EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: KARD On New EP, Tours, And More!

We at The Honey POP have been blessed with incredible interviews this year, from rising artists and legendary authors to our favorite bands and K-Pop artists!

Now, our next interviewee needs no introduction. KARD is hands down one of K-Pop’s most trendy and iconic groups! Somin, Jiwoo, J.Seph, and BM have held a special spot in our hearts since ‘Oh NaNa’ (IYKYK). They’ve just celebrated their seventh anniversary, as well as the release of their seventh mini-album, Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light).

We know you’re dying to get the details about KARD’s new mini-album and upcoming tours from the members. Without further ado, here is our exclusive KARD interview!

Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)

Welcome to The Honey POP, and congratulations on releasing your seventh mini-album, Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)! It’s a new era for KARD, so what would you like to say to Hidden KARDs about this comeback?
Somin: We’d like to thank Hidden KARDs for always supporting our music! We continuously strive to challenge ourselves by exploring new ideas and hope our passions have resonated with them.
Jiwoo: We have worked hard to prepare because we have our beloved HIDDEN KARDs, and we don’t want to disappoint you. You are our pillar of strength and motivation in every moment! We always love you, and we are always so thankful. ♥
BM: Thank you! Thanks for always sticking by our side. We don’t always make it easy for HIDDENs waiting for our comebacks, but we hope you guys love and enjoy it as much as we do. We put a lot of thought, emotion, and energy into it!

With “Yellow Light” being in the name, it gives us the feeling of slowing down. Have you all had time to slow down and take everything in in the weeks since your seventh anniversary and comeback promotions? How are you feeling?
Somin: Instead of spending time reflecting on the past, I’m now focusing on how I can improve and get closer to our fans in the future! I truly enjoyed this promotion, thanks to the support and love from our fans. I am spending my time happily. 🙂
J.Seph: There were quite a few breaks in between, so I’ve been preparing for Part 2 with a very positive mindset.
Jiwoo: I am not sure if it’s because I’ve become more relaxed over the last seven years or if it’s because the choreography is simpler, leaving fewer details to worry about on stage, but performing with a smile allows me to make eye contact with the fans and enjoy the activities.
BM: We’ve always been so invested in how much we can add to make the big picture more beautiful, but with this comeback, we wanted to focus on subtracting. Whether it be our sound, choreography, or visuals, anyone can shine harder with decorative elements, but being able to shine with less really tells you a lot about an artist… And that’s something we aimed to present.

This mini-album has an incredible range of genres and sounds. What was your favorite memory from recording the songs?
J.Seph: BM and I recorded separately, and it felt like going back to our trainee days. It felt very
nostalgic and brought back a lot of memories.
Jiwoo: Waste My Time was memorable because each of us expressed our sadness in a way that reflects our unique styles, making it really feel like we were sharing four different stories.
BM: Man, we recorded so many songs. I think me and J.Seph collectively wrote almost 20 verses each (not including for solo). My favorite memory must be being able to create music together.

The Tracks

We absolutely love the title track, ‘Tell My Momma,’ which has a really refreshing and romantic sound. What kind of romantic gestures do you like to give and receive? (You can also share your love languages!)
Somin: For me, it’s hugging! Whether I’m going through a tough time or feeling happy, hugging seems to be the best way to express myself, and it brings a sense of warmth.
J.Seph: My love language is to call my mom Madam Yeon Jungok.
Jiwoo: I naturally gravitate towards people I care about, so I find myself putting my arm around their shoulders, hugging them, taking care of them, or even brushing things off for them. My attention naturally goes to those I care about.
BM: My love languages are quality time and physical touch. So I love just spending time together anywhere and everywhere.

What is one song you’ve been listening to lately that you would blast on a ‘Boombox’ right now?
J.Seph: ‘Home Sweet Home’ by Car, the Garden
Jiwoo: ‘Move Bitch’ – Ludacris
BM: Any songs by Odeal, Omah Lay, Tems, E Sens, and Ayra Starr.

One of our favorite B-sides is ‘SHIMMY SHIMMY’ because it’s such a solid club/party song. Do you plan to throw a concert afterparty at the club like last year?
Somin: I don’t know for sure, hehe… But if we have the chance, I think it would be as much fun as performing in a concert! 🙂 Before going on tour, I always look forward to and imagine how our fans will be enjoying themselves. Seeing that brings me so much happiness and joy. 🙂
J.Seph: It would be wonderful if there would be a good opportunity to do that. It was a very good experience when we had an after-party in San Francisco last time.
Jiwoo: If there is a chance, for sure!
BM: Hell yeah. We’re about to have that function LIT.

Touring

You’re about to go on your KARD: NEW ERA 2024 North America Tour this fall! What can fans expect to see on the tour?
J.Seph: Among the tracks, there is some really great choreography that will be pleasing to watch. Also, keep an eye out for the gentle live performance of the track, ‘Tell My Momma.’
Jiwoo: It is definitely going to be hotter than last year, for sure.
BM: A whole new KARD. New songs, new performances, and a party of their life!

Which songs are you excited to perform live for the first time?
Somin: ‘Spin!!’ The tour is coming, and the performance is really crazy! It would be really great to keep an eye out!
J.Seph: ‘Spin.’ It has an unconventional choreography that you can expect to be dazzled.
Jiwoo: ‘Spin.’ Please look forward to our choreography.
BM: All of WTN p1:YL🚥(All of Where To Now Part. 1 : Yellow Light)

You’ll also be on the KPOP Fusion Tour 2024 in Germany all throughout November. What are you looking forward to most about returning to Germany and Europe in general?
Somin: I think many watched our performances on YouTube, so I am really looking forward to performing and can’t imagine how passionate you guys are going to be when you see our performances in person!
J.Seph: I look forward to meeting German HIDDEN KARDs at this amazing place and discovering cool European buildings.
Jiwoo: I am really excited to tour in Europe after a long time, and I feel really thankful for getting the opportunity to visit so many German cities and our fans that reside there.
BM: The last time we were in Germany, the fans knew our songs word for word. We could barely hear ourselves through the speakers. I’m excited to reunite with our beautiful German HIDDEN KARDs.

What’s Next

Where To Now? is the first part of an album series, and you’ve already set the bar high for the red and green light albums. Can you give us any hints about what’s next for KARD?
J.Seph: I’m not sure about the details yet, but we are trying our very best to meet you guys in person as soon as we can. Just make sure you guys are staying up to date, and we will come back with Part 2 of our album.
Jiwoo: I think it will be an extension of Part 1 and also like the direction KARD is going with this song (style)?
BM: Part 2 is finished and coming up, so be on the lookout! More tour dates and more countries TBA!

You can listen to KARD’s Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light) here!

We had the best time chatting with KARD about their new mini-album, upcoming tours, and much more! What do you think of our KARD interview? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

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