Sabrina Amoriello

Global K-pop sensation IVE has unveiled their latest single, “Rebel Heart,” the title track from their upcoming EP IVE EMPATHY. The highly anticipated EP, which is set to release on February 3, marks yet another milestone in the group’s meteoric rise in the music world.

“Rebel Heart” serves as an anthem of unity and individuality, portraying a group of “rebels” coming together with unique stories that intertwine into one shared journey. The track features IVE’s signature uplifting vocal harmonies and an exhilarating chorus, accompanied by a dynamic blend of soaring strings and energetic drums. Its powerful lyrics offer both comfort and connection, encapsulating the group’s core message of empathy while delivering a grand and immersive listening experience.

The release of “Rebel Heart” reflects IVE’s continued commitment to exploring new themes while maintaining their distinct identity. Since their debut in 2021, the six-member group—consisting of ANYUJIN, GAEUL, REI, JANG WONYOUNG, LIZ, and LEESEO—has consistently pushed boundaries with confident performances and unexpected musical twists, solidifying their reputation as one of the leading icons of the K-pop industry.

IVE burst onto the scene with their debut single “ELEVEN” in December 2021, topping charts within a week of its release and securing 13 award wins. Their subsequent hits, “LOVE DIVE” and “After LIKE,” cemented their status as chart-toppers and million-sellers, collectively earning 37 music show awards.

In 2022, IVE received numerous accolades, including Song of the Year (Daesang) for “LOVE DIVE” at the Melon Music Awards, MAMA Awards, and Asia Artist Awards, as well as the Digital Song of the Year at the Golden Disk Awards. Their historic triple-win at the Golden Disk Awards—Rookie Artist of the Year, Digital Song of the Year, and Grand Award for Digital Song Division—set a new standard for rookie groups in the industry.

Their momentum continued in 2023 with the release of their first full-length album, I’ve IVE, which sold over 1.1 million copies in its first week. The album’s title tracks, “Kitsch” and “I AM,” dominated domestic music charts and earned a combined 11 awards. Their follow-up EP, I’ve MINE, achieved over 1.6 million in sales, with hits like “Baddie,” “Off The Record,” and “Either Way” further showcasing their versatility and artistic growth.

With IVE EMPATHY, IVE embarks on a bold new chapter centered around the theme of empathy. The EP promises to showcase the group’s evolution while staying true to the colors that have defined their artistry since the beginning.

The release follows a landmark year in 2024, during which the group debuted their sophomore EP, IVE SWITCH, and embarked on their first world tour, ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE.’ The tour featured standout performances, including a critically acclaimed set at Lollapalooza in Chicago, which introduced the group to an even wider global audience.

With the release of IVE EMPATHY and its lead single “Rebel Heart,” IVE continues to solidify their position as one of K-pop’s most influential groups. Fans can expect the group to keep pushing boundaries and delivering meaningful music that resonates across cultures and generations.