IVE has reignited its global momentum with a renewed narrative and mature presence, unveiling its second full-length album “REVIVE+” at a media showcase held Feb. 23 at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
The six members — An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz and Leeseo — presented a bold expansion of their long-standing theme of confident self-love, shifting the focus from “I” to “we.”
Hosted by comedian Yoo Jae-pil, the showcase included a preview screening of the “BLACKHOLE” music video and stage along with behind-the-scenes album talk, as the members confidently expressed their ambition to spark a new “IVE syndrome.”
The new album “REVIVE+” marks IVE’s first comeback in six months since its fourth EP “IVE SECRET” last August and its first full-length album in approximately two years and ten months since “I've IVE” in April 2023.
From “I” to “We,” A Mature Reignition
This album takes as its motif the expansion of IVE’s “confident self-love” identity into the collective concept of “we.”
Gaeul said, “As this is our second full-length album, we felt we needed to show growth. We wanted to gain empathy from the public and offer comfort at the same time.”
Jang Won-young added, “If we previously spoke about ‘I’ and subjectivity, we believed our keyword should grow as IVE has grown. ‘We’ means being together with everyone who listens to IVE’s music.”
With youngest member Leeseo now also an adult, the group’s narrative gains added weight. Leeseo described each day as “dreamlike,” while Rei noted that Leeseo’s atmosphere and expression had naturally matured during last year’s second tour.
Cinematic Scale and Visual Boldness in “BLACKHOLE”
IVE’s renewed confidence exploded through the stage and music video of the title track “BLACKHOLE.”
Opening like the beginning of a grand musical, the performance built through its bridge before surging with a heavy bass line across the verse and chorus. Liz emphasized that the extended table choreography felt new from rehearsal onward, amplifying the members’ fluid lines and deepened allure.
The music video showcased overwhelming scale, moving across various city views and fashion-forward interiors. Retro and kitsch styling layered together to create visuals reminiscent of a high-fashion editorial.
The contrast between Gaeul’s weighty mid-low tone and firm high notes — extending solidly rather than focusing on extreme height — inherited the dazzling and confident energy of the mega-hit “I AM.” The three-tier “cake” formation group choreography centered on Rei in the latter half marked the energetic climax.
An Yu-jin stated, “It’s a song with an interstellar cinematic mood. We focused on unique lyrical expressions and powerful group choreography.”
12 Tracks Proving Solid Foundation
Behind the transformation stands IVE’s strong musical foundation, proven through seven consecutive million-selling records.
From the powerful energy of “BANG BANG” to six distinct solo tracks highlighting each member’s individuality, the tightly structured 12-track album reflects both cohesion and growth.
An Yu-jin expressed gratitude for the many accolades, saying, “We’re simply thankful for the various modifiers. It’s thanks not only to the members’ efforts but also to our company staff and DIVE who ran alongside us.”
Liz shared, “I want to hear that we’re artists who make people curious about what comes next.”
Jang Won-young pledged to communicate actively with DIVE through upcoming “BLACKHOLE” music show stages.
IVE will release its second full-length album “REVIVE+” at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 and begin full-scale comeback promotions.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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