On February 3, 2025, K-pop trendsetters IVE released their third EP, IVE EMPATHY, showcasing a more emotional and intense side of themselves. This release centers around raw emotions and identity, adding depth to their ever-evolving concept.
Stepping into 2025 with their third anniversary behind them, IVE kicked off their latest release with the single “REBEL HEART,” which also appears on their EP. The track sets the tone for the concept, championing unapologetic self-expression with bold lyrics: “You can love me, hate me. You will never be me.”
IVE, consisting of members WONYOUNG, LIZ, YUJIN, REI, LEESEO, and GAEUL, have consistently embraced themes of self-identity and empowerment, as seen in previous tracks like “I AM” and “BADDIE,” where lyrics such as “That is who I am” and “I’m a baddie” – reinforcing their message of confidence and individuality.
Check out the music video for “REBEL HEART” below! The visuals are just as uplifting and feel-good as its message.
IVE EMPATHY’s main track, “ATTITUDE,” samples the iconic “Tom’s Diner” and continues the theme of self-identity with lyrics like “I’m that girl, I’m that attitude.”
The music video showcases the members embracing their true selves, featuring an addictive rap segment from GAEUL and REI that I’ve had on repeat!
Their ‘it-girl’ energy radiates not just through the song but also in the visuals, exuding confidence in every frame.
Member WONYOUNG contributed lyrics to “ATTITUDE,” when we asked about her involvement, she shared that the track also carries a theme of luck—an important concept in Korea.
“I think we can give a lot of positive energy to the listeners through these songs,” she explained.
The goal of IVE EMPATHY is to uplift DIVEs, the fans, inspiring them to embrace high energy and confidence with every track.
The Knockturnal sat down with IVE to ‘dive’ into their most intense and raw concept yet. Read the full interview below or watch the full video!
(Transcriptions have been edited for clarity.)
Courtesy of Starship
As IVE has previously explored themes of identity and emotion, we asked the group how they approached the message for IVE EMPATHY this time around.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Did this concept challenge you in any way? Or was it a more enjoyable process since this EP seems to revolve around expressing pure and heartfelt emotions on screen and in song?
YUJIN: As you saw (in) our trailer, we were filming our expressions. Some members were yelling or crying. For me, it was really hard to express my feelings (and) express my anger. But it was kind of fun. It was fun to express myself.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: What does IVE aim to convey through their music – what ‘ADDITUDE?’ How do you hope fans connect with the messages in your songs?
WONYOUNG: We are talking about empathy, connection. The whole album was talking about that. For the separate music, first of all, “REBEL HEART” was more confident and more ‘IVE-ISM.’
You can see it in our lyrics—“Love me, hate me, but you can never be me.” I love that phrase, it’s talking about our luck. I think we can give a lot of positive energy to the listeners through these songs.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: IVE EMPATHY features a six-song tracklist, and IVE is known for delivering iconic B-sides. Which track stands out as each member’s favorite, and what makes it special to them?
GAEUL: I would pick “You Wanna Cry.” I really like songs with band sounds and now we’re releasing a song in that kind of style. I really liked the track as soon as I first heard the demo and it’s my favorite track because I think our six voices fit together really well.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Were there any standout moments during the process of creating the EP that are worth highlighting? Whether it was producing the songs, working on the concept shoots, or filming the music videos! Any fun stories?
LEESEO: We filmed at a lot of outdoor locations this time since it’s winter, there were days when it snowed a lot and it’s memorable for me that we filmed in many types of weather this time. That experience left a lasting impression on me.
Other highlights for IVE this year include their track features in Netflix’s XO, Kitty—a moment that had all the members excited to discuss, especially REI!
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Your songs ‘I AM’ and ‘Off The Record’ were featured in XO, Kitty. If you could choose a song from IVE EMPATHY to be featured in any existing show or movie, which song would it be and why?
REI: I recently watched XO Kitty as soon as the new season came out. Our song (“I AM”) comes out right at the beginning of the show and in another scene “Off The Record” comes out too. I was so happy when I heard our songs included in the show. I think I’ll feel really happy if our new songs “ATTITUDE” and “REBEL HEART” can be included in a drama or show like that too.
Courtesy of Starship
MEMBERED QUESTIONS:
THE KNOCKTURNAL: REI & GAEUL – You’re such a fashionista! Do you have a favorite look from this era? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’d also like to open this question to the rest of the members—what’s been your favorite outfit or style from this comeback?
GAEUL: For me, there was an outfit from our album photos and our trailer video where all six members wore the same thing and it looked like a uniform. The outfit was the same but it looked a little bit different for each of our members because everyone pulled it off in their own style.
REI: For me, I really liked the white outfit at the end of the “REBEL HEART” music video. There were feathers raining down on the six of us and I don’t know if I can say this, but I felt like we were like six angels. I liked it because we looked really cozy and pretty.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: LIZ – Watching the music video for ‘REBEL HEART’ I couldn’t help but notice the scenes with animals! What was it like working with them? Were there any memorable or funny moments on set?
LIZ: I really love animals so I wasn’t worried about touching them but I was a little surprised when I had to hold the lizard in my hands. It was my first time holding one and it looked scary so I was uneasy at first. The lizard was actually really calm and gentle though so the shoot went really well.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: LEESEO – In ‘REBEL HEART,’ you showcased your acting skills! What was it like tapping into that emotional side and crying on camera for the music video?
LEESEO: This time for our trailer and the “REBEL HEART” music video, there were a few scenes where I had to cry. I thought these emotions would be hard for me to express but when the situation came for me to do it and since it was in a cold environment, I felt like it was easier for me to cry. It was a very meaningful and rewarding experience.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: WONYOUNG & LIZ – Wonyoung how was it for you to contribute the lyrics ‘ATTITUDE,’ – about being ‘THAT GIRL’ and Liz, how did it feel to be part of the creative process for ‘Thank U?’
WONYOUNG: This time it was literally our title track, so my mind was a little different from the previous time. I wanted to talk more about IVE and the real thing [feelings] inside of me. This time, I chose the theme of luck because in Korea, there are a lot of nicknames and situations that made me think about luck. So I chose luck as the main theme, and it was really a great and happy job working with our other lyricists and writers. I think this can be the best lyrics I’ve written so far, and I believe the listeners can get positive energy and good luck through this song.
LIZ: When I first got asked to write lyrics, I felt worried because I wasn’t sure if I could do a good job. I thought this would be a good challenge for me so I remember that I worked really hard on them. I thought about my members while writing the lyrics and thankfully everyone liked it so I was able to include my lyrics in our song. I’m happy to just have my lyrics included! If I have more opportunities in the future, I want to keep challenging myself to write more lyrics.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: YUJIN – I would love to hear from you how you’ve reacted to the love from ‘REBEL HEART’ from DIVES!
YUJIN: Actually, “REBEL HEART” is my favorite song on our album. I just wanted our fans, DIVES, to love this song as well—actually, even more than me. I saw a lot of reactions showing that Dives love ‘REBEL HEART,’ especially the lyrics, and I hope the lyrics will encourage our fans, DIVES. I think it worked, so I’m super happy.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Looking back on last year, which was filled with awards, touring, and incredible moments, what were some of the highlights for IVE in 2024?
WONYOUNG: Actually, the highlight of our 2024 will be the world tour. For me, I think it’s the world tour because it continued 11 months, which is quite long-term. Personally, I really learned a lot traveling around the world, moving around the world, and meeting DIVES overseas. I especially learned a lot inside—[I felt like my inner world became wider and deeper.] I think the highlight could be our very, very first world tour.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: As we step into the new year, what goals will the group aim to achieve in 2025?
REI: Last year, we performed on stage at Lollapalooza for the first time. It’s such an honor to perform again this year and since it’s our second time, we’re excited to put on a great performance and show who IVE is as a group to many more people.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Before we wrap up the interview, is there anything you’d like to say to DIVEs or anyone else who might be reading or watching as a ‘Thank U’?
WONYOUNG: Please enjoy our new album IVE Empathy, and please stay tuned and stay healthy. Wherever you are, we’re gonna find you guys someday, so please stay tuned for us. Thank you!
IVE: Thank you!
IVE continues to raise the bar they’ve set for themselves, delivering powerful messages in a world full of insecurities and doubt. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
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