On January 1, 2025, Starship Entertainment announced that IVE will be their first artist to make a comeback in the new year. The group is preparing a new album set for release in January, signaling a refined musical direction that highlights their growth as artists. The announcement comes after a stellar year in which IVE cemented their position as one of K-pop’s leading global acts.

Reflecting on their recent achievements, An Yu Jin, the group’s leader, described 2024 as a transformative year. “The world tour felt like a dream. Dive’s warm welcome everywhere we went made us so happy. It was also a time when the bond between our members grew stronger,” she said. Regarding the upcoming comeback, she added, “Though it has taken some time, we’ve been working hard alongside Vice President Seo Hyun Ju and our team to deliver something truly special.”

The announcement coincides with IVE’s celebration of their third debut anniversary on December 1, 2024. Expressing gratitude to their fans, An remarked, “Thanks to Dive, we’ve received so much love, and it has been a source of great happiness for us. We hope you enjoy the rest of this year with IVE’s performances.” She encouraged fans to anticipate the comeback, saying, “Let’s start 2025 together with IVE. Please look forward to our new album.”

Starship Entertainment highlighted the group’s continued evolution, noting, “IVE has transformed into a fully developed group through their world tour and global stage experiences. Their upcoming release will showcase their unique identity and a range of captivating performances.”

The group’s return comes approximately nine months after their second EP, IVE SWITCH, released in April 2024. The album’s double title tracks, "HAVE TO" and "ASCENDIO," dominated charts, earning widespread acclaim for their musicality and bold concepts.

IVE’s world tour was another major milestone in their career, covering 19 countries and 28 cities across 37 performances. They became the first fourth-generation K-pop girl group to perform at the KSPO Dome in Seoul and sold out the Tokyo Dome in Japan. Additionally, they graced iconic stages such as Lollapalooza Chicago and Summer Sonic 2024 in Japan, where their flawless live vocals and commanding stage presence earned critical praise.

Their success extended to award shows, where IVE claimed multiple accolades, including three awards each at the 2024 MAMA Awards and MMA 2024. Performances such as An Yu Jin’s archery-inspired choreography and dance breaks with fans highlighted the group’s growing creativity and charisma.

A Starship spokesperson summed up IVE’s appeal, saying, “With stunning visuals, a distinctive team color, and undeniable talent, IVE has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. They are currently focused on preparing their new album, which we believe will exceed expectations.”

Further details regarding IVE’s comeback schedule will be announced through their official social media channels. Fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter in IVE’s extraordinary journey.

Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com