IVE Unveils Second Studio Album 'REVIVE+' with a Cinematic Flair

"I want to be known as an artist who makes people curious about what's next. I've always done princess-like things, but I tried something new, and many people loved it. I hope you'll be curious about what's coming next." (Liz)

The K-pop group IVE (members An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo) held a media showcase on the 23rd at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their second studio album, 'REVIVE+'.

The album features double title tracks 'BLACKHOLE' and 'BANG BANG', along with songs like 'Hush', 'Stuck In Your Head', 'Fireworks', 'HOT COFFEE', and solo tracks from each member, including Jang Wonyoung's '8', Gaeul's 'Odd', Leeseo's 'Super ICY', Liz's 'Unreal', Rei's 'In Your Heart', and An Yujin's 'Force', totaling 12 tracks.

The title track 'BLACKHOLE' is a shuffle-based track with a cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of 'Interstellar'. It maximizes immersion with its expansive soundscape and film-like sound, musically embodying a world where extinction and birth coexist.

An Yujin explained the album's title 'REVIVE' as meaning "reignite," expressing their ambition to spread the flame of IVE's name even wider. Liz added, "Previously, we focused on 'me', but this album expands to 'us'. We've tried new things both in performance and music. Please look at us with a fresh perspective."

IVE has now become a group of all adults as their youngest member, Leeseo, turns 20 this year. Leeseo shared, "Look forward to the adult version of IVE." She added, "Every day feels like a dream since becoming an adult, but nothing seems to have changed. I want to happily remain the youngest in IVE forever. This comeback as an adult is meaningful, and I want to do well."

The members have also noticed Leeseo's growth. Rei expressed affection, saying, "Before our second world tour last year, we had a concert in Seoul, and I naturally noticed changes in Leeseo's aura, expressions, gestures, and stage presence. It was fascinating as an older sister." Leeseo responded with a heart gesture.

Ahead of their comeback, IVE released the pre-release track 'BANG BANG', which ranked second on Melon's 'Top 100' as of 3 PM on the release day. Their sister group, Kiki, took the top spot. An Yujin commented, "It's an honor to compete with amazing artists during our comeback, and I'm happy to be loved on the charts alongside our labelmates, Kiki. We've grown closer through variety show shoots and support each other a lot. I hope this album proves ourselves regardless of other artists."

With the popularity of the pre-release track, IVE is gearing up for their full-fledged comeback activities. Gaeul stated, "We worked hard to show an evolved IVE through the new album. I'm happy to receive so much love from the pre-release track and will work hard to keep up the momentum." Rei added, "I'm proud to have captured what we've built as IVE in this full album. We'll strive to showcase our diverse charms."

Jang Wonyoung expressed, "I want to spend a lot of time with DIVE (fan club name) by appearing on music shows with 'BLACKHOLE'. I have a strong desire to receive fans' support and love, and since this is our long-awaited full album, created with fans in mind rather than achievements, I approach the stage with joy and positivity."

IVE's second studio album 'REVIVE+' will be released at 6 PM (KST) today.

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