KARD is a unique and exciting K-pop group that has been making waves in the music industry since their debut in 2017. This co-ed group, consisting of two male and two female members, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their catchy tunes and impressive performances. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about KARD that you might not have known before!
1. A Rare Co-ed Group in K-pop
KARD stands out in the K-pop world because they are one of the few co-ed groups active today. In an industry dominated by all-male or all-female groups, KARD brings a fresh and exciting dynamic to the stage. Their mixed-gender lineup allows them to create unique performances and music that showcase both masculine and feminine elements.
2. The Meaning Behind Their Name
The group’s name, KARD, is not just a cool-sounding word. It actually has a deeper meaning:
- K stands for “King”
- A represents “Ace”
- R is for “JokeR”
- D symbolizes “Hidden”
Each member of the group is associated with a specific card:
- BM is the King
- J.seph is the Ace
- Somin is the Black Joker
- Jiwoo is the Color Joker
The “Hidden” card represents their fans, known as Hidden KARDs. This clever naming system adds an extra layer of meaning to the group’s identity.
3. International Appeal from the Start
KARD gained popularity internationally even before their official debut in South Korea. Their pre-debut project singles, including “Oh NaNa,” “Don’t Recall,” and “RUMOR,” attracted a large following, especially in Latin America. This early international success set them apart from many other K-pop groups and helped establish their global fanbase.
4. Unique Musical Style
KARD’s music is known for its blend of various genres, including:
- Moombahton (a mix of house music and reggaeton)
- Hip-hop
- Latin-inspired sounds
- Electronic dance music (EDM)
This fusion of styles creates a distinctive sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Their catchy beats and energetic performances have become their trademark in the K-pop industry.
5. Multilingual Talents
The members of KARD are not just talented performers; they’re also skilled in multiple languages:
- BM, who grew up in the United States, is fluent in English and Korean. He can also speak some Spanish and Portuguese.
- J.seph can communicate in English as well as Korean.
- Somin and Jiwoo mainly speak Korean but have been improving their English skills.
This linguistic diversity allows KARD to connect with fans from different countries more easily.
6. Somin’s Interesting Journey
Somin, one of KARD’s female members, has an intriguing background in the K-pop industry:
- She was initially part of a girl group called Puretty, which disbanded in 2014.
- Later, she briefly joined another girl group named April but left to pursue a different musical direction.
- Finally, she found her place in KARD, where her talents truly shine.
Somin’s experiences in different groups have contributed to her growth as an artist and helped shape her role in KARD.
7. BM’s Solo Career
While KARD is known for their group activities, member BM has also ventured into solo projects:
- In 2021, he released his first solo single called “Broke Me.”
- BM is also part of a podcast series called “Get Real” with other K-pop idols.
- His solo work allows him to showcase his individual style and personality alongside his contributions to KARD.
8. Impressive Choreography
KARD’s dance routines are a key part of their performances. Their choreography stands out because:
- It incorporates elements that highlight the co-ed nature of the group.
- The dances often feature interesting partner work between male and female members.
- Their moves are energetic and perfectly synchronized with their music.
Fans often praise KARD for their ability to create visually appealing and exciting dance performances.
9. World Tours and Global Recognition
Despite being a relatively young group, KARD has already achieved significant international success:
- They’ve embarked on multiple world tours, performing in countries across Europe, North America, and South America.
- The group has a particularly strong following in Latin American countries.
- KARD has been recognized at various international award shows, including winning the “Best Rookie Award” at the Asia Artist Awards.
Their global appeal demonstrates the universal charm of their music and performances.
10. Members’ Individual Talents
Each member of KARD brings unique skills to the group:
- J.seph is known for his sharp rap skills and is considered the funniest member by his groupmates.
- BM, besides being a talented dancer and rapper, is also involved in music production.
- Somin is praised for her powerful vocals and has experience in various musical styles.
- Jiwoo is a skilled dancer and vocalist, known for her flexibility and stage presence.
These individual strengths combine to create KARD’s well-rounded and dynamic performances.