IVE: "We want to hear people say, 'That's really IVE'" [Q&A]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The group IVE (IVE, An Yoo-jin, Ga-eul, Re-i, Jang Won-young, Liz, Lee Seo) will make a comeback with the mini album "Luxe Can Kill."

IVE will release the title track "Looks Can Kill" from their new mini-album of the same name as a pre-release on various music streaming platforms at 6 p.m. on the 19th.

In addition, IVE will make the first public performance of their new song "LUX CAN KILL" at the live stage for the "Spotify DIVE ACADEMY," which is being held at Seoul Arc Gangnam on this day. By presenting the new song's stage to fans for the first time, IVE is expected to build momentum ahead of the release of their new album on the 26th.

According to the group's agency, Starship Entertainment, the new album "Luxe Can Kill" expands on the "Girl Fantasy" worldview that IVE has presented in its previous releases. Following Cupid and magical girl, the album introduces another ego, "Girl Hero," capturing IVE's confident and alluring presence that commands the atmosphere simply by existing.

The album features six tracks in total, including the title song of the same name, "Mirror Mirror," "SNAKESKIN," "CRUMBS," "Girls Girls Girls," and "Glow Motion." The agency stated that the six songs, each with a different mood and personality, showcase IVE's wide range of musical colors.

The title track, "Luxe Can Kill," is a song that embodies IVE's signature confidence and assertiveness. A captivating synth pad rhythm blends with a heavy bass, dynamic drums, and electronic sounds to deliver intense energy. In particular, the final chorus, which unfolds explosively after the bridge, is expected to maximize the song's immersive quality. The lyrics for "Luxe Can Kill" were written by Seo Ji-um, who has collaborated on many of IVE's hit songs, along with Lil Cherry and member Rei.

IVE continued the "IVE Syndrome" by achieving clear results on music charts and music shows with their second full-length album, "REVIVE+." Following the group's sixth career Perfect All-Kill (PAK) with the double title track "BANG BANG," they secured a total of nine wins across music broadcasts alongside "BLACKHOLE." In particular, "BANG BANG" is sustaining long-term popularity by maintaining its position in the top ranks of major domestic music charts even nine months after its release.

Meanwhile, IVE is cementing its presence on stage as it tours Asia, Oceania, and North America with its second world tour, "SHOW WHAT I AM." Having demonstrated its strength through both music releases and live performances, IVE is drawing global fan attention to the impact it will make with "LUX CAN KILL."

On the 19th, to mark the early release of their title track, IVE shared various stories through their agency, ranging from the narrative behind their new album to the preparation process and their resolve for upcoming activities.

Full Q&A with IVE.

Q. This is your comeback after about eight months since the release of your second regular album, "REVIVE+" (Revive Plus). How do you feel about it?

An Yujin: Every time we release a new album, my excitement grows along with a stronger desire to show you an even better version of ourselves. Since we are returning with the keyword "Hero," we hope you will look forward to seeing IVE in a more confident and self-assured light.

Gaeul: It has been about eight months since I last greeted you with new music. Having prepared diligently, I had been eager to share it with you as soon as possible, and I am truly thrilled that my comeback is finally here. This time, I will be able to showcase a charm different from before, so I am also curious to see how many people will receive it.

Ray: I am truly happy to be able to share new music with Dive (the official fandom name) after a long time, and I look forward to the moments we will create together with our fans through this activity. I hope it becomes an activity filled with many fun and happy memories.

Jang Won-young: The process of showing you a new side each time is an enjoyable challenge for us as well. We worked hard to present a fresh image while maintaining IVE's unique identity. We hope you will enjoy the new story that IVE will unfold together with you.

Riz: Every time we come back, the excitement and anticipation grow. With "Luxe Can Kill," we wanted to better showcase our confident and self-assured charm, and we hope that listeners can feel that energy through the song as well.

Lee Seo: Every time we return with a new song, it’s exciting, but this time, I’m especially looking forward to what we’ll show on stage. We will work hard to deliver strength to many people through IVE’s bright and bold energy, so please keep an eye on us.

Q. Up until now, IVE has expressed its unique "self-confidence" through music. This time, however, the group is highlighting the keyword "hero." What message do you hope to convey through this album?

An Yujin: IVE has expressed its belief in and love for itself through various music over time. If the previous album expanded that message from “me” to “us,” this one captures how members positively influence one another and create new changes together.

Jang Won-young: When people hear the word "hero," they might picture someone with special abilities, but I wanted to think about it a bit differently. A small word of encouragement offered to one person can become a source of courage for another. Through this album, I wanted to convey the message that we can all be heroes to one another.

Q. This album stands out for interpreting the "Girl Hero" concept with IVE's unique color. Could you please share any particular aspects you paid special attention to during the preparation process?

Gaeul: "We put a lot of effort into expressing 'Hero' in IVE's unique style. We tried to capture an atmosphere different from our previous works while highlighting our own charm. We hope you will enjoy not only the music but also the performance. Additionally, I participated in writing the lyrics for 'Crumbs' with Liz. I am happy that it seems to well reflect our current image and color."

Ray: I participated in the lyrics for the title track, “Luxe Can Kill,” and put a lot of thought into naturally unfolding the album’s concept and narrative. I’m proud that it seems to have been well captured. We also made various visual attempts, and I’m happy that many people seem to have enjoyed watching them. While shooting for multiple concepts, we had fun discovering new sides of ourselves as well. Please take a closer look at the diverse aspects of IVE embodied in each concept!

Rei: I think the appeal of this album lies in how each track has a distinct personality. Some songs carry an intense energy, while others are more relaxed and easy to enjoy. We paid close attention to expressing the mood inherent in each song while ensuring that IVE’s unique charm comes through clearly. Also, I actively participated in working on “Crumbs” with Gaeul, so please listen to it with love!

Q. What is the pre-released title track "Luxe Can Kill" like? Please introduce any listening points to pay special attention to, or aspects of the stage performance that are worth watching.

An Yujin: "Lux Can Kill" is a track that conveys energy from the moment you hear it, so we hope you will enjoy how the atmosphere shifts as the song progresses. In particular, there are memorable points that stick with you after just one listen, so please listen attentively.

Lee Seo: The appeal of this title track is best felt when you enjoy both the music and the performance together. We prepared by discussing with my senior members how to bring the feel of the song to life on stage. Please look forward to a stage that showcases IVE's bold charm.

Q. Songwriter Seo Ji-eum, who has co-created IVE's hit songs from their debut track "ELEVEN" to "LOVE DIVE," "After LIKE," and "BANG BANG," is also involved in this title track, "LUX CAN KILL." What are your thoughts on working again with Seo Ji-eum, with whom you have maintained a long-standing collaboration?

Jang Won-young: Many people have loved the songs we’ve worked on with lyricist Seo Ji-eum in the past, so we were also very excited to collaborate again this time. Just as she did a great job expressing IVE’s boldness and confidence before, you’ll be able to enjoy lyrics that carry our unique color once more. There are also witty expressions scattered throughout the song, so we hope you’ll enjoy the fun of finding them.

Q. You have been active on various stages this year, including your second regular album activities, fan concerts, a world tour, and domestic and international award ceremonies. Looking back ahead of this comeback, is there a moment that stands out the most in your memory?

Ray: I am reminded of the moment when I took on the role of MC at an awards ceremony for the first time this year. Although it was nerve-wracking as a first-time experience, it was enjoyable and meaningful. Based on the confidence I gained from that experience, I want to continue showing my growth.

Jang Won-young: I think we can’t overlook our previous second full album activities either. We are truly grateful that so many people have loved our music, and that support was a great source of strength as we prepared this new album. To repay the love you’ve shown us, we worked hard to prepare for this upcoming activity as well.

Lee Seo: The world tour is what I remember most. It is truly precious to meet DIVE in various parts of the world and create shared memories together. With each performance, I have become more at ease on stage and feel able to fully enjoy the moment. I am already looking forward to future performances.

Q. I would also like to hear more about the world tour. In your second world tour, "SHOW WHAT I AM," which began in October last year, all performances at Japan's Kyocera Dome and Tokyo Dome sold out, and the North American tour expanded from six cities during the first world tour to eight cities. How do you feel about successfully completing the tour?

An Yu-jin: I am truly proud that we were able to safely complete our second world tour, and I am grateful to everyone who supported us. It was meaningful to meet more fans as the number of cities on the tour increased compared to our first world tour. Seeing fans sing along to our songs and enjoy the performances even in cities we visited for the first time made me feel truly happy and moved. While it was wonderful to see precious memories accumulate one by one with each performance, I also felt a sense of regret as the tour came to an end. If we have another opportunity to meet through live performances in the future, I would like to show you even more impressive stages based on the experiences gained from this tour.

Gaeul: Following our first world tour, we were once again able to perform at Tokyo Dome this time around, and for the first time this year, we also had the opportunity to stand on the stage of Kyocera Dome. I was truly thrilled from the very beginning of preparing for these concerts. Seeing DIVE fill every seat in both venues filled me with overwhelming emotion and gratitude. It reminded me once again how precious it is to be able to sing and share the moment with so many fans on such a large stage. Even now that the tour has ended, the view of the audience and the support from DIVE as seen from the stage remain vivid in my mind. I believe this is all thanks to DIVE, who have always been by our side cheering us on. Going forward, I will never forget that sentiment and will do my utmost to create wonderful moments together for a long time to come.

Q. How do you hope the public will remember IVE through this album? We would also like to know what goals you aim to achieve during this promotional period.

Gaeul: "In line with the album title 'Luxe Kill,' we want to deliver a performance so impressive that audiences will be unable to look away the moment they see us on stage. We will do our best to ensure that IVE's stage through this activity leaves a lasting impression on many people."

Riz: We hope that upon listening to this album, you will think, "This is truly IVE." We also wish for the music to be something that gives listeners a boost of energy and, on certain days, helps them gain confidence. We hope this activity leaves a positive memory, so that you will continue to look forward to the music IVE will present in the future.

Q. Please share a final message for DIVE (the official fan club name), who have been waiting for your comeback.

An Yujin: DIVE! We truly feel supported by DIVE, who always cheer us on with unwavering love. I hope that during this activity period as well, we can be a source of strength for one another and spend happy times together.

Gaeul: We are truly grateful to DIVE, who always believe in us and wait for us. We will work hard so that we can become an IVE that makes DIVE proud going forward as well.

Ray: While preparing for this album, I was curious about what DIVE (the fandom) would enjoy. We have prepared various content in addition to music shows, so please enjoy this activity with enthusiasm!

Jang Won-young: The more time we spend together with DIVE, the more special our bond seems to become. I hope that in the future, we can continue to share good moments by each other's side and stay together for a long, long time.

Riz: I prepared with a sense of excitement while imagining how DIVE would enjoy it, and I’m also curious about which song they will like the most. Each track was truly carefully prepared, so please look forward to them, and thank you for your support during this activity as well.

Lee Seo: Thanks to the support you send through DIVE, I feel like I’m growing a little bit each time. I’ll keep showing you my progress going forward, so please keep watching me. I’m going to run with all my might in this activity too!

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original