Jump Into The New Comeback Track ‘LOVE DIVE’ by IVE

“LOVE DIVE” is more than a typical K-pop song by IVE. The track acts as “ELEVEN’s” perfect twin. It builds on the predecessor’s addictive beat while taking a slightly darker turn. There seem to be no words that fully capture the presence of the song. From it’s wonderfully nostalgic elements to the girls’ perfectly fitting harmonizations—listeners cannot get enough. 

IVE came out with their first comeback, “LOVE DIVE,” on Tuesday, April 5, which is the group’s second single album. As they released concept teasers for their EP one by one, it was increasingly evident that the girls chose to dive deeper into the persona they had already solidified. While there is a certain elegance in the new music, there is also an emphasis on their rougher edges. 

Despite trying to present themselves in this perfect light, the members also face the same mundane everyday struggles that we do. However, they refuse to succumb to society’s overbearing pressures. “LOVE DIVE” specifically reflects these conflicted, hurt feelings, while the lyrics express a separate idea. Nevertheless, there certainly is a semblance of perseverance and confidence expressed in all of their music. 

The track delivers a bittersweet melody to its audience throughout. Although the group has only released four songs since their debut in December of 2021, “LOVE DIVE” introduces another layer to IVE’s range of music. Its lyrics parallel the feeling the song omits almost to a tee: listeners feel as though they are being pulled in, nearly enveloped by the girls’ sweet vocals. 

Liz invites us to “Come inside and see it for yourself. You can come into the deepest part of my heart” at the end of the second verse. The girls welcome everyone to take a sneak peek at their deepest desires, leaving themselves vulnerable to be picked apart. As a new addition to the music scene, IVE has already established themselves as a critical component in the sound of K-pop’s fourth generation. 

#IVE for mcountdown pic.twitter.com/PCziARPyFy

— ً (@ivepics) April 7, 2022

Fans have entered into another era of IVE’s musical versatility with “LOVE DIVE.” Finding success with this was something even the group thought unimaginable after the immense support directed towards their debut. Liz revealed her thoughts on the issue: “It would be a lie to say there wasn’t any pressure. At the time of our debut, I thought, ‘Will fans like it?’ This time, since we’ve gotten so much support, I had different concerns.” 

Meanwhile, the leader Yujin proceeded by saying, “Even though we’ve just debuted, I’m thankful that people are saying that we represent the fourth generation [of K-pop],” and, “We’ve prepared to create a color that is unique to IVE.”

Gaeul stated that they’ve “captured a bold attitude and a message of independence in the song, so you’ll be able to see the charms of IVE, who are bold in every aspect.” The girls’ have matured in all facets of their performance and flaunt this newfound attitude throughout the music video—which is a whole universe of its own. 

ive’s interview with yujin, rei, wonyoung and leeseo on mcountdown! pic.twitter.com/HhPu12J8oT

— nani (@yyujinationn) April 7, 2022

The track’s music video is expertly filmed and edited. It displays the girls’ beautiful and vivid image in a wispy light while also shading them in partial darkness. There remains a side to themselves that even they have yet to explore. To discover this inner passion, they must “dive” to love. Furthermore, their enticing lyrics draw fans to an obscured definition of love, which could stand for the girls’ romantic love, their love for music, or the love they display towards their fans. 

There are various different outfit changes throughout the video, from school uniforms to various classy attire. Amongst the acting and dancing, the short film is based on superb cinematography that transports viewers to a completely foreign land. Its wholesome color grading resembles a dream-like fantasy. This aspect of the comeback also stands out on its own. The group may attempt to pave a pathway towards some new “artsy” pop music genre. 

Logistic-wise, the girls have gone off the charts. Its music video has garnered a whopping twenty-eight million views in only two days. On Spotify, the title track “LOVE DIVE” has surpassed a million streams, with another quarter-million for its b-side “ROYAL.” The girls have already embarked on their promotional journey by appearing on the variety show Weekly Idol, 1theK Originals, and M COUNTDOWN. They will undoubtedly continue to shape their everchanging image moving forward. A lot lies in store for IVE’s future, and we cannot wait to see where it takes them.