JIWOO (EX)IST 'Home Sweet Home' (2026)

What is (EX)IST EP?

(EX)IST is the debut solo EP by KARD member Jeon Jiwoo (also known as JIWOO), released on February 11, 2026, at 6 PM KST across various music streaming platforms. The five-track EP marks JIWOO's first solo release nine years after debuting with the co-ed group KARD in 2017.

The solo EP serves as a comprehensive body of work that condenses the accumulated time and experiences from JIWOO's past to present, establishing a solid identity as an independent artist. The project focuses on showcasing an expanded musical spectrum unconstrained by genre, presenting sides of the artist not previously revealed through group activities.

"Home Sweet Home" functions as the title track, blending R&B and alternative pop elements to create an atmospheric sound anchored by JIWOO's distinctive vocals. The EP includes four original songs alongside an instrumental version of the title track. JIWOO demonstrated artistic authenticity by personally writing the lyrics for the fourth track "Lily".

KARD member BM contributed to the EP's production, participating as a lyricist for both "Mutual" and "Dang Dong (feat. BM of KARD)". This collaboration added depth to the project while maintaining JIWOO's vision for the release. The album represents a manifesto of JIWOO's existence as an artist, distilling years of experiences into a cohesive, emotionally rich collection that declares a new chapter as a solo performer.

What songs are on the (EX)IST EP?

The EP contains five tracks with a total runtime of 14 minutes. Each track presents distinct sonic elements while maintaining cohesive artistic vision throughout the project.

Home Sweet Home (Title Track)

The opening track runs 3 minutes and 14 seconds, combining R&B and alternative pop elements. The song features whispered introductions transitioning into rhythmically varying bridges, with JIWOO's vocals functioning as an additional instrument portraying instinctive emotions. Lyrics express intense desire and anticipation, centered around the repeated chorus "Home Sweet Home".

Mutual

Running 2 minutes and 36 seconds, this track features composition and arrangement by BM. The song represents collaborative synergy between the KARD members within JIWOO's solo framework.

Dang Dong (feat. BM of KARD)

This 2-minute and 30-second collaboration showcases BM's participation as featured vocalist, composer, and lyricist. The track captures the natural creative chemistry developed through years of working together as groupmates.

Lily

The fourth track spans 3 minutes, distinguished by JIWOO's personal lyric writing. The song explores themes of insignificance and loneliness, expressing the sincere plea "Please love me even if I'm nothing" as comfort for both artist and listeners.

Home Sweet Home (Inst.)

The instrumental version of the title track closes the EP at 3 minutes and 14 seconds, allowing focus on the production's atmospheric qualities.

Who worked on EP?

Production oversight for the solo EP fell under the leadership of Kim Jin Woo as executive producer, with Eom Jeong Ho serving as executive supervisor and Lim Sook Kyung in the supervisory role. This production hierarchy ensured cohesive artistic direction throughout the project's development.

BM's involvement extended beyond lyricist contributions to include composer and arranger credits. Working alongside fellow composer Ayushy (THE HUB) and heejae, BM shaped the musical foundation of multiple tracks. The arranging team consisted of BM, heejae, and JaeH, crafting the sonic textures that define the EP's alternative pop and R&B fusion.

The writing credits encompassed nine contributors total, including Ayushy (THE HUB), BM, and heejae among the primary writers. This collaborative approach balanced JIWOO's personal artistic vision with professional production expertise. DSP Media handled both phonographic copyright and general copyright, while Kakao Entertainment managed distribution across streaming platforms.

The production framework combined veteran industry professionals with KARD members, creating an environment where JIWOO's creative autonomy intersected with technical proficiency. BM's multifaceted participation as composer, arranger, and lyricist provided continuity between JIWOO's group identity and solo emergence.

What is the concept behind JIWOO's Home Sweet Home?

The conceptual framework centers on internal conflict between two distinct personas: temptation and liberation. This duality manifests through the music video's visual narrative, where contrasting forces clash within a sensory aesthetic marked by intersecting darkness and light. The interplay reveals JIWOO's unfiltered essence, stripped of performative constraints typically associated with group activities.

Thematically, the lyrics invite someone for intimate encounters, exploring desire and physical connection. The sensual subject matter receives treatment through mature visual imagery that remains suggestive rather than explicit. The music video features alluring shots emphasizing JIWOO's charismatic presence, with the instrumental break showcasing sexual chemistry between JIWOO and a featured dancer.

Cinematographic execution involved meticulous color grading focused on tonal dominance rather than mere visual spectacle. The production team calibrated light temperature to preserve modern texture while maintaining bold primary colors. This approach ensured lighting settled heavily into the visual fabric instead of floating superficially across the frame.

The artistic vision positions JIWOO's voice as the primary instrument portraying honest instincts. From whispered passages to rhythmic variations, the vocal delivery transcends conventional performance boundaries, functioning as breath touching the night. This conceptual approach establishes JIWOO's independent musical identity, unconstrained by genre limitations imposed through previous collaborative work.