Key players in the fourth-generation K-pop wave, IVE, have embellished a shining chapter in the lengthy 38-year history of Sports Seoul.

IVE (Ahn Yujin, Gaeul, Jang Wonyoung, Ray, Liz, and Eseo) have formed a deep connection with Sports Seoul by winning the Best Digital Song Award and Bonsang (Main Award) at the 32nd Seoul Music Awards, just one year after their debut.

In their interview with the magazine, IVE looked back on their significant awards. Jang Wonyoung said, "Winning the Best Digital Song Award at the Seoul Music Awards is an honor, and it feels like IVE has become part of the 38-year history of Sports Seoul. Congratulations on the 38th anniversary of Sports Seoul, and we hope you will continue to bring us good news as you have been."

IVE, who debuted in the music industry with a stunning debut album, 'Eleven', on December 1, 2021, made 2022 their year with performances that belied their rookie status. From their debut song 'Eleven' to 'Love Dive' and 'After Like', every track they released won both popularity and became the talk of the town. They set a record by winning the Rookie and Grand Prize at the 2022 'Melon Music Awards', 'MAMA Awards', and 'Asia Artist Awards', along with a record-breaking 37 wins in music shows.

They continue to shine brighter than anyone else in 2023. Everywhere they go, it's as if they're walking on a 'path of flowers'. With the simultaneous release of their first full album 'I have IVE' and the double title tracks 'Kitsch' and 'I AM' in April, they caused a sensation in both domestic and foreign music charts, emerging as the '4th generation digital queens'. There's even talk of 'IVE's rival being IVE' as they're having the best year yet.

Eseo said, "When we first released the double title tracks 'Kitsch' and 'I AM', we heard the phrase 'IVE VS IVE' a lot. It's gratifying because it means that IVE's songs are loved by many at the same time." Ahn Yujin also said, "We're always thankful to the journalists and the public who always give us positive reviews, and to DIVE (fan club name), who always supports us. Praise always feels good, and we promise to show an improved version of IVE."

Feeling pressure was inevitable when releasing their first full album due to the success of their previous works. However, the members said their determination not to disappoint those who believe in IVE's music was their sense of responsibility. Liz recalled the moment both 'I AM' and 'Kitsch' topped the music charts, "I felt so overwhelmed at first. I thought we should always be thankful and never lose our initial resolution."

IVE's formula for success is their 'mass appeal'. While other K-pop girl groups like Newjins and Leseraphim pursue different colors, IVE captivates listeners with confident and straightforward songs that anyone can enjoy. They gambled on the addictive beats and melodies of 'Kitsch' and 'I AM', combining past and present with a newtro code.

Securing the main consumer group of K-pop, the 'Gen Z' (mid-1990s to early 2000s birth), equates to achieving mass appeal. IVE's easy-to-follow point choreographies such as 'Kitsch Dance' and 'I AM Dance' went viral, spreading not only in Korea but all over the world. Gaeul said, "Our dances are so loved because we put a lot of effort into making choreographies that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or gender."

Though only 18 months into their journey, IVE's collective experience has helped them understand their fans better, leading to more mature performances. An Yujin said, "In terms of the musical direction and visual aspects, the input of our members is significant. We have discussions and share opinions. I think these conversations make IVE's music richer."

With their unstoppable success, IVE's influence transcends beyond music. They have become a source of inspiration for Gen Z, many of whom view the girls as role models. Their self-love message resonates with their fans, known as DIVE. "We hope to always deliver a message of loving and believing in oneself. Even though it's something we're still learning, we believe it's a good influence to our fans," Ahn Yujin shared.

In just a year and a half since their debut, IVE has become a phenomenon that encapsulates the spirit of Gen Z. They are the current embodiment of youth, energy, and self-love, which is a significant factor behind their overwhelming popularity. With their music, they hope to inspire others to love and believe in themselves, a message that resonates powerfully with their fans, who have shown them tremendous support and admiration.

With the undeniable power of their influence, IVE's ambitions are nowhere near done. They are set to go on their first world tour, "IVE FIRST TOUR [LOVE IVE]" in July. The girls expressed their excitement for the tour, "We're nervous because it's our first world tour, but we're looking forward to meeting our fans in person and sharing our energy and passion with them."

The members of IVE have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop industry. As they continue to grow and evolve, fans can expect even more from this talented group in the future.

"We want to keep making good music, creating memorable performances, and we hope to be a group that people will remember for a long time. We'll work hard so that the name 'IVE' continues to be a symbol of self-love and confidence. Thank you for the love and support. We will always be the IVE who gives back with great performances. We love you, DIVE!" the group said, concluding their interview.

As the girls venture further into their careers, they remain focused on their core messages of self-love, authenticity, and connection with their fans. Their passion for their craft, combined with their dedication to their fans, is a powerful combination that's certain to keep IVE at the top of the charts.

IVE, the K-pop sensation that has blown up in South Korea, is now gearing up to conquer the global market. Their first Japanese album, 'Wave', released on May 31, has had a fantastic start, clinching the number one spot in the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking. After heating up the Japanese music scene, IVE plans to continue to meet their international fans through fan conferences and an Asia tour, including stops in Taipei, Singapore, and Thailand. Even more excitingly, IVE intends to make a full-scale entry into the North American market through Columbia Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. Interest is now focused on whether IVE, which is highly loved at home, can rise as a global trend.

Lee Seo expressed her ambition, "We're currently conducting an Asia tour through fan conferences, but we want to go further and have encounters with global fans through a world tour." Liz stated, "I would like to visit our international DIVE fans through various global activities. As we have more opportunities to breathe closely with our fans, our goal this year is to communicate as much as possible with DIVE fans not only in Korea but all over the world."

Regarding the remaining plans and aspirations for 2023, An Yujin revealed, "Since we will meet DIVE once again through the FanCon Asia tour soon, the primary goal for all members is to finish it healthily. We will do our best to prepare for the next album so that it can continue to be IVE's year." Lei, who had briefly suspended her comeback activities due to health conditions, pledged, "I will strive to be a healthier Lei and be able to give more strength to many people."

In closing, IVE did not forget to send a message to the readers of Sports Seoul, which is celebrating its 38th anniversary. An Yujin stated, "Like Sports Seoul, which is celebrating its 38th anniversary, we at IVE will always do our best to be an artist that is remembered for a long time, so please watch over us." Gaeul expressed, "We will work hard to only deliver good news to the readers of Sports Seoul."

Q. Congratulations on the 38th anniversary of Sports Seoul and what you hope for

-An Yujin: Sincerely congratulating Sports Seoul on its 38th anniversary. In January, we received the honor of winning the 'Best Sound Source' award at the 32nd Seoul Music Awards, and it's a greater honor that we can be together until the 38th anniversary of Sports Seoul. We hope to continue a good relationship with Sports Seoul, which always delivers good news, and IVE will always strive to deliver only positive and good news to our readers.

Words for the readers of Sports Seoul on their 38th anniversary

-An Yujin: Like Sports Seoul, which is celebrating its 38th anniversary, IVE will always do our best to become an artist who will be remembered for a long time, so please watch over us. Thank you.

-Gaeul: We will work hard to only deliver good news to the readers of Sports Seoul.

-Rei: I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has sent a lot of love to IVE. I will strive to be a healthier Lei and be able to give more strength to many people. Please look forward to the rest of the year.

-Jang Wonyoung: We look forward to your continued love for Sports Seoul and ask for your support and interest for IVE as well.

-Liz: We will always strive to be IVE, an artist who can bring positive influence, always humble and hardworking. Please continue to support both Sports Seoul and IVE.

-Lee Seo: Readers of Sports Seoul, I hope you stay healthy for the rest of the year and please love IVE's songs a lot. 

Copyright © 2023 Kpop Reporter. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.