Rookie girl group IVE eyes becoming 'First XI' in K-pop world

Members of K-pop rookie IVE pose during an online press conference Wednesday. Courtesy of Starship Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

In the realm of football, the term "First XI" often refers to a team of 11 players picked from those with the most outstanding performances. Hence, by naming its debut track, "ELEVEN," K-pop rookie IVE overtly showed its ambition to become game changers in the K-pop scene, which is already brimming with gifted stars.

"As the title of our song implies, our members are determined to show the best performances possible," member Gaeul said during IVE's first online press conference Wednesday, which was held a few hours before the release of "ELEVEN."

"We want to make a splash in everything from music to performance, so that we can prove ourselves to people. In fact, I believe IVE does not lag behind any other acts in terms of musical prowess."

Japanese member Rei added, "As a group that values confidence and independence, we want to carve out our own path instead of walking in the footsteps of others."

IVE, which refers to the short form of "I have," has been the talk of the town, even before making its official debut, largely because two of its members ― Ahn Yu-jin and Jang Won-young ― were part of now-defunct project girl group IZ*ONE that basked in immense popularity until its disbanding. Formed on the third season of Mnet's audition show, "Produce 101" (2018), the 11-piece act broke up in 2021 after putting out a string of hits including, "Violeta" (2019).

Asked how she felt about starting again with a new group, Ahn said it is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Jang added that all IZ*ONE members sent the pair a congratulatory message.

Jang then moved on to offer a glimpse into "ELEVEN," which is also the name of the six-piece act's debut EP.

"ELEVEN is a pop dance track sprinkled with bouncy melodies, which highlights our mystic charms," she explained. "Celebrated lyricist Seo Ji-eum penned the lyrics that fit best to its sounds. The song is about a girl who sees the color of her heart changing after she falls in love."

Rei elaborated, "It is dreamy and exotic as well."

For most of the members, it was the first time in their lives to shoot a music video. They revealed that they faced some hurdles in the beginning, but they later came to enjoy the process.

"The music video shines the spotlight on our naturalness," Liz said.

During the session, singer K.WILL ― who is also represented by IVE's record label, Starship Entertainment ― sent a message of encouragement to the rookie group, which must have faced challenges in making their debut.

"You do not have to struggle too much to pull everything off," the host of the event read the message on behalf of the singer.

Ending the event, Liz talked about what they wish to achieve in the days to come.

"Our first goal is to let a lot of people know about us," she said. "And in the future, just like other K-pop acts that have been raising their profiles worldwide, we also want to expand our presence globally."

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