo) recently held a roundtable interview at a café in Jang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their first full-length album, "Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE."

On this day, Jeon Ji-woo addressed rumors of dissolution following the announcement of contract termination with her agency: "When we released our statement, we said 'KARD's journey is concluding,' but it meant concluding their contract with DSP, not a dissolution. Even we thought people might misunderstand," she candidly shared. She continued, "After the contract ends, we plan to explore music in new environments and reunite to release KARD albums again. While there are no concrete plans yet, we will definitely do so."

What were the members' feelings when the contract termination was officially confirmed? Jeon Ji-woo revealed, "I had known the date for a while, so it didn't feel real. I comforted myself by thinking, 'We're not dissolving,' but during today's interview, as I voiced this and thought of our fans, I felt sad. Now, it's starting to feel real."

Reactions around J.Seph were also intense. J.Seph shared, "When the article came out, friends and my niece contacted me asking, 'Uncle, are you dissolving?' I replied, 'Who said that? We're not dissolving.' To my niece, I explained, 'My uncle is still tied to the company; the contract termination date will come eventually. That's what the article was about. It's not a dissolution.'" Jeon Ji-woo added with a laugh, "It was so cute when my niece commented on the SNS article link saying, 'Uncle, don't do it ㅠㅠ'."

This first full-length album holds special significance for KARD. Jeon Ji-woo confidently stated, "It's an album that captures our 10-year journey and showcases our growth over that time."

Jeon So-min said, "The album itself carries the concept of 'Last Carnival.' Based on memories from the past 10 years, I want to perform on stage, connect with fans, and conclude everything happily." Regarding musical changes, she added, "We've toned down our previously sexy and intense image. Since many fans enjoyed the vibe of 'Oh NaNa' and 'Hola Hola,' we referenced those styles. This is a song that can bring coolness during the hot summer. It also features lyrics like 'We will always be your safe haven,' offering a sense of stability that we hope will comfort our fans."

Over the past 10 years, KARD has walked the challenging path of being a mixed-gender group. Jeon Ji-woo expressed her deep emotions: "As a group sought after internationally, we faced many ups and downs and concerns. Recently, for our 9th anniversary, we held a six-hour live broadcast; I expected it to be difficult, but it passed too quickly. It feels like the four of us have lived together as family for 10 years."

Jeon So-min also reflected: "When we debuted, everything was new, and there were certainly difficulties and hardships. But the process of the four of us coming together, working through challenges, has shaped who we are today. I believe no time or experience during that period was wasted. All members went through a lot."

B.M said, "As humans and as artists performing on stage, we learned so much from each other and from the environments we experienced together. From our early to mid-20s to our early to mid-30s, I feel we've spent truly blessed 10 years," expressing gratitude.

J.Seph made the interview scene emotional by honestly confessing his regrets and greater realizations. He said, "Actually, I thought my regrets were greater. When I returned from overseas tours to Korea, domestic schedules were scarce. I regretted not being able to move more in Korea." However, he continued, "But upon reflection, that wasn't the case. We received such overwhelming love while abroad that we could set aside those regrets. It was a truly significant and positive step," showing his strengthened inner resolve.

"Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE" will be released at 6 p.m. on the 28th via various online music platforms.

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*This content was translated by AI.