The group IVE successfully concluded promotions for their fourth mini album.
IVE (Ahn Yujin·Gaeul·Rei·Jang Wonyoung·Liz·Leeseo) wrapped up activities for their fourth mini album IVE SECRET with the SBS program Inkigayo broadcast on the 7th. With the youngest member Leeseo hosting the live broadcast as MC, IVE secured a meaningful finale by winning their third music show trophy on terrestrial TV with the title track XOXZ, following KBS 2TV's Music Bank and MBC's Show! Music Core.
Before their comeback, IVE surprised global fans by teasing part of the XOXZ performance on the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer stage in July. Following that, they maximized comeback anticipation by sequentially releasing teaser content that contained layered storytelling fitting the album theme SECRET, such as the self-assertive "EVIL CUPID" and the pretty-but-dangerous "COVER GIRL" concepts.
After the album release, they promoted XOXZ on music shows for two weeks starting on the 28th of last month, drawing attention with polished live performances and dense choreography. They dominated the stage with a sophisticated, dreamy aura, which helped them continue upward movement on various streaming charts. Rei served as a special MC on Music Bank, and Leeseo showed her charm as Inkigayo MC, demonstrating lovable team chemistry.
All members proved high public interest across various broadcasts and content. They appeared on KBS2's Pawn Shop (Pyeonstorang), MBC's Hangout with Yoo, and web variety shows such as Jeon Gwalja, Limousine Service, No Pogi, Gyang Mingkyung, Choo Sung Hoon, Workman, Anh Sung-jae Geodeongyo, Eunji-rang Lee Eunji, Neighborhood Friend Kang Nami, and Wooju Record, showing different charms. Rei also showcased diverse content through her solo YouTube web variety show Ddarahaebolrei, leaving a strong impression with activity that crossed platforms.
In January, IVE fired the opening salvo for this year's continuing "IVE syndrome" by releasing the pre-release track Rebel Heart from their third mini album IVE EMPATHY. With Rebel Heart, they achieved a perfect all-kill (PAK) on major domestic streaming charts, and with the title track Attitude they recorded consecutive hits, culminating in IVE EMPATHY achieving a total of 15 music show wins across the album.
After successfully finishing stages at Lollapalooza in Berlin and Paris, IVE continues an unrelenting rise in the second half of the year by sweeping No. 1 spots across the three major terrestrial broadcasters with the album title track XOXZ. With Leeseo, the Inkigayo MC, presenting the No. 1 trophy and wrapping up activities warmly, IVE shared remarks about the end of promotions through their agency Starship Entertainment.
Below are remarks regarding the conclusion of IVE SECRET activities.
Ahn Yujin: While taking part in various activities this year, I feel both my stamina and my spirit have grown stronger. I was happy every moment I stood on stage thanks to DIVE (official fandom name), who always love us without reserve. IVE will repay you with better music and performances. Also, on Sept. 23 the Netflix variety show Crime Scene Zero, in which I appear, will be released. I hope I can bring joy to fans and viewers with various sides of myself.
Gaeul: Preparing for and promoting this comeback felt so joyful the whole time. Above all, I want to sincerely thank the fans who gifted us the music show No. 1. Their support has given me the drive to work even harder.
Rei: I tried many different stylings during music shows to show a fresh side of myself. I was really glad DIVE liked it. In September I will perform at the Rock in Japan Festival 2025! It's a very famous, big festival in Japan, so I'm already excited and will do my best. Even though promotions have ended, I also show many sides of myself every Thursday on my YouTube show Ddarahaebolrei, so I hope for lots of love!
Jang Wonyoung: This year, from Rebel Heart and Attitude to XOXZ, I felt proud to receive so much love. Especially the moment the title track XOXZ, which I contributed lyrics to, won first place on a music show is something I will never forget. Thanks to DIVE, who sent so much support and love at every moment, this promotion truly felt like a dream.
Liz: During promotions I tried to show various vocal sides through programs and content like Hangout with Yoo, Limousine Service, and Wooju Record. I was really happy that fans liked it, and the love from DIVE made me want more. I also tried writing lyrics again for the album track Midnight Kiss. I will work to become Liz who can give fans good music through my voice and lyrics.
Leeseo: Coming back and meeting DIVE is always exciting. I was happy we could finish this promotion healthily with my unnis, and every stage felt like a gift. I especially remember the moment on Inkigayo, our final music show stage, when I handed the trophy directly to my unnis. I had hoped to be able to do that from before promotions started, and thanks to DIVE it came true. I'm always grateful and love you, DIVE!
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment.
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