Everything You Need to Know About Your Favorite New K-Pop Group Ive
The bubbly girl group IVE has been making waves since its December 2021 debut, with a compelling K-pop introduction ("Eleven") that’s still on our playlist rotation. The six young women of the group have built on the success of their first single by releasing other pop music experiments such as the Gloria Gaynor sampled disco-flair of “After LIKE,” or the captivating electropop production of “LOVE DIVE." So in order to save you from that awkward feeling that comes with being out of the loop, it’s time to make sure that you’re fully informed about group behind a few of the most beloved K-pop tracks of 2022.
The origin of IVE
Starship Entertainment, home of the popular boy band MONSTA X, unveiled their new girl group IVE in 2021. The group then dropped their first EP Eleven which received love from both fans and critics, quickly proving their elevated-rookie concept was the real deal. Then, the group rapidly went platinum in Korea with a No.1 album and more than 160 million views for their first music video alone, so they went right back into the studio to maintain momentum. By the time IVE’s follow-up EPs were in the rearview mirror (LOVE DIVE and After LIKE), the group went on to achieve more than 2.5 million in total album sales and have yet to claim anything other than a No. 1 album domestically. Pretty big moves for a rookie group.
Yujin (19)
IVE’s talented performer Yujin is no stranger to the spotlight, having been in everything from contact lens advertisements to the fiercely gifted 12-member K-pop group, IZ*ONE! After the 2021 dissolution of Yujin’s former group, she landed the role as the respected leader of IVE’s very promising lineup, giving her a rare second chance at group success.
Gaeul (20)
As the eldest member of IVE, Gaeul also happens to be one of the more experienced performers on its roster, having gone through the trainee process for over four years prior to debuting. Being one of the more prominent rappers of the group (and in recent K-pop groups, period), she gave a significant boost to the Gaeul-heavy b-side “ROYAL” which strays from the warmer, cheerful mood that’s often associated with the group's singles. Gaeul was also credited in the songwriting process for that song, which has since become a fan favorite.
Rei (18)
If you’ve listened to IVE’s addictive single “ELEVEN,” you probably noticed Rei’s line delivery on its pre-chorus. In addition to her fellow member Gaeul, IVE’s Rei has also experimented with writing lyrics for her own raps on their discography, often saying that she’s responsible for “rapping and the group’s uniqueness.” I simply love the confidence there.
Wonyoung (18)
IVE’s Wonyoung contributes the most well-rounded experience of her fellow members, which began after winning the high-stakes competition series Produce 48 as an aspiring idol. Having impressed millions of viewers with her skillful range, Wonyoung was eventually invited to join IZ*ONE where she also became a key member of the group until shifting gears and joining forces with IVE. For those of you who enjoy a little more insight into the branding side of K-pop, Wonyoung has spent the past several years collecting amazing endorsement deals that include Miu Miu, Dior, Pepsi, and more.
Liz (17)
In any group, there’s typically one member who, despite a bold career path, is understandably shy. Liz appears to fill that personality type for IVE, but she's also a dark horse of an artist who’s able to pack a sonic punch. Throughout Liz’s line distribution on IVE’s colorful discography, she’s offered bangers on bangers in terms of vocals. Plus, being able to oscillate this successfully between blonde and brunette is a talent in and of itself.
Leeseo (15)
At the very young age of 15, Leeseo is the maknae (youngest) of IVE, which could have worked to her disadvantage, but luckily, the singer has major confidence in and out of the studio, living up to the ideas behind the “complete” Starship Entertainment group as a valuable member who still has plenty of time to grow. One thing Leeseo has managed to master early on though? The power of a pre-chorus to chorus transition that she uses in songs like “ELEVEN” or even on IVE’s cohesive cover of Fifth Harmony’s “That’s My Girl.”
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