February 4, 2025, SEOUL, KOREA – IVE is kicking off a new chapter in its career with the much-awaited 3rd EP, “IVE EMPATHY,” expanding its core message of “self-love” to embrace “empathy” and resonate with a wider audience.

IVE made a triumphant return with the new EP, “IVE EMPATHY” on Feb. 3, which reinforces the group’s musical identity rooted in self-confidence. However, the album takes a further step by incorporating the message of empathy, bringing its music to a deeper, more universal level.

“We have focused on the theme of self-love so far, but this time, we took a leap forward by talking about empathy, so that we can connect with people across various generations, eras, and perspectives,” member Wonyoung said during a press conference in Seoul.

“A lot of young people grow up listening to our music, and I can feel the influence we have,” she added. “That makes me more careful with my words and actions, as I want to exert only a good and positive influence.”

The album carries six songs including two lead tracks ― the retro-tinged “ATTITUDE” and the sentimental “REBEL HEART” ― as well as the addictive “FLU,” the groovy “Thank U,” the rhythmic “TKO” and the acoustic “You Wanna Cry.” Starship Entertainment producer Seo Hyun-joo and the A&R team joined hands with a range of songwriters through a “song camp” to pick the tunes that best fit IVE members’ voices.

“ATTITUDE,” sampling “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega, emphasizes that attitude is the only thing people can change in the face of unchangeable situations. It encourages listeners to accept them in a witty and positive perspective. The track’s familiar melody, coupled with a groovy bass and upbeat drums, gives off an energetic vibe, while its flashy synth sounds and catchy chorus highlights the group’s intense yet fresh presence.

Wonyoung, known for her positive attitude, contributed to the lyrics, adding a layer of sincerity. Although she has previously penned lyrics for her group’s songs such as “OTT” and “Blue Heart,” this marks her first time contributing to IVE’s lead track. Lyricist Seo Ji-eum, who collaborated with IVE on tracks like “ELEVEN,” “LOVE DIVE” and “After LIKE,” joined forces with Wonyoung to create a powerful synergy.

“REBEL HEART,” pre-released in January, is a tune about the solidarity among rebels with diverse narratives. It revolves around the theme of camaraderie, imparting a message of comfort and sympathy. The song, characterized by upbeat drum sounds, encourages taking care of oneself without worrying too much about others. However, its message expands to embrace “us” and stresses the need of sympathy and solidarity, thereby resonating with a broader audience.

“REBEL HEART” has mesmerized fans worldwide, with its music video achieving a spot on YouTube’s trending video chart in 13 regions including Canada and Australia upon its release and securing the No. 4 spot on QQ Music. “REBEL HEART” basked in global chart success as well, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes Top K-Pop Songs chart in 16 regions while taking first place on the Top Songs chart in four regions.

“We are so thankful to have ranked first on multiple music shows with ‘Rebel Heart,’” Yujin said. “It was rewarding to see comments praising our musical growth and performance, which we achieved through practice and world tour.”

Also included in the album are “FLU,” a pop dance track with a catchy chorus melody and rich vocal harmonies, and “You Wanna Cry” ― IVE’s reinterpretation of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Exy from WJSN, also under Starship Entertainment, added her touch to the lyrics of “You Wanna Cry,” further enriching the album’s diversity. For the groovy “Thank U,” member Liz participated in writing the lyrics, marking her first time doing so. “TKO,” noted for rhythmic hip-hop beat and the groovy 808 bass, sheds light on IVE’s mature vocals.

IVE’s global footprint

With “IVE EMPATHY,” IVE seeks to usher in a new phase of its career. While staying true to its established identity, the group strives for musical maturity by navigating resonant and universal themes.

Since its debut in 2021, IVE has touched on the themes of self-love or narcissism in songs like “ELEVEN,” “LOVE DIVE” and “After LIKE,” before putting out its first full-length album, “I’ve IVE” to sing about independence in life. Its first mini-album, “I’VE MINE” portrayed how it could be viewed from different angles. For its second mini-album, “IVE SWTICH,” IVE adopted mythological themes and transformation concepts to present “another side” of themselves, all while maintaining its original color and exploring intersections with various genres.

Today, IVE has cemented its position as a K-pop game changer, dominating global music charts and taking home multiple trophies at various awards ceremonies. Through its first large-scale world tour, “SHOW WHAT I HAVE,” IVE performed in front of some 420,000 fans in 28 cities around the world for nearly a year, starting in October, 2023. IVE further showcased its growth in August by commanding the stage at major music festivals like “Lollapalooza Chicago” in the U.S. and “Summer Sonic 2024” in Japan. The group’s immense popularity can also be evidenced by its inclusion as the only K-pop artist in Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia 2024 List” of influential individuals under 30 in Asia, announced in May.