[OSE=Reporter Seon Mi-kyung] The group IVE opened the door to their comeback with fans.
IVE (An Yu-jin·Ga-eul·Ray·Jang Won-young·Reeze·Lee Seo) released their second full-length album REVIVE+ (Revive Plus) at 6 p.m. on the 23rd and held a fan showcase at 7 p.m. at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The showcase was broadcast live on TikTok and YouTube, allowing them to spend a meaningful time communicating with DIVE, their official fan club, around the world.
From the opening stage, IVE proved their distinctive presence. Opening powerfully with the double title track BANG BANG, which was pre-released on the 9th, IVE received news via the MC right after the stage that the song had reached No. 1 on the Melon top 100 chart, drawing enthusiastic cheers from fans. The surprise news that they topped the charts as soon as they made their comeback instantly brought the venue's energy to a peak.
As this is a full-length album released after about 2 years and 10 months, the showcase featured not only album introductions but also various talks and segments. IVE shared reflections on the long-prepared second full-length album and revealed behind-the-scenes details of the music video shoot for the title track BLACKHOLE. They added that the scenes performed on a 555m-high skyscraper were actually filmed, which amazed the audience.
There were also listening sessions that showed the members' musical growth. At the special listening session, they played the title track and some album tracks while discussing the production process and listening points. They also provided time to listen to the point choreography of the double title tracks BANG BANG and BLACKHOLE, as well as, for the first time since debut, solo songs recorded by all members. IVE said they were happy to be able to release songs that had been briefly revealed at concerts as digital tracks.
The 'Revive Plus heart' segment featuring fans' support also drew a strong response. With reviews and messages of expectation written directly by DIVE revealed, the members selected messages and expressed their thanks. IVE struck poses in response to a review referencing BLACKHOLE and answered support messages using BANG BANG, continuing lively interaction.
The highlight of the showcase was undoubtedly the first live performance of the title track BLACKHOLE. A performance boasting perfect synchronization with the dancers played out over a cinematic, grand sound, and the staging using a long table and large-scale production maximized BLACKHOLE's pulling power and left a strong impression.
As the showcase ended, IVE thanked attendees, saying, This album is our first full-length in a long time, and it feels like we prepared for a long time. While preparing, we wanted to show it to DIVE as soon as possible, and we're really happy to be able to show it like this. The six of us put a lot of effort into this album, so we hope DIVE will happily enjoy it with us.
IVE's second full-length album Revive Plus carries the meaning of reigniting, to "rekindle the flame." It does not simply mean turning a light back on, but expresses the ambition to spread the flame that burns under the name IVE farther and wider. The title track BLACKHOLE is notable for its cinematic sound, expressing IVE's view of the present and change through the image of a "black hole" where annihilation and birth coexist.
With the release of their second full-length album, IVE not only swept the top spots on major domestic music platforms Melon, Bugs, Jini, Flo, and Vibe as of 8 a.m. on the 24th, but also placed every track, including solo songs, on the Melon HOT100 (based on 100 days after release) chart, proving their strength as a music powerhouse. The title track BLACKHOLE also landed on the top 100 chart immediately after release, and domestic and international fans are focusing on their continued success.
IVE released their second full-length album REVIVE+ (Revive Plus) and the title track BLACKHOLE on the 23rd.
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment.