IVE has made a comeback with their 4th mini-album 'IVE SECRET', showcasing their evolved musical style and diverse concepts.
August/28/2025 17:30
IVE revealed their feelings about their comeback with the 4th mini-album 'IVE SECRET'. IVE released their 4th mini-album 'IVE SECRET' on August 25 at 6 PM through various music streaming sites. 'IVE SECRET' is a new album released about 7 months after the 3rd mini-album 'IVE EMPATHY', which was released in February this year, and it contains IVE's music color that has been further expanded in a three-dimensional way. The title track 'XOXZ' and the included song 'Midnight Kiss' are among the total of six songs, with member Wonyoung participating in the lyrics for 'XOXZ' and Liz contributing to 'Midnight Kiss' to enhance the album's quality. The title track 'XOXZ' expresses complex emotions in a sensory way like a single code, conveying the message 'I love you, good night. Let's meet in our dreams,' bringing out IVE's charm that is both dignified and mysterious. With a heavy tension provided by 808 bass, brass, and drums, low rap and minimal vocals add to the refined uniqueness that is characteristic of IVE. IVE hinted at the unstoppable 'IVE syndrome' this year, starting with the pre-release song 'REBEL HEART' from their 3rd mini-album in January. They dominated major Korean music streaming charts with 'REBEL HEART', sparked the 'running guinea pig' boom with the title track 'ATTITUDE', and achieved six consecutive million sellers, as well as a total of 15 music program crowns (11 for 'REBEL HEART' and 4 for 'ATTITUDE'), boasting immense popularity. Their activities did not stop there. Last month, they performed at 'Lollapalooza Berlin' and 'Lollapalooza Paris', becoming the first K-POP girl group to showcase the 'Lollapalooza' stage for two consecutive years in three cities. As they prepare for their comeback with 'XOXZ', IVE conveyed their thoughts about 'IVE SECRET'. -- It has been about 7 months since your last comeback with the 3rd mini-album 'IVE EMPATHY', how do you feel? Yujin: Since we prepared this album over a long time, I feel the most excitement. I wanted to show the color of 'IVE' in a more three-dimensional way, so I think you will feel various charms. Gaul: We have received so much love from many people through our activities, and I want to repay that with better stages and performances, so I prepared hard. I'm curious about how the fans will react, and I'm excited. Rei: I'm excited and looking forward to this long-awaited comeback! I want to confidently deliver the unique mood that IVE has now. Wonyoung: I worked hard to ensure that the time you waited was not wasted. I want to create many good memories with DIVE (IVE's fan name) again this time. Liz: I prepared each song with care so that you can feel different charms from each one. Please give us a lot of interest and love. Iso: I'm really excited to think that I will meet DIVE on stage with the new song. I want to present many happy moments. -- In July, you also stood on the stages of 'Lollapalooza Berlin' and 'Lollapalooza Paris'. It must have been even more special since you experienced a large overseas festival for the first time at 'Lollapalooza Chicago' last year. Please share your thoughts on performing on a global stage. Yujin: I think I learn a lot every time I stand on stage. Above all, thanks to the fans who love us, I feel like I'm experiencing unforgettable moments, and I'm always grateful. Supported by the encouragement sent from all over the world, I will repay you with better music and performances. Wonyoung: The excitement I felt when I first stood on the 'Lollapalooza' stage is still vivid. I was really happy to be able to stand on that stage again this year, and seeing the fans proud of our stage gave me great strength. IVE will continue to deliver good energy! Iso: When the audience sings along with our songs in Korean, I feel really overwhelmed and moved. I still get nervous before going on stage, but after each performance, I feel like I'm growing step by step. I want to experience various stages and grow further to become an IVE that fans can be proud of. -- IVE's new attempts have stood out in various concept preview contents. Are there any memorable contents or episodes? Gaul: This time, I tried curly hair! Since this album is composed of scenes that are dreamlike, fantasy, and seemingly unreal, I think the mysterious atmosphere of curly hair fits the concept. While preparing for this album, I thought I wanted to challenge more diverse and new concepts in the future. Rei: I tried a pink two-tone hairstyle. I was worried because it was a style I had never tried before, but the members and the staff on set said it suited me, so I think I was able to shoot more comfortably. I really like the result! I think this activity will allow you to see a lot of IVE's new looks, so please look forward to it. Liz: The third concept photo left an impression on me, but when I tried to shoot with a glamorous and sophisticated styling against a backdrop of a broken wall, I had no idea how it would harmonize on set. However, when I saw the result, that gap was really wonderful. I felt like a hero who didn't get disturbed at all even after breaking the wall. I think this album will show that 'IVE has this side too,' and I'm especially excited. Please look forward to it. -- What goals do you want to achieve through this activity? Yujin: Since we challenged a new concept, I want to show a lot of IVE's new looks through the stage. Also, I hope this activity will allow us to show the hidden charms of IVE and each member through various programs and contents. Liz: While preparing for this comeback, I paid attention to the vocal aspects as well, and I want to show a more grown-up version of myself on stage, and I hope that IVE and DIVE can create wonderful memories together. Iso: Rather than numerical goals, I hope this activity will be fun with DIVE! I want to convey our bold energy and leave unforgettable memories this summer! -- Finally, please say a word to DIVE who loves IVE. Yujin: Thank you, DIVE, for always being a great support. I love you. Please support us in this activity too! Gaul: DIVE! IVE is back! I'm really happy that we prepared hard for this activity of 'IVE SECRET', so I hope you enjoy it together! Rei: Thank you so much, DIVE, for waiting! I will repay you with a wonderful stage soon! I love you! Wonyoung: I think DIVE's support is always my great driving force. Let's create many fun memories together in this activity. I love you, DIVE! Liz: I'm already excited and looking forward to this activity thanks to DIVE! Please love 'XOXZ' a lot. Please support us in this activity too! I love you! Iso: DIVE! Thank you for your warm support always. I will become Iso of IVE who grows into a more wonderful figure! Please give a lot of interest and love to the title track 'XOXZ'!
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IVE is set to appear on TBS's 'Sore Snow Man ni Yarasete Kudasai' on September 26, participating in a dance battle. Their recent mini-album 'IVE SECRET' features the title track 'XOXZ', which has gained popularity, leading them to top music charts. Member Wonyoung's cover of 'Mayonaka no Door' has also attracted attention from fans.
