Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) — What is called “fourth generation” of k-pop acts are climbing to the top 10 of music charts both inside and outside South Korea, in particular, girl group IVE, which has multiple Billboard chart placements less than two years since its debut.
And soon, Filipino audiences will get to sing along to these tracks live in the group’s first Philippine concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday, June 17. In preparation for the show, here’s a look at some of its music that have made their way up the charts.
LOVE DIVE
It comes as no surprise that Daesang-winning track “LOVE DIVE” has also made waves on various music charts. Daesang refers to the grand prize in Korean award shows, and IVE snagged one for Best Song of the Year in the 2022 Melon Music Awards less than a year since it debuted. The catchy, upbeat track also made it chart at Number 10 on the Billboard Global Exclusive US chart.
And back in April 2022 when the single was released, this made IVE the highest-charting fourth generation k-pop group on the list, but they were later overtaken by NewJeans. The song also gave IVE its second debut on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs Chart.
“LOVE DIVE” tracks close in domestic charts as it claimed the top spot on music platforms Melon, VIBE and Bugs Music’s daily charts in June 2022. And even a year later, the song remained popular among listeners with “LOVE DIVE” at Number 12 on the 2023 annual Melon chart as of June.
After LIKE
It was one hit after another for IVE as the comeback that followed “LOVE DIVE” went even higher on global charts. “After LIKE” is a fun, lively track that’s hard to get out of your head, partially due to its familiarity. That’s because it samples Gloria Gaynor’s unforgettable hit “I Will Survive.”
The song came out in August, and it soon rose to the ninth spot of the Billboard Global Exclusive US chart in September, making this the group’s highest-charting song on the list. But it was a milestone not just for the six-piece act, but also for k-pop in general. This marked the first time three South Korean acts reached the top 10 at the same time in the history of the chart with BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” at No. 1, and TWICE’s “Talk That Talk” at No. 10.
And while this is not a chart achievement, one of “After LIKE’s” viral moments is also worth mentioning. The dance challenge inspired by the track also sparked interest among numerous Filipino netizens. Some TikTokers channeled their inner k-pop idol by dancing to the song in front of fireworks, just as Gaeul, Leeseo, Liz, Rei, Wonyoung, and Yujin did for the music video.
ELEVEN
Even as a newbie in the k-pop scene, IVE was already making waves on certain charts. Its debut song “ELEVEN” made its way to number four on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, and even ruled Billboard Japan’s Top User Generated Songs in December 2021.
I’ve IVE
It’s not just IVE’s catchy songs that are making milestones on charts. The girl group’s latest album “Ive IVE” sold over 1,300,000 copies in its opening week, making it reach the top of the Circle Album Chart back in April.
Tracks under “I’ve IVE” also succeeded in ruling charts. Pre-release single “Kitsch” landed the Number 1 spot in Melon’s Top 100 spot, while “I AM” was at Number 2 in April as well. And “Kitsch” entered the Billboard Global 200 at Number 90.
