KARD (카드)

KARD (카드) is a South Korean co-ed group formed by DSP Media, consisting of members J.Seph, BM, Somin, and Jiwoo. The group officially debuted on July 19, 2017, with their extended play Hola Hola. KARD’s distinctive feature is its mixed-gender lineup, which sets them apart in the K-pop industry.

Before their official debut, the members had various experiences in the entertainment industry. Somin had previously been part of the girl group April and had competed in the “Kara Project” to become a member of the girl group KARA, where she finished in second place. BM and J.Seph both trained under DSP Media for several years, with initial plans for them to debut as a hip-hop duo. BM had also collaborated with Goo Ha-ra on her solo debut EP in 2015. Jiwoo, the last member to join KARD, trained under FNC Entertainment before moving to DSP Media, where she only trained for two months before debuting.

KARD gained early recognition with their “Kard Project,” a pre-debut series of singles that featured a “hidden card” concept, where each release included a guest artist. The group debuted their first project single, “Oh NaNa,” in December 2016, featuring Heo Young-ji. The song quickly garnered attention, and within days of its release, it was included in Billboard’s “10 Best New K-pop Groups in 2016.” The success of “Oh NaNa” was followed by “Don’t Recall” in February 2017, which further solidified KARD’s presence in the international music scene.

The group officially debuted in July 2017 with their EP Hola Hola, which included their previous project singles as well as new tracks. The album charted on multiple Billboard charts, highlighting their growing popularity outside South Korea. KARD continued to build their international fanbase by performing at major music festivals such as Summer Sonic in Japan and KCON in Los Angeles. They also embarked on several world tours, including the “Wild Kard Tour,” which took them to North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

In the following years, KARD released several successful EPs, including You & Me (2017), Ride On the Wind (2018), and Red Moon (2020). Their music, characterized by a blend of pop, EDM, and tropical house influences, appealed to a global audience. Songs like “Bomb Bomb” and “Dumb Litty” further cemented their reputation as a dynamic and innovative group. Despite the challenges posed by J.Seph’s military enlistment in October 2020, KARD continued to promote and perform as a three-member group.

The group’s success is marked by their ability to consistently release music that resonates with fans worldwide, coupled with their unique concept and international appeal. KARD’s global tours and chart-topping releases have established them as one of the most prominent and enduring acts in the K-pop industry.