The group IVE is back with their 4th mini album 'IVE SECRET'.
IVE (An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, Lee Seo) will release their fourth mini album 'IVE SECRET' at 6 p.m. today (25th) through various streaming platforms and will begin full-fledged activities.
'IVE SECRET' is a new release presented about 7 months after the mini album 'IVE EMPATHY' announced in February, and it contains an expanded, multidimensional sound of IVE. The album includes a total of 6 tracks, including the title track 'XOXZ' and the included track 'Midnight Kiss', with member Jang Wonyoung participating in the lyrics of 'XOXZ' and Liz contributing to the lyrics of 'Midnight Kiss' to enhance the completeness of the work.
In particular, the title track 'XOXZ' is a song that expressively unravels complex emotions like a cipher, maximizing IVE's charming and secretive nature through the message, 'I love you, sleep well. And let's meet in a dream.' A heavy tension provided by the 808 bass, brass, and drums is complemented by low rap and minimal vocals, completing IVE's sophisticated uniqueness.
IVE predicted a continuous 'IVE syndrome' this year, starting with the pre-released track 'REBEL HEART' from their 3rd mini album in January. Following the achievement of 'Perfect All Kill (PAK)' on major domestic music charts with 'REBEL HEART,' they created a 'Rampaging Guinea Pig' sensation with the title track 'ATTITUDE,' securing 6 consecutive million-seller albums and achieving a total of 15 music show wins ('REBEL HEART' 11 wins, 'ATTITUDE' 4 wins), solidifying their immense popularity.
Their golden steps did not stop there. Last month, they performed at 'Lollapalooza Berlin' and 'Lollapalooza Paris,' becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform on 'Lollapalooza' stages in 3 cities for two consecutive years. Recently, at the '2025 K World Dream Awards,' they won a total of 4 awards, including the 'K World Dream Best Artist Award' for the female group sector, reaffirming their status as a 'global trend group.'
Continuing their upward momentum by breaking various records right up until their comeback, IVE is set to maintain their unyielding progress through the new album 'IVE SECRET' and the title track 'XOXZ.' Before the release of the album this afternoon at 5 p.m., they are scheduled to hold a real-time comeback live on the global K-culture fan platform Berriz, sharing excitement with fans. While maintaining their familiar confidence led by 'XOXZ,' IVE is set to showcase a more diverse musical world and shared stories related to 'IVE SECRET' ahead of their comeback.
Here is the Q&A with IVE.
Q1. It's been about 7 months since your last mini album 'IVE EMPATHY' and now you are making a comeback. How do you feel?
An Yujin: I feel the most excitement because it's an album that we have prepared with great effort for a long time. I wanted to portray the color of the team 'IVE' more three-dimensionally, and I believe you will feel various charms.
Gaeul: We received really great love from many people during the last promotion. I worked hard to repay that with better stages and performances. I'm curious and excited about what kind of reactions the fans will show.
Rei: I'm both nervous and excited for this long-awaited comeback! I want to confidently convey the unique mood that IVE has now.
Jang Wonyoung: I prepared hard so that the time you have waited won't be wasted. Once again, I want to make a lot of good memories with our fans, Dive.
Liz: I put a lot of care into each song so that you can feel different charms from each one. I hope for a lot of attention and love.
Lee Seo: I'm very excited to think about meeting our fans on stage with new songs. I want to gift many happy moments.
Q2. You performed at 'Lollapalooza Berlin' and 'Lollapalooza Paris' in July. It must be even more special after experiencing your first overseas large festival at 'Lollapalooza Chicago' last year. How do you feel being active on the global stage?
An Yujin: I feel like I learn something new every time I step on stage. Above all, I am always grateful for the unforgettable moments thanks to our fans who love us. With the support we receive from all around the world, I will repay you with even better music and performances.
Jang Wonyoung: The excitement I felt when I first stepped on the 'Lollapalooza' stage is still vivid. I'm really happy to be able to stand on that stage again this year, and I gained great strength seeing our fans enjoy and take pride in our performances. We will continue to be IVE, delivering good energy!
Lee Seo: It's truly overwhelming and emotional when the audience sings our songs in Korean together. I still feel nervous before going on stage, but I feel myself growing with each performance. I want to continue experiencing various stages and grow to become IVE that fans can be proud of.
Q3. In various teaser contents showcasing different concepts, IVE's new attempts stood out. Is there any content or episode that stands out in your memory?
Gaeul: I tried curly hair this time! I think this album is overall made up of scenes that seem like dreams, fantasy, and unreal in reality, so the mysterious atmosphere of the overly curly hair fits well with the concept. While preparing for this album, I felt a desire to challenge myself with more diverse and new concepts.
Rei: I tried two-tone pink hair. I was worried because it's a style I hadn't attempted before, but both my members and the staff said it looked good, so I think I felt even better while shooting. That's why I really like the result! This time, especially, I think fans will see a variety of new aspects of IVE, and I hope Dive expects a lot.
Liz: The third concept photo stands out in my memory. Taking glamorous and stylish photos against the backdrop of a crumbled wall, I wasn't sure how it would harmonize on site. But seeing the final product, the contrast looked even better. It felt like a hero who, even if the walls are broken down and collapsed, retains no trace of disarray. I'm especially excited because I think I can show that 'IVE can look like this,' so I hope for a lot of anticipation.
Q4. Do you have any goals you wish to achieve through this activity?
An Yujin: Since we are challenging ourselves with a new concept, I want to show many different sides of IVE through the stage. I also hope it will be an opportunity to showcase the hidden charms of each member of IVE through various broadcasts and contents.
Liz: While preparing for this comeback, I paid a lot of attention to the vocal aspect, and I want to show a more grown-up side on stage. I also hope that IVE and Dive can create beautiful memories together.
Lee Seo: I hope it's an activity where we can enjoy together with Dive rather than just setting numerical goals! We want to leave unforgettable memories this summer while conveying our confident energy!
Q5. Lastly, please share a message with the Dives who love IVE.
An Yujin: Thank you and I love you, Dive, who always gives us great strength! Please take care of us during this activity!
Gaeul: Dive! IVE is back. We've worked really hard for this 'IVE SECRET' activity, so I'd appreciate it if you enjoy it together!
Rei: Thank you so much, Dive, for waiting! We'll repay you with a wonderful stage soon. Love you!
Jang Wonyoung: I feel like the support of Dive is always an immense driving force for me. Let's create lots of fun memories together during this activity. Love you, Dive!
Liz: I'm already looking forward to and excited about this activity thanks to Dive! Please show a lot of love for 'XOXZ,' and I look forward to this activity as well! Love you!
Lee Seo: Dive! Thank you for always sending warm support. I will grow to become IVE Lee Seo with an even more wonderful appearance! Please show a lot of attention and love for the title track 'XOXZ'!
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment.
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