IVE's 'BANG BANG' Dominates Global Charts with Cinematic Music Video

The K-pop group IVE, consisting of members An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, has made a global impact with their new track 'BANG BANG'.

On February 9th, Starship Entertainment released the music video for 'BANG BANG', a pre-release track from IVE's second full-length album 'REVIVE+', on their official YouTube channel.

In the music video, IVE members appear as outlaws reminiscent of the Wild West, embarking on a treasure hunt journey that takes them through modern cities and natural Western settings. The 'WANTED' posters scattered throughout the video hint at a mysterious pursuer, adding tension to the narrative. The members ultimately escape with their treasure on a train, symbolizing their journey towards freedom.

Filmed in Trieste, Italy, the music video evokes a cinematic experience. It modernizes classic Western elements with brutalist architecture, vast deserts, and vibrant colors, creating an otherworldly and visually striking aesthetic. Directed by Bang Jae-yeob, known for his unique visual style, the video skillfully combines performance and storytelling through dynamic camera angles.

'BANG BANG' delivers a powerful message about self-determination, encouraging listeners to forge their own paths despite external pressures. The track features a bold EDM and electronic sound, with a Western swing intro and a driving beat.

The music video's high production value has propelled it to the top of YouTube's trending music charts in Korea, reaching number one shortly after its release. It also ranked second on the worldwide trending music video chart, topping the charts in nine countries and regions, including Germany, Japan, Indonesia, Chile, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan, and placing in the top five in 21 countries and regions.

Domestically, 'BANG BANG' is performing well on major music charts. As of 10 AM on February 10th, it ranked sixth on Melon's TOP100, demonstrating its strong presence. It also topped the HOT100, real-time, and rising charts on Melon, Bugs, and Vibe, and secured the seventh spot on Genie’s real-time chart.

Globally, 'BANG BANG' is also making waves. As of 10 AM on October 10th, it entered the top 10 of iTunes K-pop Top Songs charts in 23 countries and regions, including Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Thailand. It also charted in 18 countries and regions on the Top Songs chart, covering a total of 26 countries and regions, proving its international appeal.

IVE released the pre-release track 'BANG BANG' on February 9th and is set to make their official comeback with the full album 'REVIVE+' on October 23rd.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr