IVE, the six-member girl group, is making waves in the K-pop scene and beyond. Despite being considered rookies, their early success, driven by pre-existing fan bases and catchy music, has propelled them to a global stage. With a 24-date world tour, Lollapalooza debut, and a second EP in the works, IVE is poised to become the next major K-pop act to conquer the U.S. market.
IVE ’s Liz, Wonyoung, Yujin, Leeseo, Rei, and Gaeul are posed with their arms situated just so to form a giant heart — except Leeseo is having trouble figuring out which limb to use. It’s 6 p.m. at Columbia Records’ studio space in New York City, and this is one of the last images they need to take for this story. A staff member runs in to gently lift Leeseo’s other arm, and the team around me remark on their perfect skin and how great the shot is.
The theme of metamorphosis applies to the members themselves, too, as they’ll showcase new skills as artists. Both Yujin and Leeseo tried their hand at rapping for the first time, while Wonyoung adds a sixth songwriting credit to her name with a song called “Blue Heart.” It was inspired by her “work in this industry,” she says, seemingly alluding to theidols, specifically female idols, experience from the media and netizens. “People in the world very aggressive to us,” she says.
But with their Lollapalooza debut on the horizon, Yujin says her simple hope is that they’ll continue to have fun with those who already love them — provided the fans show up. “They promised me,” she jokes — but that seems like a guarantee.
K-Pop IVE Girl Group World Tour Global Music Rookie Success