Meet Ive (Korean: 아이브; RR: Aibeu; stylized in all caps), a sensational South Korean girl group that’s taking the music world by storm. Formed by the renowned Starship Entertainment, Ive comprises six incredibly talented members: Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo. What sets Ive apart is their knack for crafting irresistibly catchy songs and their commitment to exploring themes of self-love through their music, a journey that resonates with fans around the globe.
Ive made their much-anticipated debut on December 1, 2021, with the release of their single album titled “Eleven.” This was just the beginning of their remarkable journey. Shortly after, they treated fans to another single album, “Love Dive,” whose lead single soared to the top of the Circle Digital Chart, marking a significant milestone in Ive’s career. It didn’t stop there; this track also clinched the title of Song of the Year at prestigious awards ceremonies such as the Asia Artist Awards, Golden Disc Awards, MAMA Awards, and Melon Music Awards. Moreover, it marked Ive’s first song to reach the top ten on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart. The group continued to rise, achieving yet another number-one hit with the lead single from their third single album, “After Like.” In 2023, Ive delivered their eagerly awaited first studio album, “I’ve Ive,” which garnered massive commercial success. The album featured two captivating singles, “Kitsch” and “I Am,” both of which secured the coveted top spots on the Circle Digital Chart.
The Name “Ive”
The group’s name, “Ive,” is a clever contraction of “I have.” It carries a powerful message of confidently revealing what “I have” to the audience. Unlike traditional growth stories, Ive seeks to present themselves as a “complete girl group” right from the start, embodying empowerment and self-assuredness.
Ive’s Journey: Pre-debut Activities (2017-2021)
The journey of Ive’s members began before the group’s official debut. Wonyoung and Yujin, for instance, rose to prominence through their participation in the reality competition series “Produce 48” in 2018. Wonyoung clinched the top spot, while Yujin secured the fifth position, earning them spots in the project girl group Iz*One. They actively promoted with the group until its disbandment on April 29, 2021.
In 2017, Gaeul embarked on her journey by participating in the preliminaries of the Incheon Dance Competition. Her performance was so impressive that she was selected to audition on the spot, marking the beginning of her training journey with Starship Entertainment.
In 2018, Rei’s journey into the world of K-Pop began when she joined Starship Entertainment after an exceptional performance at the Loen Friends Global Audition in Japan. Rei’s unique and distinctive voice caught the attention of the judges. By May of the same year, she had made her way to Korea to commence her training.
Leeseo, another member of Ive, initially made her mark as part of the SM Kids model. Liz’s story is equally compelling; she was discovered in the 2019 Starship Open Audition, leading her to become a trainee under Starship Entertainment.
Ive’s journey is a testament to their dedication and talent, and their rise in the K-Pop scene is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the art they love.
