Finally, the mixed-gender group KARD broke down in tears... Misunderstandings about their breakup resolved as they embark on a second act [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Mixed-gender group KARD firmly dismissed rumors of their impending breakup ahead of the expiration of their exclusive contracts with their agency, vowing to begin a new chapter through tears.

After enduring ten years of intense journeys together, the four members have transformed from mere business partners into true family. Rather than rushing to define their next destination, KARD prioritized courtesy toward their fans and unwavering trust in one another. The interview scene was filled with more heartfelt emotion than ever before.

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

Jeon Ji-woo addressed the breakup rumors that surfaced after the announcement of her contract expiration with their agency: "When we released our statement, we said 'KARD's journey is concluding,' but it meant concluding our contract with DSP, not a breakup. Even we thought fans might misunderstand." She added honestly, "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."

How did the members feel when the contract expiration was officially confirmed? Jeon Ji-woo revealed, "I had known the date for a while, so it didn't fully sink in. I comforted myself by thinking, 'We're not breaking up?' But during today's interview, as I voiced my thoughts and considered our fans, I became sad. Now it's finally starting to feel real."

J.Seph also shared intense reactions from those around him. He said, "When the article came out, friends and even my niece contacted me asking, 'Uncle, are you breaking up?' I replied, 'Who said that? We're not breaking up.' To my niece, I explained, 'My uncle is still tied to the company; the contract expiration date is just coming. That's what the article was about. It's not a breakup.'" Jeon Ji-woo added with a laugh, "It was so cute when my niece commented on the SNS article link saying, 'Uncle, no way ㅠㅠ'."

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

Jeon So-min said, "The album itself has the concept of 'Last Carnival.' Based on memories from the past decade, we want to perform on stage, connect with fans, and conclude this chapter happily." Regarding musical changes, she added, "We've toned down our previously sexy and intense image. Many fans loved songs like 'Oh NaNa' and 'Hola Hola,' so we referenced those vibes. This is a song that can bring coolness during the hot summer. It also has lyrics offering a sense of stability, saying, 'We will always be your place to lean on.' We hope it brings comfort to our fans."

Over the past ten years, KARD walked a difficult path as a mixed-gender group. Jeon Ji-woo expressed nostalgia: "As a group more sought after overseas, we faced many ups and downs and concerns. Recently, for our ninth anniversary, we held a six-hour live broadcast. I thought it would be tough, but it passed too quickly. It feels like the four of us have lived as family for ten years."

Jeon So-min also reflected: "When we debuted, everything was new and challenging. But the process of the four of us coming together to overcome difficulties has shaped who we are today. I believe no time or experience during those years was wasted. All members worked incredibly hard."

BM said, "As humans and as artists on stage, we learned so much from each other and through the environments we experienced together. From our early twenties to mid-thirties, we feel blessed to have spent this ten-year period." He expressed gratitude for the experience.

J.Seph shared honest regrets and deeper realizations, moving the interview scene with emotion. He admitted, "I initially felt more regretful. When returning from overseas tours to Korea, domestic schedules were scarce. I wished we could have moved more within Korea." However, he continued, "But upon reflection, that wasn't the case. We received love far beyond our worth while abroad, making it a truly significant step forward." He showed his strengthened inner resolve.

KARD also opened up about their blueprint after ending their exclusive contract with DSP Media. While nothing is finalized yet, all members' hearts remain united under the name "KARD."

Regarding specific plans for transfers or the possibility of all four moving together, the members offered an open-ended conclusion. Jeon Ji-woo joked, "We currently have no plans to move to another agency as a group of four. Perhaps after this article is published, we might receive inquiries." She added, "When we discussed among ourselves, we considered whether KARD activities could continue with DSP once each member has established their own foundation. The company has promised full support, so I think that's likely what will happen," offering a positive outlook.

Jeon So-min also expressed his enduring thirst for the stage. He said, "I still want to keep making music. While fans might be curious about individual solo activities or other musical endeavors, what they seem to enjoy most is seeing us on stage. I have a strong desire to continue showing that side of ourselves."

In contrast, J.Seph drew attention by revealing the weight of his practical concerns about future plans. He confessed, "Thinking about my future makes my head too complicated. Among many options, I even considered quitting everything and moving to the countryside to farm." He added, "One day, I thought about going to my sister's house in Australia to learn a trade and live there. My mind kept swinging back and forth. The thoughts became so overwhelming that I couldn't focus on album production, so I decided to set those thoughts aside entirely and fully immerse myself in the album work."

The announcement of KARD's contract expiration came somewhat early, as their full-scale world tour had not yet begun. KARD will embark on a world tour starting with a concert in Korea on August 8. Jeon Ji-woo explained, "Although the contract ends this year, we plan to continue touring into next year. There are additional cities yet to be announced, which we will share later."

So why announce the contract expiration so early? Jeon So-min emphasized courtesy toward fans. After stating, "We had already concluded our discussions and made a decision," he continued, "Actually, breakups are always sad regardless of timing. If we suddenly announced this news early next year, fans would be caught off guard. Instead, by announcing it before the final album's release, we can give fans time to prepare emotionally and conclude this chapter happily with meaning attached to the last album." He shared his sincere thoughts.

Of course, if agencies change, continuing group activities alongside individual pursuits is not easy—a bitter reality in the music industry. Regarding this, Jeon Ji-woo said, "Detailed agreements or plans will need further discussion as we meet. However, I believe all four of us share similar feelings toward KARD." He added, "That's why we haven't precisely divided up immediate actions yet. There are things to accomplish in the future, and more to discuss with the company," leaving anticipation for KARD's continued journey.

This interview with KARD served as a moment to confirm the strong bond forged over ten years. Amidst heartfelt messages exchanged ahead of contract expiration, the four members proved the meaning of being "true family" beyond mere business partners.

Throughout the interview, members who tried to maintain composed expressions occasionally revealed deep emotion in their voices. Reflecting on their ten-year journey, Jeon So-min was the first to say to the members, "We fought so wonderfully and well," with overwhelming emotion.

Jeon So-min recalled, "Initially, when KARD debuted with 'Bomb Bomb,' all decisions were made by the company, and we followed their opinions." He continued, "But from then on, we discussed whether it would be better if we actively voiced our opinions and created things together. From that point onward, members began directly working on music and actively participating in concepts."

He added, "Of course, albums require alignment with the company's views, so there were difficult moments along the way. But I'm proud of each member for never giving up and steadfastly pursuing what we wanted to do until now. Those intense processes seem to have matured us into who we are today, which is why I want to say, 'We really fought well.'" He expressed deep affection.

BM also defined the time spent with KARD as "a period of learning life." He said, "Debuting at ages 21 and 25, it felt like we learned society together with the members. Over ten years, we saw and worked more with each other than with actual family or friends, so this decade was a time of learning life for me. It was an honor and a privilege to learn life alongside such wonderful people with great hearts," sharing his sincere feelings.

Jeon Ji-woo also added, "I feel fortunate and grateful that I could debut and that the group I debuted in is KARD. I'm thankful and grateful that it was these members that allowed me to reach this point," offering a calm yet weighty confession.

In particular, J.Seph moved the interview scene into solemnity by revealing a recent painful personal experience. He said, "My father passed away three weeks ago. At the funeral, I waited only for the members to arrive. Their presence gave me immense strength." He continued, "After that chaotic and difficult time passed, looking back, it sounds cliché, but I realized, 'Family is indeed family.' Experiencing such a major event deepened this realization," expressing infinite trust and gratitude toward his members.

As the interview drew to a close with accumulating affection for one another, the tears they had held back finally burst forth.

Finally, Jeon So-min began to share his final thoughts before breaking down completely. As he struggled to speak through endless tears, the members beside him silently handed him tissues, and their own eyes also turned red.

After sobbing for a while, Jeon So-min addressed the reporters: "Even though you were busy, you took time to be here, and I sincerely thank you. Thanks to this, fans may have read positive articles about us and viewed KARD more favorably." He added in a trembling voice, "I really wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your support over the years."

"Where To Now? (Part.2) : NOWHERE" was released at 6 PM last month via various online music platforms.

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*This content was translated by AI.