“Where Are We Now? (Part 2)” is Flawed, but Unmistakably KARD

In early July, DSP Media announced that KARD’s album Where to Now? (Part 2): Nowhere and subsequent world tour would “mark the conclusion of KARD’s journey as a group.” The KARD members have since denied they are disbanding following the end of their contract with DSP. What is clear is that KARD’s time with their company is ending, and their future is yet to be determined. Reflecting upon their career, Somin shared that the group started voicing their opinions about their creative direction after “Bomb Bomb,” stating, “I think we fought a beautiful fight”. In several respects, Where to Now? exemplifies KARD’s “beautiful fight” to realize their vision despite company constraints. KARD had never released a full album until this point, and even Where to Now? contains only five new songs, repurposing previously released solo songs and filling out the tracklist with an instrumental version of the title track “Back to Life”. With KARD’s contract drawing to a close, it feels like DSP Media tried to squeeze out one more release with as minimal financial and structural backing as possible. For better or worse, DSP Media’s lack of investment ensured member-led production, with BM taking a ma...