IVE - Secret (EP)
What's Inside IVE Secret Album? First Look at the Amazing Tracklist
K-pop sensation IVE's fourth EP, the IVE Secret Album, has taken the music world by storm, selling an impressive 540,812 copies on its first day of release according to Hanteo Chart. Set to officially release on August 25, 2025, this highly anticipated album features "XOXZ" as its title track and showcases not only the group's familiar confident image but also reveals unexpected deeper layers of their artistry.
While maintaining their signature confidence, IVE Secret presents fans with a more vulnerable side of the popular girl group. The album will be available in an extraordinary 17 versions, including Shh!, Gasp!, Psst!, Loved IVE, MD, six member-specific Evil Cupid (Nemo) versions, and six member-specific Digipacks. This extensive range of options gives fans multiple ways to experience the ive secret album versions and explore the ive secret track list that the group has carefully crafted.
The concept behind IVE SECRET
The IVE Secret Album represents a significant artistic evolution for the K-pop group, moving beyond their established persona to reveal deeper dimensions of their artistry.
A shift from confidence to vulnerability
Since their debut, IVE has built their identity around confidence, boldness, and strength—their name, a contraction of "I have," epitomizes self-love and empowerment. However, with IVE Secret, the group explores vulnerability as a counterbalance to their previously established image. This mirrors their earlier progression from self-love to empathy, yet takes this journey further into more personal territory.
How the album explores hidden emotions
The IVE Secret Album delves into what psychologists call "the secret life of emotions"—feelings that exist beneath surface-level experiences. Instead of focusing solely on pleasant emotions, the album examines the nuance that emerges when approaching feelings with curiosity rather than avoidance. Through more introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, IVE creates space for emotional exploration that connects more authentically with listeners.
IVE's evolving musical identity
This release showcases IVE's maturing artistry, featuring more sophisticated vocal arrangements and experimental production. As Wonyoung previously expressed a desire to explore rock sounds and Leeseo wished for "grand and gorgeous" styles, the IVE Secret track list fulfills these creative aspirations. Furthermore, the album demonstrates how each member has grown individually while contributing to their collective sound.
Full IVE SECRET tracklist explained
The IVE Secret track list offers fans an impressive spectrum of sounds across its six diverse tracks.
1. XOXZ – The dreamy title track
"XOXZ" creates an immediate impact with its fusion of hip-hop and pop textures. Wonyoung contributed to the lyrics alongside veteran writer Seo Ji-eum. The track symbolizes "Love you, good night, and see you in my dreams", featuring heavy 808 bass and tight drums that create a dreamy yet fierce atmosphere.
2. Wild Bird – A metaphor for freedom
This standout track evokes both early and modern Taylor Swift influences while maintaining originality. With its soaring chorus and beautiful acoustic guitar outro, "Wild Bird" perfectly captures the exhilaration of breaking free from constraints.
3. Dear, My Feelings – A personal letter in song
This sentimental disco-pop piece feels like it could soundtrack a romantic comedy. Its charming arrangement and heartfelt lyrics about embracing emotions create an intimate listening experience.
4. Gotcha (Baddest Eros) – Bold and edgy
Possibly IVE's most seductive track to date, "GOTCHA" opens with a heavy rock vibe before evolving into industrial pop. It presents a darker, more assertive side of IVE's musical palette.
5. ♡Beats (삐빅) – Playful and experimental
This electro-pop gem features bizarre yet exciting beats alongside an elegant bridge, creating a uniquely playful atmosphere throughout its runtime.
6. Midnight Kiss – A romantic closer
Co-written by member Liz, this relaxing ballad evokes early 2010s nostalgia while providing a comforting conclusion to the IVE Secret album experience.
All IVE SECRET album versions and what’s inside
For collectors and devoted fans, the IVE Secret Album comes in an impressive array of versions, each offering distinct visual concepts and exclusive collectibles.
Shh!, Gasp!, and Psst! versions
These three main versions showcase different aesthetic themes that complement the album's mysterious concept. Each edition features unique cover art representing various facets of IVE's hidden emotions. The Shh! version embraces darker tones, whereas Gasp! presents vibrant colors, and Psst! offers a more minimalist design.
Loved IVE and MD versions
The Loved IVE version serves as a fan-dedicated special edition with exclusive group photos not available elsewhere. Meanwhile, the MD (merchandise) version comes packaged with additional items perfect for everyday use, making it particularly popular among practical collectors.
Evil Cupid (Nemo) and Digipack editions
Six individual member-specific Evil Cupid versions highlight each member's distinct persona through themed photoshoots. The Digipack editions, likewise available in six member variants, feature compact packaging with exclusive individual concept photos.
Unique inclusions: keyrings, posters, stickers
Every album version contains standard inclusions such as photobooks and photocards. Nevertheless, certain editions feature exclusive items – Shh! includes decorative keyrings, Gasp! comes with holographic stickers, Psst! contains mini-posters, yet all versions include random photocards and access to digital content through QR codes.
IVE SECRET album release and fan response
Following months of anticipation, Starship Entertainment officially launched the IVE Secret Album on August 25, 2025. The group's journey to release began on July 24 when reports first emerged about IVE preparing for a comeback. Subsequently, on August 1, Starship Entertainment confirmed the release through moving posters and formal announcements.
Official release date and pre-order timeline
Pre-orders commenced in early August, with shipping scheduled to begin around August 26 in Korea. Starship strategically built excitement through a series of teasers throughout late July and early August, culminating in the full album release alongside the "XOXZ" music video.
First-day sales and chart performance
Upon debut, the album achieved 540,812 copies sold in its first day according to Hanteo Chart. By the first week, sales reached an impressive 921,500+ copies. The title track "XOXZ" dominated charts globally—ranking first on YouTube Korea's trending music videos for three consecutive days and claiming top positions on Melon's HOT100, VIBE, and China's QQ Music.
Fan reactions and social media buzz
Initially, fans expressed mixed opinions about the album's musical direction. Many praised tracks like "삐빅(♡beats)," "Gotcha," and "Midnight Kiss" as standouts, yet some noted that most songs felt too short. Overall, enthusiasts considered IVE SECRET "a cohesive album" with "neat production tricks" and a "definite improvement" over previous releases.
FAQS
Fans across social media have raised numerous questions about the IVE Secret Album. Here are answers to the most commonly asked queries:
Curious about a second title track for IVE Secret? According to fan discussions, there is zero chance of a surprise second title track, though a late b-side music video remains possible.
Many fans wonder which track stands out most. Based on initial reactions, "♡beats" has become a standout favorite, with fans describing it as "obsession-worthy". "GOTCHA" has drawn comparisons to rock band Bad Omens' "Concrete Jungle", especially appealing to those who enjoy edgier sounds.
For those concerned about song lengths, despite initial worries, most listeners report that songs don't feel incomplete. In fact, fans have noted the unusual inclusion of outros in almost every track—a feature not commonly found in contemporary K-pop.
Regarding the title track, "XOXZ" debuted at #7 on Melon Music Hot100, though some fans feel its chorus doesn't match the build-up of its pre-chorus.
First-time purchasers often ask about album shipping. After Korean release, albums typically arrive at international warehouses in 2-3 business days, with orders processed within 2-3 business days during normal volume periods.
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