K-Pop girl group IVE is back with their latest EP, “IVE Empathy.” The group shared insights on preparing for their latest release, how they stay close as a group, and the biggest lessons they’ve learned since debuting. “You’ll fall in love by the end of the song,” IVE member Liz belts out in the pre-chorus of the group’s latest single, “Attitude.” The confident and catchy pop track is a perfect fit for a group that has spent much of its career as some of the “It” girls of K-Pop. The six-member girl group, from Korean entertainment company Starship Entertainment, made their debut in December 2021 with their first single, “Eleven.” Anticipation for the group began even before their debut; Wonyoung and Yujin finished first and fifth in a popular Korean competition show and were members of the show’s temporary girl group, IZ*ONE.
Since their debut, IVE has been an unstoppable force, particularly on Korean charts. The group has achieved the coveted “Perfect All-Kill” (PAK) status with four separate songs. “IVE Empathy” is the group’s third EP and represents a natural sonic evolution from their 2024 EP.
“It was [in the] very cold winter [when we prepared for the album], so there are lots of scenes that we had to shoot outside,” Yujin, IVE’s leader, said. Members of the group participated in the creative process, each with their own favorite song on the six-track album. “My favorite song is ‘Attitude,'” Wonyoung said, adding she wrote some of the song’s lyrics.
Liz contributed to writing “Thank U,” saying it has a special place in her heart.
Insights on preparing latest EP
While IVE radiates “It” girl nonchalance onstage, the group members are endearingly energetic offstage.
The members maintain a dynamic conducive to a strong group bond. “We really have a lot of downtime,” Yujin said. “Time really flies when I talk with my [fellow group] members or have lunch or dinner together.”
Reflecting on the last four years, they’ve learned plenty through their performances.
“It really helped us to improve a lot, and I think my confidence has grown a lot,” Yujin said, citing their 2024 world tour. To their international fans, Wonyoung said, “Stay healthy,” with her group members echoing the sentiment. Yujin added, “Be rich,” before Wonyoung concluded, “We’ll be there soon.”
On February 9, IVE released the official dance practice video for “ATTITUDE,” providing a full view of the group’s impressive choreography for the song, showcasing various cool formations created by the six members and their impressive synchronization.
Ive’s third EP sold over a million units in its first week, according to their agency, Starship Entertainment. “Ive Empathy” is the group’s fifth consecutive million-seller. In April, the six members will host two fan concerts in Seoul and 11 more in Japan, visiting four cities: Yokohama, Kobe, Fukuoka, and Tokoname.
