KARD is a famous Korean co-ed music group under DSP Media, debuted on July 19, 2017 with the mini-album Hola Hola. The group consists of four members: J.Seph, BM, Somin and Jiwoo. Their names are an acronym for King, Ace, JokeR and HiDden, representing each member’s unique role in the group.
Famous for blending genres such as EDM, dancehall and moombahton, KARD breaks with traditional K-pop conventions, delivering a fresh and dynamic sound. Their powerful performances, creative choreography, and strong group chemistry have earned them a global fan base dubbed “Hidden Kard.” Let’s explore the members who brought this groundbreaking group to life.
J.Seph (Kim Tae Hyung)
- Position: Main Rapper, Main Dancer, Supporting Singer
- Date of birth: June 21, 1992
- Age: 32 years old
- Zodiac sign: Gemini/Cancer cusp
- Card name and suit: Ace and Spades
- Fact: J.Seph is known for his sharp rap skills and versatile performances. He has a background in dance, which plays a large role in his stage presence. Before debuting with KARD, he trained for 5 years under KARD. DSP media. His personal musical influences include Korean rapper Beenzino, which is reflected in his lyricism.
BM (Great Matthew)
- Position: Main Rapper, Main Dancer
- Date of birth: October 20, 1992
- Age: 32 years old
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Card name and suit: Black Joker and Clubs
- Fact: Born in Los Angeles, BM brings a unique cultural blend to KARD that not only influences the group’s music but also their international appeal. He is known for his participation in composing and producing music, delivering songs such as “broke me” into life. His musical inspirations range from Tupac Shakur to J. Cole, contributing to KARD’s eclectic sound.
Somin (Jeon So Min)
- Position: Main Vocalist, Visual
- Date of birth: August 22, 1996
- Age: 28 years old
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Card name and suit: Black Joker and Hearts
- Fact: Somin’s vocal ability is the foundation of KARD’s music. Before joining KARD, she was a member of DSP mediaJapanese girl group Puretty and later debuted as the leader of APRIL. Her musical style is influenced by artists such as Tinashe and Ariana Grande. Somin is also recognized for her attractive appearance, which is often emphasized in the group’s performances.
Jiwoo (Jeon Ji Woo)
- Position: Main Dancer, Main Vocalist, Rapper, Maknae (youngest member)
- Date of birth: October 14, 1996
- Age: 28 years old
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Card name and suit: Color Joker
- Fact: Jiwoo is praised for her dancing skills, bringing color and energy to the group’s choreography. She had a relatively short training period of two months before debuting with KARD, showing off her natural talent. Her musical influences include Beyoncé and Rihanna, which is reflected in her performance style. Jiwoo also has a background in the clarinet, which adds depth to her musical abilities.
Group dynamics and music
KARD has created a unique niche in the K-pop industry with music that combines many genres and performances that emphasize the chemistry between the members. Their approach to music is not just to follow trends but to innovate with them, creating a sound that resonates with a wide audience. Their international success is partly due to this innovative approach, which allowed them to tour extensively in North and South America even before their official debut in Korea.
The group’s unique co-ed setup is both a challenge and an advantage, providing a variety of vocal timbres and stage dynamics that set them apart. Their performances often feature flirtatious choreography and playful interactions between members, which has helped build a loyal fan base known as “Hidden Kard.”
