KARD's Mini Album 'Drift': The Hidden Details You Missed in "Touch"

KARD's mini drift into a more subtle musical landscape arrived on July 2, 2025, marking an exciting evolution for this co-ed K-pop group. Their eighth mini album "Drift" features "Touch" as the title track, signaling a confident departure from their previous releases.

As we explore this new musical chapter, "Touch" invites listeners into something more nuanced — a tension-filled mood with slow-burning chemistry rather than their typical high-energy anthems. The mini album also includes other tracks like "Betcha," "Before We Go," "Top Down," and "Pivot," creating a cohesive musical experience. Furthermore, what makes this release particularly noteworthy is how vocalists Somin and Jiwoo deliver emotionally grounded performances throughout the album. Though released at 6 PM KST, the impact of "Drift" extends far beyond its initial drop, which is why we're diving deep into the hidden details you might have missed on your first listen.

The comeback context: What led to 'Drift'

To understand KARD's latest mini album, we need to look at how they arrived at this musical crossroads. As K-pop's standout co-ed group, their journey to Drift reflects both artistic growth and calculated evolution.

KARD's previous releases and musical direction

Since their official debut in 2017 with "Hola Hola," KARD established themselves with a signature sound blending Latin-influenced beats and high-energy dance tracks. After releasing their sixth mini album "ICKY" in May 2024, the group shifted gears with their seventh mini album "Where To Now? (Pt. 1: Yellow Light)" in August 2024. This release marked a deliberate departure from their traditional sound, embracing lighter synth-pop dance tracks with tropical melodies—a stark contrast to their powerful Latin pop foundation.

Why 'Drift' marks a turning point

Drift represents KARD's return to their signature bold intensity after briefly exploring a "less is more" approach. However, this comeback isn't simply retreading familiar ground—it's a mature evolution. The album reinterprets 2000s R&B with percussive beats, layered strings, and weighty synths, creating what BM described as reminiscent of "Justin Timberlake's earlier work". Notably, all four members contributed to songwriting, with BM participating in composing and arranging the title track. This creative involvement demonstrates their growth as artists after eight years in the industry.

Timeline of teasers and promotions

The promotional campaign for Drift began in early June 2025 with the announcement of their comeback. On June 13, they released the tracklist, followed by concept spoilers revealing the album would contain tracks like "BETCHA," "Touch," "Before We Go," "Top Down," and "Pivot". Between June 20-24, individual visual film teasers showcased each member's unique charisma. The highlight medley and MV spoiler artwork dropped on June 26, while "Touch" MV teaser followed on July 1. Additionally, KARD announced their 2025 WORLD TOUR 'DRIFT' starting with a Seoul concert on July 19—their first domestic solo show in nearly five years.

Breaking down 'Touch': The title track of Drift

Listening to "Touch" reveals an immediate shift in KARD's musical approach. The title track from their mini drift into new territory showcases a mature sound that deserves closer examination.

Sound and genre influences

"Touch" distinguishes itself with a trendy reinterpretation of 2000s musical sensibilities. Instead of the tropical house beats that defined their earlier work, this track incorporates lively percussion elements with substantial synth layers. BM himself compared the vibe to early Justin Timberlake material, marking a deliberate move toward smooth R&B territory mixed with understated hip-hop textures.

The production blends these influences into something that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Despite some critics finding the instrumental "too consistent", the intentional restraint creates a slow-burning atmosphere that prioritizes mood over bombastic drops. This decision results in a dance-pop track with addictive rhythms that naturally flow with the beat.

Lyrical themes and emotional tone

Lyrically, "Touch" explores physical and emotional intimacy with a bold confidence. The assertive message highlighted in the lyrics—"If you can't have me, the regret is yours"—sets a self-assured tone. This directness reflects the group's evolution toward more mature themes.

The song examines longing and connection through emotionally nuanced delivery. Somin and Jiwoo provide controlled vocal performances in the pre-choruses, balancing perfectly against J.Seph and BM's steady, understated flow. Throughout the track, there's a deliberate exploration of tension that feels distinctly adult compared to their previous releases.

How 'Touch' compares to past title tracks

"Touch" represents a significant departure from KARD's earlier high-impact songs like "Bomb Bomb" or "Dumb Litty". Where those tracks relied on explosive hooks and maximalist production, "Touch" embraces subtlety and emotional depth.

The song moves away from their signature Latin-influenced dance tracks toward something more refined and controlled. Some reviewers note this change results in a track that "lacks personality" compared to their previous hits, nevertheless others appreciate this evolution as a sign of artistic growth.

What remains consistent is the group's co-ed dynamic, with critics noting that "the four of their timbres and lines just blend so well", confirming that even as their sound evolves, their fundamental chemistry remains KARD's greatest strength.

Visual storytelling in the 'Touch' music video

Beyond the song itself, the Touch music video adds another layer to KARD's evolved identity through its visual storytelling. The video received significant attention upon release—not just for its artistic merit but for pushing boundaries in K-pop visual presentations.

Choreography and symbolism

The choreography in Touch presents a fascinating study in restraint versus intensity. For most of the video, the dance routine feels deliberately restrained and less energetic than their previous work. Yet this calculated approach shifts dramatically during the final chorus, where the choreography suddenly "kicks it up a notch" with an intense ending. The softer tone of the song allows KARD to explore sensual energy through swaying movements that create a flirty atmosphere, complementing the lyrics about relationship progression. J.Seph described his challenging role during filming: "I became a post. I was standing straight... Managing my gaze was difficult too".

Lighting, color palette, and mood

Touch employs golden-hour lighting throughout the video, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that enhances the track's sultry themes. In fact, this lighting choice represents a deliberate departure from the flashier, high-contrast visuals of previous releases like "Bomb Bomb" or "Dumb Litty". The cinematography features slow camera movements and lingering close-ups that emphasize connection and mood over spectacle. This visual approach mirrors the mini drift toward subtlety evident in their musical evolution.

Notable scenes and their meanings

The music video features several memorable moments that sparked viewer reactions. BM revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail: "If you watch J.seph's part, he's surrounded by female dancers who are trying hard to twerk, and I'm witnessing that. I felt really awkward". Moreover, some viewers noted particular scenes stood out, including a moment with "girls kissing at 01:56". The video concludes with extras disappearing while one female character remains with KARD—a potentially meaningful moment that some critics felt "wasn't explored well".

Why the MV received an R rating in Korea

Ultimately, the video's suggestive choreography and intimate portrayal of physical connection earned it an R-rating (not suitable for youth) in Korea . When questioned about potentially toning down the content, Jiwoo responded firmly that there were "no such plans". Somin expressed surprise at the rating, stating, "I never imagined it would be rated 19+... what we expressed was love, and we expressed it naturally through physical contact". BM added perspective on their artistic choices: "Since we can express adult sexuality at this age. We have male members over thirty, so that's why we attempted provocative sexiness".

The album as a whole: How 'Drift' supports 'Touch'

Looking beyond "Touch," the entire "Drift" mini album tells a cohesive story through its carefully crafted tracklist and thematic continuity.

Tracklist overview and flow

Drift features a total of seven tracks, including five new songs plus instrumental versions of "Touch" and "Pivot". The album opens with "BETCHA," followed by the title track "Touch," then moves through "Before We Go," "Top Down," and "Pivot". This sequencing creates a deliberate musical journey that showcases different facets of KARD's artistic range. "BETCHA" sets an initial laid-back yet bold tone, subsequently transitioning into the Y2K-inspired "Touch". "Before We Go" offers a breezy, beachside atmosphere, whereas "Top Down" presents a dreamier sound where Jiwoo and Somin's vocals particularly shine.

Recurring themes across songs

Throughout the mini drift, KARD explores themes of determination and finding one's path. The album continues the narrative begun in their previous release "Where To Now? (Part.1: Yellow Light)". Yet unlike their previous work about "stopping and worrying," Drift focuses on movement and progression. As Somin explained, "We haven't found the answer yet. This album is about the process of contemplating where to go". This creates an overarching narrative about navigating life's uncertainties with confidence and purpose.

Member contributions to songwriting

Impressively, all four members participated in creating the songs, demonstrating their growth as complete artists. For the title track "Touch," each member contributed to writing the lyrics. Particularly noteworthy, BM and J.Seph received credits on every track of the album. J.Seph revealed his meticulous approach: "I wrote all the pretty words on a notepad and combined those words for the lyrics".

How the album reflects KARD's maturity

After eight years in the industry, Drift showcases KARD's evolved artistic identity. BM described it as created "with the least amount of pressure" and "the most fun". The album demonstrates what Somin called their "maturity and confidence that comes with experience". In contrast to rookie co-ed groups, KARD projects "a powerful and sexy energy" with underlying calmness. Their ability to confidently cross genre boundaries throughout the album further illustrates their artistic maturity.