The group IVE is drawing attention on global charts, solidifying its status as a K-pop trend.
According to Billboard released on the 18th (local time) on its official website 'The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025: Staff Picks,' IVE's 'XOXZ' was selected as the 'best K-pop song,' once again proving its global popularity.
'XOXZ' is the title track of IVE's mini album 4 'IVE SECRET,' released on Aug. 8, and is an IVE-style neologism inspired by the English expression 'XOXO,' with 'XOXZ' expressed like a code. With the message 'I love you, good night. And see you in my dreams,' it sensorially unravels the complexity of hidden attitudes and emotions rather than a single feeling, earning warm praise from listeners worldwide.
Billboard said, "This enigmatic IVE track delivers deep emotional resonance without needing much explanation," and added, "the low-pitched rap in the chorus and the soaring melody create a finely tuned tension, and the restrained vocals over the 808 bass amplify emotional shifts." It went on to praise, "IVE's characteristic exploration of the 'self' has evolved more mesmerizingly, and the confident attitude that demands everything with complete assurance is clear." This confirms that IVE's distinctive autonomous narrative and diverse musical experiments captured both the public and critics alike.
Since its 2021 debut song 'ELEVEN,' which presented the message of 'self-assurance,' IVE expanded its musical spectrum this year with the pre-release track 'REBEL HEART' from mini album 3 'IVE EMPATHY,' shifting focus from 'self' to 'we.' Starting with 'REBEL HEART,' which achieved a domestic perfect all-kill (PAK) on music charts, and followed by mini album 3 title track 'ATTITUDE,' which sparked a challenge craze and led trends, and 'XOXZ,' which achieved a rebound hit, IVE recorded a three-hit streak in 2025 that filled playlists of domestic and international music fans. In particular, by adding 20 music show trophies this year alone ('REBEL HEART' 11 crowns, 'ATTITUDE' 4 crowns, 'XOXZ' 5 crowns), the group reached a cumulative 74 crowns since debut, solidifying the 'IVE syndrome' with historic results.
This popularity extended to the album market and global charts. IVE surpassed 1 million first-week album sales for both 'IVE EMPATHY' and 'IVE SECRET' this year, achieving seven consecutive million-seller albums, and on Billboard they ranked No. 1 on emerging artist, entered the Billboard Artist 100, and simultaneously appeared on the World Albums, Top Current Album Sales, Top Album Sales, and Global (excluding U.S.) charts. In addition, they swept a total of 22 trophies as a team at major award shows this year, including grand prizes, demonstrating their strength as a complete artist.
Beyond active record activities, they have continued to perform on various global stages crossing borders. Following Lollapalooza Chicago last year, IVE performed in Berlin and Paris this year, becoming the first K-pop girl group to appear at Lollapalooza two years in a row, and energized the stage at one of Japan's four major rock festivals, Rock in Japan Festival 2025, reaffirming their label as a 'performance-oriented idol.'
IVE also successfully kicked off their world tour with the second world tour 'SHOW WHAT I AM' held at Seoul KSPO Dome from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. With plans to enter Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan in April 2026, they are expected to continue the momentum across various countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania, bringing them closer to global fans.
IVE plans to finish the year with active performances on various stages as the year-end approaches.
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment.
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