By Shim Sun-ah
Since their debut in 2021, the six-member girl group Ive has risen to become a leading force in K-pop. Known for chart-topping hits like “Love Dive,” “After Like,” and “I Am,” Ive continues to evolve their sound with tracks such as “Rebel Heart,” “Attitude,” and “XOXZ.”
Beyond music, each member has established a strong presence in fashion, television, and advertising, highlighting the group’s growing influence in the broader pop culture landscape.
“We’ve been trying new things beyond our usual princess-like image, and we’ve been getting so much love for that,” said member Liz at a media showcase for their new album, “Revive+,” held in Seoul on Monday.
“We want to keep experimenting and become artists who make people curious about what’s next,” she added, signaling a commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
That experimental spirit shines through in the album’s choreography. The pre-released track, “Bang Bang,” features dynamic routines alongside male dancers, while another leading track, “Blackhole,” incorporates an extended table as a set piece, a first for Ive.
Thematically, “Revive+” marks a shift from a focus on the individual to a celebration of unity.
“In our past music, we talked a lot about ‘me’ and independence. Now that we’ve grown, we wanted our message to grow too — to create a bigger world where individuality and unity coexist,” explained Jang Wonyoung.
An Yujin elaborated on the title “Revive+,” saying it’s about “to reignite,” and signifies “spreading Ive’s flame farther and wider.”
“We wanted listeners to feel our growth and also find comfort through our stories,” Gaeul shared.
The 12-track album also includes “Hush,” a silky pop offering, “Stuck In Your Head,” reminiscent of a game soundtrack, and the dreamy “Fireworks.” Adding a personal touch, each of the six members contributed a solo song, a deliberate move, according to Gaeul, “to showcase different sides of Ive ahead of its concert tour.”
“Blackhole,” with its infectious shuffle rhythm and cosmic visuals drawing inspiration from Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar,” delves into themes of destruction and rebirth. “Bang Bang” delivers a surge of EDM and electronic sounds, perfect for the stage.
“This time, rather than chasing standardized visuals or conventional beauty, we focused on making it feel new because it’s Ive,” Wonyoung stated. “I hope listeners can get positive energy from our music.”
The new album, “Revive+” is set to be released at 6 p.m.
