[INTERVIEW] KARD disbands after 10 years, but members insist story is not over - The Korea Times

After a decade of breaking ground as one of K-pop's rare co-ed groups, KARD is drawing a significant chapter to a close. The quartet’s contract with DSP Media is set to expire at the end of the year, marking the conclusion of their tenure under the agency. However, the members resist labeling this moment as a definitive disbandment, emphasizing instead the potential for future collaborations beyond their current framework.

KARD debuted in 2017 under DSP Media after a pre-debut single release in late 2016. The group quickly distinguished itself with its tropical house sound and a co-ed lineup uncommon in the K-pop industry. Hits like "Oh NaNa," "Hola Hola," and "Don't Recall" helped cultivate a strong international fanbase, especially in Latin America, where their tours often found enthusiastic audiences. This overseas acclaim contrasted with a more muted reception within South Korea, a dynamic the members have openly acknowledged as a persistent challenge.

Throughout their career, KARD members have navigated the unique position of being a mixed-gender group, which influenced both public perception and their artistic expression. Their music allowed them to explore themes of love with a directness not always accessible to single-gender groups, and their performances incorporated choreography that highlighted the interplay of male and female dynamics. Despite the initial novelty of their formation, evolving industry attitudes have begun to blur the distinctions that once set them apart.

The group's creative journey evolved notably after their early releases. Initially, promotions and concepts were heavily guided by their agency, but over time, KARD asserted greater control over their music and image. This shift coincided with maturation in their sound and artistic identity, reflecting their desire to shape the group's direction actively rather than simply follow company mandates.

Capping their decade together, KARD released their first full-length album titled "Where To Now? (Part.2): NOWHERE." The album features the lead single "Back To Life," which represents a tonal departure from their previous intense and sultry style toward a more comforting and uplifting vibe. The album’s title itself serves as a nuanced statement, playing on the dual interpretation of "NOWHERE" and "NOW HERE," symbolizing both an end and a presence in the current moment.

Ahead of their farewell world tour commencing in August in Seoul, KARD's members express mixed emotions. They reflect on the bittersweet nature of concluding a significant chapter and the long-standing aspiration for broader domestic recognition, which they feel remains an unresolved aspect of their career. Despite this, they remain grateful for the global support that has sustained them throughout.

The farewell tour, named "NOW HERE," will cover multiple cities in Europe and continue into the early months of the following year. While this tour marks the end of KARD's activities as a group under DSP Media, the members underline that their personal and professional bonds remain intact. They have not committed to any specific future projects as a unit but have not ruled out reuniting in new contexts or under different arrangements.

In statements reported by koreatimes.co.kr, the members stress that the conclusion of their contract does not equate to a farewell to each other or their fans. They view their supporters not only as a source of strength but as integral to their identity and journey. Although the details of what lies ahead are not yet settled, the prevailing sentiment among the group is one of continuity beyond official classifications and contractual terms.

KARD's legacy as a pioneering co-ed ensemble in the largely gender-segregated K-pop industry leaves a distinct imprint. Their career highlights the complexities of balancing artistic autonomy, industry expectations, and fan engagement across diverse markets. As they transition from their decade-long chapter with DSP Media, their story underscores the evolving nature of group dynamics and the possibilities that remain open for artists beyond traditional frameworks.