[OSENWORLD] IVE has officially wrapped promotions for their fourth mini album IVE SECRET, ending the era on a high note with multiple music show wins and heartfelt messages to fans.
On September 7, the group gave their final performance of title track “XOXZ” on SBS’s Inkigayo, where youngest member Leeseo also serves as MC. The stage marked the successful end of a two-week promotion cycle that brought IVE three trophies with wins on KBS2’s Music Bank, MBC’s Show! Music Core, and SBS’s Inkigayo.
IVE first teased their comeback in July with a surprise preview of “XOXZ” at the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer festival. Building anticipation, the group rolled out layered teasers tied to the album’s “SECRET” theme — from the defiant “EVIL CUPID” to the dangerously alluring “COVER GIRL.”
Following the album’s release, IVE delivered polished live stages and powerful performances for two consecutive weeks, earning praise for their polished performances and dreamlike aura. Members also shined individually: Rei as a special MC on Music Bank, and Leeseo as host of Inkigayo, where she proudly handed her group the 1st place trophy.
Beyond music shows, IVE expanded their presence across multiple platforms. Members appeared on KBS2’s Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, MBC’s Hangout with Yoo, and popular web variety programs such as The Criminals, Limousine Service, Nopogi, Just Mingyeong, Choo Sung-hoon, Workman, An Sung-jae Is Here, Eunji & Lee Eun-ji, Neighborhood Friend Kang Nami, and Woojoo Record. Rei further showcased her versatility through her solo YouTube series Follow Rei, cementing the group’s growing impact across platforms.
Earlier this year, IVE kicked off 2025 with their third mini album IVE EMPATHY, led by pre-release track “Rebel Heart.” The song achieved a rare Perfect All-Kill (PAK) across Korean charts, while title track “Attitude” extended their winning streak. Together, the album secured an impressive 15 music show trophies.
On the global stage, IVE successfully performed at Lollapalooza Berlin and Lollapalooza Paris before returning with IVE SECRET. With “XOXZ,” they swept all three major broadcast networks once again, proving their continued dominance.
To mark the close of promotions, members shared their reflections through Starship Entertainment:
An Yujin: “This year strengthened me both physically and emotionally. Every moment on stage has been happiness thanks to DIVE’s endless love. I’ll continue to repay that love with better music and performances. Also, my Netflix variety show Crime Scene Zero premieres on September 23 — I hope fans enjoy seeing another side of me.”
Gaeul: “From preparation to the very last stage, this promotion was filled with happiness. Thank you sincerely to the fans who gave us the gift of winning music shows. Your support gave me the strength to push harder.”
Rei: “I tried many different styles on stage to show fresh sides of myself, and I’m so happy DIVE enjoyed it. In September, we’ll perform at Japan’s Rock in Japan Festival 2025! It’s such a huge festival, and I’m already excited. Please also look forward to my YouTube show Follow Rei every Thursday!”
Jang Wonyoung: “From ‘Rebel Heart’ and ‘Attitude’ to ‘XOXZ,’ receiving so much love this year has been unforgettable. Especially seeing the title track I co-wrote win first place — that moment will stay with me forever. Thanks to DIVE’s support, this promotion truly felt like a dream.”
Liz: “Through programs like Hangout with Yoo, Limousine Service, and Woojoo Record, I tried to show my vocal range in different ways. Thanks to DIVE’s love, I’ve gained even bigger ambitions. I also challenged myself again as a lyricist with our track ‘Midnight Kiss.’ I’ll keep working hard to deliver good music with my voice and words.”
Leeseo: “Meeting DIVE after a comeback is always exciting. I’m grateful we wrapped up safely and happily with all the members. Every stage felt like a gift. The most memorable moment was handing my members the 1st place trophy on Inkigayo. I had secretly hoped for that from the start, and thanks to DIVE, it came true. I love you all.”
With heartfelt thanks and more milestones on the horizon, IVE continues to prove why the so-called “IVE Syndrome” shows no signs of slowing.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
