IVE and BLACKPINK Set for February Showdown, The Ultimate Girl Group Battle

 

The K-pop scene is bracing for an unprecedented clash as two of the industry's biggest powerhouses, IVE and BLACKPINK, are both scheduled to make their highly anticipated comebacks in late February. This head-to-head battle between representative global girl groups is drawing intense attention from music fans worldwide.

Starship Entertainment announced on the 17th that IVE is currently focusing on the final stages of production with a goal to return by late February. This marks their first comeback in approximately six months since the release of their 4th mini-album, IVE SECRET, last August. Since their 2022 hit LOVE DIVE, IVE has achieved "million-seller" status for seven consecutive releases. Last year, they continued the "IVE Syndrome" by sweeping music shows and award ceremonies with hits like ATTITUDE and XOXZ.

This comeback is particularly noteworthy as it puts them on a direct collision course with BLACKPINK, who previously announced a return on February 27. YG Entertainment confirmed on the 15th that BLACKPINK will return as a full group with their 3rd mini-album, DEADLINE. As this is their first full-group release in 3 years and 5 months since their 2022 studio album BORN PINK, the group is reportedly putting immense effort into high-quality music video production and global promotions.

Both groups boast formidable global track records. BLACKPINK previously became the first K-pop girl group to top the US Billboard 200, while IVE has consistently climbed charts like the Billboard Artist 100. Furthermore, IVE recently solidified their status as "global festival powerhouses" by performing at Lollapalooza in Berlin and Paris.

Their post-comeback schedules are equally packed. Following their promotional activities, IVE will embark on their second world tour, SHOW WHAT I AM, visiting Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK is currently engaging with fans through their large-scale world tour, DEADLINE, which includes three days at the Tokyo Dome and a grand finale at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

As these two titan groups prepare for a historic face-off, the industry is closely watching to see what new records will be shattered in this February battle of the icons.