K.A.R.D Talks About Popularity Abroad And Being Korea’s Only Co-Ed K-Pop Idol Group

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

As Korea’s only co-ed K-pop idol group, K.A.R.D already stands out from the multitude of male and female idol groups in the industry.

Because of their unique group formation, K.A.R.D naturally is able to take on different concepts, performance techniques, and music genres than other K-pop idol groups, as single gender groups are arguably more limited by industry convention. Staying true to their unique style, K.A.R.D experienced the most success abroad when they released their first pre-debut project single “Oh NaNa.”

Even without ever promoting the song, “Oh NaNa” took the No. 2 spot on the U.S. iTunes K-Pop Chart and the track’s music video reached 6.3 million views in just a month on YouTube. The group’s popularity continued to grow as they released their second pre-debut single “Don’t Recall.” The music video for the song hit an impressive 1 million views in less than a day.

Despite their current success, K.A.R.D is not settling. B.M said, “We want to become world stars. We will work hard so that we will not just be the unique rookie group but will be a group that enters Billboard’s main chart.”

When asked why they think they are popular amongst international K-pop fans, the members unanimously answered it was because of their music and unique sound.

Jiwoo replied, “The genre of music we are making is popular amongst international fans and there are also many people in Korea who are becoming fans of [electropop/synth-pop]. I think it will become more popular when we start actively promoting our songs.”

The group is unusual in that they have not had a lot of media exposure yet, despite their popularity, as they have not actively promoted any of their songs on music programs. The group is planning to release one more single as part of their pre-debut project and said they believe they will begin active promotions before the end of the year.

The members talked about how K.A.R.D came to be and why becoming a co-ed group was a relief.

Somin had actually been part of two DSP girl groups, Puretty and April, before joining K.A.R.D. The singer said, “I wanted to try my hand at different kinds of music, which is why I decided to leave April. I was lucky enough to be able to join K.A.R.D at that time. Many people have told me that it seems like I have found something that fits me, so it’s a relief.”

B.M. said, “Originally, J.seph and I were going to debut as a hip-hop duo but plans changed.”

J.seph continued, “At first, it was disconcerting to be a co-ed group because I couldn’t picture it; however, now I feel like it was a great blessing because Somin and Jiwoo have made up for our weaknesses and we are able to appeal to fans in a way that only a co-ed group can.”

The group also expressed their desire to meet fans as quickly as possible and stated that they were preparing to release their third and final pre-debut single.

Article: KARD brings something new to the table as a co-ed group
Source: X Sports News via Naver

1. [+1,003, -41] DSP can't do their jobs though... They're pretty much on their own, and if they're not careful, they'll end up like that group Co-Ed

2. [+860, -27] I wonder how good their actual debut song will be because their pre-debut project is already so good... I'm really looking forward to it, please don't disappoint us, DSP!

3. [+610, -25] I love the song!!!! Oh Nana and Don't Recall are both my tastes

4. [+502, -23] Co-ed groups are definitely different and fresh... but I still find it hard to get used to...

5. [+408, -17] Their new song is better than Oh Nana ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

6. [+111, -6] Oh Nana and Don't Recall are both so good, even the choreography, why won't they promote it ㅠㅠ If they promote it on music shows, they'll be so popular. International reactions have been great, their MV views are going up... I'm going to be so mad if they release all these good songs for the pre-debut and then come out with some TroubleMaker concept for their actual debut

7. [+94, -3] They have some great songs. I think the public will warm up to them if they put out consistent albums and get the right support.

8. [+87, -2] I'll be mad if they put out a bad song for their debut when they've had all these great songs for their pre-debut -.-;;;;

9. [+73, -4] They need more support... they have good songs

10. [+72, -5] I love their songs... DSP finally did something right. Co-ed groups are still fresh in concept and they have both the good songs and the talent to back it up

Soompi, naver, X Sports News via Naver, netizenbuzz

Comments

[pseudo-shigure.livejournal.com]

[+502, -23] Co-ed groups are definitely different and fresh... but I still find it hard to get used to...

lol

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

Netizen 1 don't you fucking jinx it oh my god. Co-Ed School turned out to be a disaster but Kard is gr9 and it would be sad to see them implode from numerous scandals.

[jesymphony.livejournal.com]

We need to start a prayer circle to protect the co-ed groups man. Co-Ed School had SUCH bops too. I still jam to this iconic tune.

[annhh.livejournal.com]

I feel like CO-ED suffered from really bad seeds. like that girl from Produce 101

[jesymphony.livejournal.com]

I really really want them to succeed, but the full force of DSP's ineptitude is staggering. I'm hoping for the best, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

[pikapika217.livejournal.com]

TBQH!

[sra-interesante.livejournal.com]

i mean when i learned about kpop i was only looking for a mixed group to follow, since i always loved rbd, sclub7 and ateens

then i came to understand coed was a big no no for kpop and of course i was dissapointed then learning all those 'unwrited rules' about how boybands interact with girl groups, dating bans and fanservice culture ....

i hope kpop understand there's something very unnatural about how they try to lowkey avoid interactions between the sexes

[keytfelt.livejournal.com]

I lived for S Club 7 back in the day! I really like coed groups and I'd be happy if there were more of them in kpop.

[angela-derp-otp.livejournal.com]

There ain't no party like an S Club Party! ♪♪

my little sister was obsessed with them so I know by heart a lot of their songs lol.. I was so sad seeing the hot/fit dude now so not hot/fit. I know I sound shallow but I was shock, like damn son that's a change!

[angela-derp-otp.livejournal.com]

Oh man I LIVED for Ateens, they were HUGE in Mexico and Latino America iirc?
I think it was 98~99? I was spending my summer break in Mexico with my extended family and my cousins were SO into them. I remember getting their album in El Palacio de Hierro, and getting another one week after because we scratched the cd from listening so much to it. I was such a 13 years old lmao


Its really weird because RBD was so cringey to me and then I ended up working with one of the members of the group for some project and he is so nice lol, I almost felt bad for laughing so much at his talentless ass :x


and IA about kpop and their weird girlband/boygroup segregation lol, but it wasn't always like this :/

[jaeslurpy.livejournal.com]

i finally decided to check them out. i really like them! i hope they do well. oh na na and don't recall are both good songs. i look forward to seeing what else they come out with.

[cakeeatingidol.livejournal.com]

I was so nervous for Dont Recall and thought it was gonna stink. Then it was bomber than oh nana. But now my eternal pessimism is taking over and worrying about their debut album.

[keytfelt.livejournal.com]

I just got into them last week but I'm already forcing my friends to start loving them too. I'm really hoping they continue to have great songs.

[angela-derp-otp.livejournal.com]

Their music is really good but what is this nonsense of a 3rd pre release song they are talking about?

if the song sucks all their hype will fade out. DSP is such an awful company.

[redgreendress.livejournal.com]

Can't find my darth vader gif but I FIND YOUR LACK OF FAITH DISTURBING. I get that it's k-pop and everyone's had their hearts broken numerous times and no one believes anything anymore but c'mon, they sound so hopeful and determined. I'm looking forward to their first music show win (ignoring your cynical laughter as I say this).

[abcd123.livejournal.com]

Tbh they just got to stick with the people who've been producing for them now and they should have a good debut. Being the first coed group in a while really did them favors for standing out in an oversaturAted industry - and like their camaderie together makes me feel like their won't be any problems internally. I've heard about dsp being a screw up but like they've been doing pretty well so far (minus the whole predebut single stuff - they've been actively promoting them on social media and really catering to their intl fans which seems to be the biggest support).