Few groups in recent years have shaped the K-pop market quite like IVE. Since their debut in December 2021, the six-member act – comprising An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo – has established itself as a dominant force among girl groups. From their first release, ELEVEN, which topped domestic charts within a week, to LOVE DIVE and After LIKE, IVE have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to deliver interesting hits. While their music is catchy, it’s also a meticulous mix of stylish production, mature lyrics, and an unmistakable identity that shows the girls’ confidence and artistic ambition. With each comeback, IVE have expanded their musical range and proved their status as generational icons, collecting a staggering 37 music show wins and sweeping prestigious awards, including multiple Song of the Year honours at the Melon Music Awards, MAMA Awards, and the Golden Disk Awards.

Now, in 2025, IVE have begun a new artistic chapter with the release of their third EP, IVE EMPATHY, an album that brings back their recognisable sound but with an exploration of emotional themes.

The EP opens with REBEL HEART, a great song about self-empowerment and defiance, celebrating individuality and strength. The lyrics focus on rejecting expectations and embracing one’s true self. The song begins by contrasting struggles and victories: “The beginning is always like losing everything, the ending is like winning everything.” It also introduces a journey of self-acceptance, with the members declaring, “I won’t hesitate; I’ll pour out my heart, just as I am.”

I absolutely love how the chorus reinforces this rebellious spirit, stating: “So you can love me, hate me / You will never be, never be, never be me / Try me, I’ll break free.” This brings up the girls’ confidence and refusal to be defined by others’ opinions. The second verse challenges social norms, recognising that taking action is difficult: “I don’t care, words are easy to say / Yes, taking action is the hard part.” It is important to note, that in the bridge, the group acknowledges the value of mutual support: “We don’t ask for reasons / There are times when we just need each other.” Rather than longing for an unattainable future, they focus on understanding and embracing the present. The song concludes with a call to embrace one’s authentic self, “Come, join as who you are / We are rebels, we are one.”

Next is FLU, a song that depicts the emotions that come with the unpredictability of falling for someone, a topic that many of us can relate to. FLU combines a sense of internal conflict, as the lyrics express being swept into a powerful, toxic attraction while dealing with mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty. The chorus enhances the emotional pull, using the metaphor of “cold flu” symbolising the intoxicating, irresistible nature of love and desire. I like how the song combines that energetic groove with emotions, expressing the struggles and vulnerability of love. Overall, it is an interesting song, but not a revolutionary one.

You Wanna Cry brings something different to the mix. It is a genuine and comforting track about offering support to someone going through pain. The lyrics express a promise of constant companionship, as one of the singers vows to stand by their side through the difficult moments, holding and comforting them until their tears subside. While everyone interprets music through their own emotions, I believe You Wanna Cry conveys a message of emotional endurance and the power of love and presence in times of sadness. I love how soothing and reassuring it is for those in need of comforting. I’m also impressed by how the producers distributed the girls’ lines and structured the song musically.

Meanwhile, Thank U is a more thoughtful song as it talks about appreciation and reflection on overcoming hardships. The lyrics reveal feelings of loneliness, growth, and the strength gained through difficult moments. An Yujin emotionally expresses her gratitude for the support and love she has received, “Thank you (Thank you) / Yesterday you told me, thank you (Thank you) / Through all the pain, I overcame, and the growth went away with time / I went through, I’m good, so I guess that I should say.”

Then comes ATTITUDE, the EP’s title track, and a bold statement of IVE’s fearless artistry. The song – built around a sample of Suzanne Vega’s Tom’s Diner – is a brilliant mix of retro and modern pop. ATTITUDE shows IVE’s charms, including their self-assurance, emotional resonance, and musical daring. With lyricist Seo Ji-eum and member Jang Wonyoung contributing to the lyrics, the song brings new light to IVE’s work.

Closing the EP is TKO. It is a bold and fierce track that represents confidence and defiance. The song’s lyrics are a powerful declaration of independence and strength, with metaphors, perhaps, drawn from combat and sports, like “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” symbolising grace and power. The title itself likely reflects the song’s message of overcoming challenges and showing strength, both in personal willpower and in standing out in a competitive world. Throughout the track, the members of IVE express a sense of fearlessness, with lyrics focusing on confidence and a no-holds-barred attitude toward facing challenges. The beat is energetic and complemented by bold vocal delivery, which I personally enjoyed a lot. The repeated “Let them know, TKO” in the chorus acts as a mantra of empowerment. It’s a great song to conclude the EP, for sure.

With IVE EMPATHY, the group goes beyond adding another album to their discography – they keep reshaping their artistic identity. Without a doubt, this release embraces their evolution while bravely exploring new creative territories. One can only imagine the impact if they went full rock with their incredible vocals!

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Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Starship Entertainment

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}