Group IVE is back, aiming for their sixth consecutive hit. From their debut song "Eleven" to "LOVE DIVE," "After Like," "Kitch," and "I AM," IVE has always celebrated the multifaceted love directed towards them. This time, they're showcasing a different side, emphasizing their growth and the theme of "seeing oneself from various perspectives."
IVE is set to release their first mini-album "I'VE MINE" on October 13th. This album, coming approximately six months after their April full-length album "I HAVE IVE," is their first in the EP format. The album features a total of six tracks, with "Either Way," "Off The Record," and "BADDIE" chosen as the title tracks.
IVE has opted to sequentially release the audio and music videos of their triple title tracks. "Either Way" was released on the 25th, while "Off The Record" is set for a pre-release on October 6th. The official promotions will kick off with the release of "BADDIE" on the 13th.
The first to be unveiled, "Either Way," is a song with a dreamy start and a lyrical atmosphere. Written in part by Sunwoo Jung-A, it portrays the feeling of being constrained by others' perceptions. IVE's members enrich the song with their emotional and dreamy vocals.
Previously, IVE's lyrics, such as "The you in front of me, the me reflected in your eyes/I've come to love" (ELEVEN) and "Narcissistic my god I love it" (LOVE DIVE), showcased a strong sense of self-love. However, in "Either Way," they express awareness of others' perceptions, such as being seen as arrogant or too naive.
Yet, IVE remains unshaken. They acknowledge the various perceptions others have of them and embrace both love and criticism, emphasizing their continued confidence amidst external opinions.
The music video for "Either Way," shot on film for an analog feel, captures the members transitioning between everyday life and a fantasy realm. It portrays their journey of finding their true selves amidst misunderstandings and ultimately embracing all facets of their identity. The video, reminiscent of a coming-of-age film, leaves a deep impression, especially scenes where members are visibly emotional. Notably, there are also significant style changes among the members, with some opting for new hair colors and lengths.
Since their debut in December 2021, IVE has been on a consistent rise throughout 2022 and 2023. Beyond just the "strong sister" concept, they've built a unique universe showcasing self-loving girls. Their music, emphasizing vocals and confidence, has garnered immense love from fans. "LOVE DIVE" achieved the top spot in the "2022 Annual Circle Chart" in Global K-pop, Digital, and Streaming categories, making them triple crown winners. They've also swept numerous awards at various ceremonies and achieved two consecutive million-seller titles, capturing both fandom and mainstream appeal.
Following the unveiling of "Either Way," the upcoming releases "Off The Record" and "BADDIE" are expected to offer different perspectives on self-reflection. While maintaining their signature theme of self-love, IVE continues to expand their universe. Their trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, and as they evolve beyond the fourth generation to become one of the greatest girl groups of all time, all eyes are on IVE's upcoming comeback.
