IVE set for February comeback, pre-release of 'REBEL HEART' Monday

By Pyo Kyung-min

IVE, a girl group adored by younger K-pop fans, is sparking excitement for its February album with the highly anticipated pre-release of its title track, "REBEL HEART, set for Monday.

In December, Starship Entertainment, the group’s agency, announced on its official social media channels that IVE’s third EP, titled "IVE EMPATHY," will be released on Feb. 3. This release comes nine months after the group’s second EP, "IVE SWITCH," which debuted in April 2024.

As a teaser for the full album release, the group is preparing to unveil the album's pre-release title track, "REBEL HEART," on Monday. In a press release Sunday, the agency described the song as "a portrayal of solidarity among rebels with different narratives."

"Through 'REBEL HEART,' IVE will once again present a new musical style born from their self-assurance," the label added.

The release of "IVE EMPATHY" comes after a delay following the Dec. 29 Jeju Air crash, as the agency announced plans to postpone its schedule to mourn the 179 lives lost in the accident.

Regarding the upcoming EP, the agency noted that "With its title, 'EMPATHY,' embodying the idea of emotional connection, we invite fans to experience how IVE, celebrated for its ability to master diverse concepts, and how it will interpret and deliver this theme in the new work," through a December statement.

Comprising members An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz and Leeseo, IVE has become a cultural icon for global K-pop fans, with its members frequently mentioned across major social media platforms.

Since October, IVE has been on its first world tour, performing 37 concerts across 19 countries in Asia, the U.S., Europe and South America, attracting around 420,000 fans worldwide.

The group also performed at two major global music festivals last year: Lollapalooza Chicago in the U.S. and SUMMER SONIC 2024, Japan's largest music event — further cementing the band's reputation as a dominant force among fourth-generation K-pop groups.