IVE Strikes Back With Amazing New Single “After LIKE”

IVE returned with the stellar disco-inspired track “After LIKE” on August 22, leaving fans stunned by its energetic and catchy dance rhythm.

In this comeback, IVE exemplifies the thrilling journey of finding true love in every aspect possible: through bright and expressive dance moves, color-driven music videos, and of course, the bubbly disco pop-inspired beat.

The six-member rookie group under Starship Entertainment has established their place as one of the reigning fourth-generation girl artists. They have been praised for their debut “ELEVEN” and consequent comeback “LOVE DIVE.”

Both of these tracks will mark important steps in the course of fourth-generation history due to their massive popularity. This makes us wonder if “After LIKE” will experience the same reception. For us, however, all doubt was instantly swept away upon first listen. While IVE’s first two tracks followed the classy-infused girl crush trend very closely, this time, the girls take on an eerily similar route to IZ*ONE’s past music, encapsulating a whirlwind of nostalgic, catchy, and explosive emotions.

Of course, one cannot ignore the pressing question standing before us: what makes this song so recognizable and familiar? From the teasers onward, IVE revealed the iconic “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor sampling with a few add-ons “modernizing” the 70s disco sound. It was composed and produced by Ryan Jhun, who has created a myriad of k-pop hits over the years, including Shinee’s “Lucifer,” EXO’s “Love Me Right,” Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb,” NCT U’s “Baby Don’t Stop,” IVE’s debut track, among many others.

Not only have they mastered the K-pop title track formula, but the group also continues to improve their vocal abilities, all of which are showcased in “After LIKE”—notably the rap verses delivered by Rei and Gaeul before the bridge.  

Additionally, despite the confusion among fans at its unofficial release, the lyrics perfectly suit the mood that the melody delivers; something lighthearted yet feels like a dream. The first chorus and last chorus blend together to convey the term they were implying all along, L-O-V-E.

In fact, Liz sings, “Seems like a dream but it’s definitely not/Can’t explain it—it must be love,” to which Yujin follows with, “Don’t try to doubt what I just said, it’s beyond ‘LIKE’/What’s after ‘LIKE’? The girls wonder what their relationships will be like after admitting to loving each other. They convey that the tensions between themselves and their lover are something beyond “liking” each other. Such a message is expressed in both Seo Ji-Eum, Mommy Son, and IVE Rei’s memorable lyricism. 

There is much to uncover with the song’s music video. Although the creators have yet to be revealed, it is reminiscent of Haus of Team’s style, the production company responsible for IVE’s past video projects like the “LOVE DIVE” music video and Dear. Cupid.

GAEUL’S NEW ICONIC ERA; AFTER LIKE #GAEUL #IVE pic.twitter.com/RjQutcRDKD

— ً (@kgerated) August 22, 2022

The varying colors in “After LIKE” that each member personifies correspond with the track’s album cover —yellow for Leeseo, green for Rei, light blue for Liz, pink for Yujin, red for Wonyoung, and dark blue for Gaeul—possibly signifying for the varying emotions that goes through one’s mind when transitioning from like to love. These hues combine for a rainbow explosion at the video’s conclusion, with the girls dancing among fireworks. It seems as though the girls have finally found a solution to their very pressing inquiry.

“After LIKE” is the perfect segue away from the dark-themed “LOVE DIVE” while still being a continuation of their love-related storyline. After forming a connection with their partner in the previous comeback, the girls have emerged victorious in the battle to uncover love. It is a satisfying ending, which has us questioning which direction the group will take for their next release.

Along with this comeback’s main track, they dropped one b-side titled “My Satisfaction.” Similar to “Royal,” this song turns in a completely different direction with a more electronic-synth sound. The girls put their strong vocals on display in a lower register, and they sing proudly about confidence and self-love. “I’m confident in myself every moment. I’m more confident than I’m afraid,” Liz bellows before Wonyoung admits, “Love myself, so I don’t lose myself never. And I don’t care about prejudice; I’m satisfied with the reflection in your eyes.” 

IVE has certainly come back with a banger this era, and many believe that they will be a strong contender for this year’s ROTY (Rookie of the Year) award. Watch the “After LIKE” music video below and listen to the single album on all streaming services.