IVE, the six-member girl group under STARSHIP Entertainment, consisting of AN YUJIN, GAEUL, REI, JANG WONYOUNG, LIZ, and LEESEO, has been a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop space since their debut in 2021. Over the years, they’ve solidified themselves as one of the leading 4th-generation girl groups.
Songs like ‘After LIKE’, ‘LOVE DIVE’, ‘ELEVEN’, and ‘I AM’ have showcased IVE’s empowering messages, strong stage presence, impressive vocals, and solid live performance skills. Despite not being under one of the “Big 3” agencies, STARSHIP’s IVE has proven to be one of the top-performing girl groups today.
But their success isn’t limited to South Korea. Like many K-pop acts, IVE has expanded into the Japanese market with original tracks and localized versions of their Korean hits, releasing two Japanese EPs so far: ‘WAVE’ and ‘ALIVE’. As DIVEs, their fans, eagerly await their third Japanese EP, ‘Be Alright’, dropping on July 30, the group has already set the tone with two pre-release tracks: ‘DARE ME’ and ‘Be Alright’.
Ahead of the release of their new Japanese album, ‘Be Alright’, here are some of IVE’s best Japanese songs to add to your playlist.
1. Be Alright
The title track of the upcoming EP of the same name, ‘Be Alright’, was pre-released earlier this month and delivers a comforting message: “It’s gonna be alright. Don’t worry about tomorrow.” The song’s simple melody pairs well with its empowering lyrics. It’s especially relatable for anyone facing uncertainty about their future, whether it’s a job search, a career transition, or general anxiety about life.
In the music video, REI takes center stage as the protagonist, preparing for a job interview. Anxious and unsure, she begins to lose her spark. The other five members act as her support system, activating the “sisterhood protocol” to lift her spirits. The theme highlights the strength of friendship and support during life’s tough moments. With her group beside her, REI finds her confidence and emerges triumphant.
Watch the MV here:
2. DARE ME
‘DARE ME’ is IVE’s first Japanese OST single, released on April 21, 2025, as the opening track for the Nippon TV drama ‘Damemane!’ (‘I’m a D-list Handler’).
Staying true to IVE’s empowering image, the song delivers a strong message of self-belief. It encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and keep moving forward without comparing themselves to others. This sentiment is reflected in the lyrics: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Keep trying, trying daily. Just keep moving toward your dream, yeah.”
Among the members, LIZ especially stands out, delivering a powerful vocal performance that adds depth to the track’s inspirational tone.
Watch the live performance here:
3. WAVE
‘WAVE’ is the title track from IVE’s first Japanese mini album of the same name and was released on May 9, 2023. With a catchy intro and vibrant visuals, the music video features sporty themes, a squash club setting, a relaxed poolside scene, and a rock-and-roll styled finale.
The lyrics exude confidence: “I see you’re falling deep for me. Baby, yes, I’m all you’ll need. Ride the W-A-V-E. Boy, you can come with me.” The song captures IVE’s self-assured vibe, drawing fans deeper into their world.
Watch the MV here:
4. Classic
‘Classic’ might just be one of the best Japanese songs from IVE’s discography. From their debut Japanese EP ‘WAVE’, this song leaves a lasting impression from the very first listen.
The intro by AN YUJIN and JANG WONYOUNG sets the tone, while REI’s line, “Shall we begin?” is catchy and inviting.
Lyrically, ‘Classic’ celebrates the beauty of individuality and self-worth. The message is about embracing what makes us unique and learning to shine in our own light. This is powerfully conveyed through lines like: “We try painting a new world. No need to hold back. Camera, flash, I’m a new age classic. Overwhelmingly mine, mine. Him and I walk the line, line. Naturally cinematic. Camera, flash, I’m a new age classic.” What makes this song even more special is how it combines a modern sound with a nostalgic, cinematic quality.
As someone who resonated deeply with the track, I’ve often felt that it deserved a full-fledged music video. A visual representation could have elevated it into a timeless gem within IVE’s discography, giving fans another layer to connect with its story and message.
Listen to the track here:
5. ELEVEN – Japanese Ver.
IVE chose the Japanese version of their Korean debut track ‘ELEVEN’ to launch their journey in Japan. The song captures the dreamy, almost surreal feeling of falling in love. Through its lyrics, it portrays the emotions of a girl swept up in this intense experience. Musically, it blends elements of traditional oriental instruments with upbeat dance-pop sounds. A dedicated music video captures the nostalgia of IVE’s early days.
Watch the MV here:
Even though these songs already shine, I’m hopeful that IVE will continue to deliver even more addictive tracks in their Japanese discography, songs that will stay on repeat long after the new EP drops. With ‘Be Alright’, ‘DARE ME’, and new Japanese versions of tracks like ‘Accendio’, ‘Blue Heart’, and ‘WOW’ on the way, the anticipation is real.
Written by Srishti Pandey
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