K-pop co-ed group KARD recently shared a provocative teaser for their upcoming comeback, igniting strong reactions online. While international fans praised the bold concept, many Korean netizens criticized it as vulgar and inappropriate. The teaser artwork features suggestive imagery, with a man and woman in a close embrace and the caption: “If you like what you see, then I got what you need.” This has led to heated discussions about artistic freedom versus cultural expectations in K-pop.
KARD’s Teaser Artwork Divides Fans
The teaser image, posted on KARD’s official social media, quickly went viral for its mature and sensual tone. International fans expressed excitement, calling it a fresh take in K-pop’s often polished and safe concepts. However, Korean netizens reacted with disgust, labeling the image as cheap and overly sexual. Some even reported the post for explicit content, arguing that it crossed the line of acceptable promotion.
“And this is supposed to be cool? Hot? A photo that makes you want to listen to the song? All I see is a woman’s butt. F, is this really an album photo? It just looks like a screenshot from p. There’s no aesthetic sense—it’s just packed with sexuality, and it’s really gross.”
“It’s so low-class and vulgar—it just looks cheap.”
“It’s extremely dirty and disgusting. I report it for sexual content every time I see it.”
Despite the backlash, others pointed out that KARD has always embraced a mature and sensual image since their debut in 2017. Their previous tracks like “ICKY” and “CAKE” also featured bold lyrics and choreography, which were well-received by their global fanbase.
International Fans Defend KARD’s Artistic Direction
While Korean netizens criticized the teaser, international fans rallied behind KARD, arguing that the group’s concept has always catered to a more adult audience. Many pointed out that K-pop often restricts artists to clean-cut concepts, making KARD’s boldness refreshing. Some speculated that the backlash might be linked to the recent debut of ALLDAY PROJECT, another co-ed group with a different style.
“Debut adults this, debut adults that, but when adult idols do some adult sht y’all get mad????? Like bffr.”*
“KARD has always been sexy and unapologetic. If you don’t like it, don’t follow them. Simple.”
“People acting shocked like KARD hasn’t been serving mature concepts since day one. Where were y’all during ‘ICKY’?”
The debate highlights a cultural divide in how K-pop is perceived globally. While international audiences often appreciate experimental and edgy concepts, Korean fans tend to favor more conservative imagery. This isn’t the first time a K-pop group has faced criticism for pushing boundaries—artists like HyunA and Jessi have also encountered similar controversies.
KARD’s History of Provocative Concepts
KARD, consisting of members BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo, debuted with a co-ed lineup, a rarity in K-pop. Their music often blends hip-hop, tropical house, and R&B with bold, sensual themes. Their 2023 track “CAKE” featured suggestive choreography, which also sparked mixed reactions. However, the group has maintained a loyal fanbase who appreciate their unfiltered approach.
BM, the group’s main rapper, has previously addressed their mature image, stating:
“We don’t make music for kids. We do adult K-pop.”
Their latest mini-album, “Where To Now? (Part.1: Yellow Light)”, marked a shift towards a softer R&B sound but still retained their signature boldness. The upcoming comeback seems to be doubling down on their provocative style, further polarizing audiences.
Industry Reactions and Fan Expectations
The controversy raises questions about double standards in K-pop, where female idols often face harsher scrutiny for bold concepts compared to male artists. Some fans argue that KARD, as a co-ed group, faces even more criticism because their interactions are seen as too risqué. Others believe the backlash is overblown, given that Western pop artists frequently use similar imagery without as much scrutiny.
KARD’s agency, DSP Media, has not yet responded to the criticism. However, the group is known for engaging directly with fans, often addressing controversies in interviews or social media. Their upcoming tour, “New Era 2024 North America,” is also marketed as an 18+ event, reinforcing their adult-oriented brand.
Also Read: BM of KARD Faces Backlash After Using N-Word During Live Stream
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: KARD isn’t backing down from their bold artistic vision. Whether this will hurt or help their comeback remains to be seen, but their international fanbase remains fiercely supportive.
