Jiwoo and BM, members of the band KARD. Photo: DSP Media
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What makes K-pop group Kard different from BTS, EXO, Blackpink and other South Korean bands?
Kard’s music is a mix of styles, but what does this four-piece K-pop group have that others do not?
Mixed-gender K-pop group Kard released its fourth mini-album. Photo: DSP Media
Kard – the only mixed-gender band on the K-pop scene today – has been incorporating diverse musical styles ranging from tropical to moombahton, which is a blend of reggae and electro house, into its songs.
Since its inception in 2016, the four-piece group has experimented with genres that were not yet popular in Korea. But thanks to the genres' worldwide popularity and the band's compelling performances, Kard rose to global stardom and formed a solid international fandom, especially in South America, and has played numerous concerts outside Korea.
The group has been criticised for focusing solely on the overseas market, and many domestic fans have been calling on it to promote its music in Korea as well. The four members – J. Seph, BM, Somin and Jiwoo – are well aware of their Korean fans’ demands, and have said they hope to seize more opportunities there as well.
“We also want to do more musical activities in South Korea,” Jiwoo said in an interview with The Korea Times. “An official from a Korean broadcasting station recently told us that Kard was like a fictional group to him, as we rarely make a public appearance in Korea. He said he was so surprised to bump into us.”
She added: “Loads of people, including our fans, are also telling us to be more active in Korea. We would like to do so and have asked our management company, DSP Media, for more chances.”
J. Seph said he felt sorry for domestic followers, because the band had to embark on a world tour soon after releasing Dumb Litty in September. The quartet could not meet its Korean fans then, and this time, he said, he wants more meet-ups.
Kard dropped its fourth mini-album, “Red Moon”, fronted by the lead track of the same name last week. The number is a catchy combination of moombahton, trap and EDM.
“We came back with a moombahton-flavoured song to display Kard’s unique charm once again,” Somin said.
J. Seph and Somin are two members of the band Kard. Photo: DSP Media
“In the beginning, we chose moombahton because of its trendiness,” Jiwoo said. “As our moombahton-based tracks gained popularity, many listeners began linking the genre to Kard.”
BM dubbed moombahton “a symbol of KARD”.
BM, who contributed to the composing and lyrics of B-side tracks, said the band was not yet ready to make a dramatic shift in its music.
“While tuning up for the album, we had to decide whether to adhere to our original style or take a risk,” he said. “But frankly speaking, we were afraid of tackling a fresh challenge. I believe more time and practice are needed.”
Although Kard is known for its breathlessly powerful choreography in its releases including Hola Hola (2017) and Bomb Bomb (2019), the band prefers the focus to be on its singing.
“I want to try filling the stage only with our voices, without any dance movements,” Somin said.
Jiwoo agreed, adding: “We once covered thank u, next – sung by pop star Ariana Grande – in our concert without dancing. But our audience was still fond of it.”
Meanwhile, the four-member group is facing a big change this year – J. Seph, 27, will be joining the army.
“I am quite anxious about serving compulsory military service, because I am afraid of being with strangers,” he said.
Kard will try to make as many public appearances as possible before J. Seph’s enlistment.
“While he is away, the remaining members will make use of the time to grow up,” Somin said.
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This article originally appeared on Korea Times