KARD has made a long-awaited return back onto the scene with not only their album release, RE:, but a tour across North America following a series of successful dates in South America. It’s been a little over two years since the group has been able to greet fans internationally and showcase their new music, but Hidden KARD have not been disappointed with the onslaught of great releases from RE:, like the group's powerful title song, “Ring the Alarm.” This iconic co-ed group recently took the stage in San Jose, California, and spoke with us in person to chat a bit about their 2022 Wild Kard Tour, new album, RE:, and upcoming endeavors as both soloists and a group. Hidden KARD, keep reading for a special and personalized message below from BM, Somin, Jiwoo, and J.Seph themselves!
allkpop: You're about halfway through your North American leg of the 2022 Wild KARD Tour and already have finished out an ultra-successful South American leg! What has been memorable from the tour thus far, and anything you're looking forward to?
Somin: It's been a long time since we've been able to come on tour. It's been a few years! The feeling of missing each other has been mutual on both sides. For us, I know we've really missed our fans, as well as our fans missing us, and we're just really glad to be here and perform and reciprocate good energy!
allkpop: We're glad to have you back in the States too! Now I wanted to shift and speak about your return! I know J.Seph recently returned from the military in April, so I wanted to speak on that two-year gap the group underwent. You've returned with RE: and "Ring The Alarm," and had to reacclimate into the scene as artists, tell us a little more about that experience of re-entering the scene as an established artist with this new release.
J.Seph: While I was in the military- looking back on it now... it all seems like a very good experience and great memories. But while I was going through the experience, I really missed where I truly called home and being able to finish my enlistment and come back out and get back to what I do best (and do), what's really my thing. So I feel really glad to be back and to be able to go back to being J.Seph.
allkpop: Well, we're excited to have you back! Now, I know BM, you are dropping your newest solo work, Strangers!
BM: Sure did!
allkpop: I'd love to hear more about that, as well as if the group is going to be working on any solo work or group work soon!
BM: Man... how much can I disclose?
allkpop: Well... everything if you want!
BM: (laughs) It'd be super exclusive! Well, for me, "Strangers" is a recent project that I released with two tracks. They're more on the EDM and Hip-Hop Trap type of genre. I really wanted to try something different with my artistry and experiment with new sounds. I love doing that every time. I feel like there's always a new dynamic that I can achieve with this project, and I was lucky enough to have the brand that I'm currently an ambassador for, Hugo Boss, use that track for their very recent campaign as well.
allkpop: That's amazing! Anything coming up for you two as well, Jiwoo and Somin, that fans can look forward to?
Jiwoo: As of now, nothing is really set in stone as far as plans go, but we're always working, thinking, and drawing out ideas in our head, so you might see... something in the near future!
BM: After the tour, we're going straight into the new album.
allkpop: Studio time, right?
BM: Yup! So there's a lot in store!
allkpop: We're excited to see what's you folks are going to bring to the table! That being said, I would love to wrap things up with a message to your fans, Hidden KARD, and our readers!
BM: For all of our readers reading this great allkpop article, thank you so much for tuning in! We're in San Jose right now and about to turn up super, super hard. I hope you guys stick around if you're a fan - if you're not, come through and join the fandom! We party super hard. Can't wait to see you guys soon, and hopefully, we'll pull up in a city near you!
Somin: I was very happy to be able to see all of our global fans. Thank you so much for loving our new album, RE:! We're going to prepare a new album right away that will consist of a lot of great songs, so please stay tuned!
Jiwoo: We're coming towards the last quarter of our tour, and we finished our South American leg, so we successfully finished a significant portion. For our domestic fans in Korea that are waiting for us, thank you so much for being so patient with us! We're going to go back and start working on a new album, so I hope you all stay healthy and have a good time! I love you!
J.Seph: This was always a moment that was a part of my imagination, but I'm so happy it is a reality now. For all the fans that are coming again for the second time and all the fans that are newcomers, we appreciate you so much. We're always striving to show a better part of ourselves as artists, so we can't wait to come back!
I flew from Toronto to Chicago to see KARD live! Best show I have seen in my life!!! FANTASTIC!!!