The group IVE added heat to a midsummer night of soccer with their tailored opening ceremony outfits.
IVE (An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, Lee Seo) assumed the opening ceremony and halftime performance roles during the match between Team K League and Newcastle United, held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 30th.
On this day, IVE members showcased their styling by reforming sky-blue uniforms to suit their individual characteristics. While providing a sense of unity, the members each chose different designs, enhancing the enjoyment of their appearance.
The reformed tops of the uniforms were transformed into various forms such as crop length, off-shoulder, and halter neck styles, creating a cool and trendy feel. In particular, Jang Wonyoung caught attention in a fitted sleeveless style, while An Yujin's off-shoulder style highlighted her shoulder line. The uniforms, marked with the members' initials and jersey numbers, also revealed IVE's unique identity.
The bottoms were all paired with short shorts made of white or denim material, emphasizing activity while accentuating their legs, and all members brought a sporty mood with white sneakers and socks. An Yujin added a point with a ribbon, and other members also showcased hair styling that highlighted their individual charms, completing IVE's unique opening ceremony styling.
Such styling was enhanced with the input of IVE members. Rei noted through the fan platform, "We asked to reform the uniforms however we each wanted," allowing a glimpse into IVE members' fashion sense.
Bringing excitement to the match, IVE announced the game's start between Team K League and Newcastle United through the opening ceremony and added to the heat with their halftime performance. After a back-and-forth battle, Team K League emerged victorious, holding onto Kim Jin-kyu's opening goal scored in the 36th minute of the first half.
Following the match, IVE's opening ceremony fashion has become a topic of discussion, with reactions varying according to TPO (time, place, occasion).
From the entertainer's perspective regarding TPO, there were favorable reactions. Firstly, IVE was invited not only as the opening performers but also to showcase their singing and performance. Reforming the uniforms in a distinctive manner is an effective way to demonstrate IVE's group colors and trendy appeal, and their glamorous, eye-catching styling akin to stage costumes also heightened the anticipation for the halftime performance and successfully drew attention to the event. Additionally, since inviting celebrities to opening ceremonies is partly for their sensationalism, the issues created by IVE's fashion led to public interest in the event, earning high marks for contributing to its commercial success.
On the other hand, from the perspective of sports events regarding TPO, there were disappointing reactions. Since the opening ceremony is a ritual that announces the start of the match, there are concerns that revealing fashion may give an impression of being inappropriate for the location and occasion. Further, because the opening ceremony involves kicking a ball, outfits that are too tight or revealing may appear uncomfortable for movement, potentially making onlookers feel uneasy.
Meanwhile, IVE is set to release a new album in August. They are also poised for their first appearance at the representative Japanese music festival 'Rock in Japan Festival 2025' on Sept. 15.
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