IVE
The “MZ wannabe icon” IVE (Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, Leeseo) consolidates its position as a Kpop phenomenon by attracting attention on international charts.
According to the ranking “The 25 Best KPop Songs of 2025: Staff Picks” published on December 18 by BILLBOARD on its official website, “XOXZ” by IVE was selected as the “best Kpop song”, confirming once again the group’s global popularity.
“XOXZ” is the lead track of IVE’s 4th mini-album “IVE SECRET”, released last August. Inspired by the English expression “XOXO”, this neologism unique to IVE transforms “XOXZ” into a secret code. The message “I love you, sleep well, and see you soon in your dreams” combines multiple hidden emotions and attitudes, offering a complexity felt by listeners around the world.
BILLBOARD stated: “This enigmatic song by IVE conveys deep emotions without explanation. The low-voiced rap in the chorus and the high melody create a sophisticated tension, while the measured singing over the 808 bass amplifies the emotional variations.” The publication added: “IVE’s self-exploration has evolved captivatingly, and the confident, all-demanding attitude is evident.” This shows how the group’s autonomous storytelling and musical experiments have captivated both audiences and critics.
Since its debut in 2021 with the single “ELEVEN”, IVE has delivered the message of “self-confidence”. Earlier this year, with the pre-single “REBEL HEART” from the 3rd mini-album “IVE EMPATHY”, the group expanded its perspective from “me” to “we”. In 2025, IVE followed with three consecutive hits: “Rebel heart”, “Attitude”, and “XOXZ”, filling playlists for both domestic and international fans. These tracks won a total of 20 music trophies (11 for “Rebel heart”, 4 for “Attitude”, 5 for “XOXZ”), bringing the total awards since debut to 74.
This popularity is also reflected in album sales and international charts. The albums “IVE EMPATHY” and “IVE SECRET” each surpassed one million initial sales, achieving million-seller status for seven consecutive releases. On BILLBOARD, the group was ranked 1st “Emerging Artist”, entered the Billboard Artist 100, and appeared simultaneously on the “World Albums”, “Top Current Album Sales”, “Top Album Sales”, and “Global (Excl. US)” charts.
Apart from discography activities, IVE shone on various international stages. After performing at “Lollapalooza” in Chicago last year, the group appeared on stage in Berlin and Paris this year, becoming the first Kpop girl group to appear at “Lollapalooza” for two consecutive years. They also lit up the “ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025,” one of Japan’s four major rock festivals, confirming their reputation as a “performance idol.”
Finally, IVE successfully opened its second world tour with “SHOW WHAT I AM”, held from October 31 to November 2 at KSPO DOME in Seoul. In April 2026, they are expected at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan, continuing their tour across Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania, further connecting with their global fans.
Additionally, IVE will close the year with numerous performances on various stages.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS IVE
