KARD Sets Release Date for Highly Anticipated Debut Full Album With New Teaser

KARD, the co-ed K-pop group under DSP Media, has officially announced their 8th mini album *DRIFT* will drop on July 2, 2025, at 6 PM KST, featuring the title track “Touch” alongside additional tracks including “BETCHA” and “Oh NaNa.” The release marks a significant moment for the group as they navigate upcoming contract renewals that could reshape their future. This comeback arrives as the group continues to solidify their international presence while members pursue concurrent solo ventures.

The 8th Mini Album Arrives Amid Contract Uncertainty

The July 2025 release date for *DRIFT* positions KARD for a major summer comeback, delivering fresh material to fans who have supported the group through multiple lineup changes and extended hiatuses over their career. The album’s three confirmed tracks signal a return to the group’s signature blend of dynamic energy and genre-blending production that has defined their discography since their 2015 debut.

This release carries heightened emotional weight for KARD’s fanbase, as member BM revealed in an April 2026 live stream that the upcoming album cycle could represent their final group project. BM stated directly: “This could be our last album… Our contracts are up for renewal,” underscoring the precarious nature of KARD’s immediate future. The transparency from the member has transformed what would ordinarily be routine comeback news into a watershed moment for one of K-pop’s most resilient mixed-gender groups.

Building on Years of Artistic Growth and International Recognition

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KARD’s journey to this pivotal moment reflects nearly a decade of consistent output and global expansion despite industry headwinds. The group has maintained an active release schedule through strategic mini-album formats, with their most recent album *Where to Now? (Part.1: Yellow Light)* arriving on August 13, 2024, coinciding with their seventh anniversary since debut. That seven-track project showcased the group’s evolution and served as a platform for celebrating their longevity in a competitive marketplace.

The group’s international footprint continues to expand beyond recorded music. KARD officially announced a comprehensive 2026 Europe Tour on June 11, 2026, encompassing eight cities across the continent, including performances in Berlin on September 1, Brussels on September 2, and London at Shepherd’s Bush Empire on September 13. This tour expansion demonstrates sustained demand for KARD’s live performances and reinforces their status as a globally recognized act capable of headlining major European venues.

Solo Endeavors Complement Group Activities

Parallel to KARD’s group comeback schedule, member SOMIN has independently pursued solo opportunities that reflect broader trends within the group. SOMIN released her debut solo EP *UNVEIL* on April 3, 2026, with the title track “Backseat,” marking her official entry into solo artistry under DSP Media. This individual project demonstrates how KARD members are strategically diversifying their portfolios while maintaining group commitments.

The timing of solo releases alongside group comebacks represents a calculated approach to maximizing visibility and exploring individual artistic identities. SOMIN’s solo debut follows a pattern established by other KARD members seeking to expand their reach beyond group activities. These parallel tracks—group albums, solo projects, and international tours—create multiple revenue streams and engagement opportunities for both the artists and their agency during a period of contractual uncertainty.

A Milestone Moment in KARD’s Extended Career Arc

KARD’s trajectory over the past several years has been marked by strategic recovery and renewed momentum following earlier challenges. The group’s fifth mini album *Re:* arrived on June 22, 2023, representing their first full group release in 22 months and signaling a return to active operations after an extended hiatus. That comeback reset expectations and reinvigorated fan engagement, ultimately paving the way for subsequent releases.

The group released their sixth mini album *ICKY* on May 23, 2023, introducing what DSP Media described as “intense and dynamic free-spirited energy” through the title track of the same name. These consecutive releases in 2023 established KARD’s commitment to regular content delivery and demonstrated their capacity to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving K-pop landscape dominated by larger agencies and heavily-resourced groups.

Upcoming Dates and Developments to Monitor Closely

Fans and industry observers should prioritize the July 2, 2025 release date for *DRIFT* as the immediate focal point, with particular attention to how the album performs commercially and critically. The title track “Touch” will serve as the primary vehicle for promoting the album across music shows, streaming platforms, and social media channels throughout summer 2025. Any official music video teasers or performance announcements will likely emerge in the weeks immediately preceding the release.

Beyond the summer 2025 comeback, the September 2026 Europe Tour dates represent the next major checkpoint for KARD’s international expansion strategy. Contract renewal discussions anticipated for late 2025 or early 2026 will fundamentally determine whether KARD continues as a unified group, disperses, or restructures under new terms. The *DRIFT* release and subsequent touring cycle will serve as the final chapter in KARD’s current era—making this comeback period essential for both the group’s legacy and their fans seeking closure or confirmation of the group’s long-term viability.