IVE 'LUCID DREAM' (2026)

What is LUCID DREAM by IVE?

LUCID DREAM is the fourth Japanese EP by IVE, released on May 27, 2026. The extended play features "LUCID DREAM" as its title track and contains five tracks total, including three original Japanese songs and two Japanese versions of previously released tracks.

The album was distributed through multiple physical editions with varying price points and packaging formats. The first press limited editions include three variants: Edition I (CD + Blu-ray), Edition V (CD + Photobook), and Edition E (CD + Photobook), each priced at 3,800 yen. Additional formats comprise a regular edition, member solo jacket editions featuring individual members (Leeseo, Liz, Wonyoung, Rei, Gaeul, and Yujin), a limited edition, and a venue-exclusive edition, with prices ranging from 1,700 to 1,800 yen for CD-only versions.

A notable feature of this release involves a special collaboration with horror manga artist Ito Junji, who illustrated artwork for a limited edition album cover depicting the IVE members and MINIVE characters in his distinctive style. This partnership extended beyond visual elements, as the EP's third track "JIGSAW" serves as the theme song for the live-action omnibus drama series "Strange - Ito Junji's Strange Tales to Keep You Up At Night".

Starship Entertainment pre-released the title track via various online music platforms on May 20, 2026, one week prior to the full album's official release date.

What songs are included in LUCID DREAM?

Title track and pre-releases

Starship Entertainment employed a strategic pre-release approach for the EP, unveiling "Fashion" on April 3, 2026. Subsequently, the title track "LUCID DREAM" was released via various online music platforms on May 20, 2026. The title track centers on the concept of dreams as a space for self-confrontation and emotional honesty rather than mere escapism from reality. The song incorporates ethereal falsetto elements that establish a mystical sensibility, while the members' delicate vocals harmonize over an uplifting melody. The music video for the title track premiered on May 26, 2026.

Japanese versions and original tracks

The EP comprises six tracks total, divided between three Japanese original compositions and three Japanese-language adaptations. The original tracks include "LUCID DREAM," "Fashion" (2:08), and "JIGSAW" (2:40). "Fashion" carries a message about confronting new daily realities and personal transformation, while serving as the campaign song for "Every step, with the App Store". "JIGSAW" functions as the theme song for TV Tokyo Drama 24 "Strange - Junji Ito's Strange Stories That Keep You Up at Night". The Japanese versions feature "REBEL HEART" (3:08), "ATTITUDE" (3:15), and "Thank U" from IVE's third mini album 'IVE EMPATHY'.

What is the concept behind LUCID DREAM?

Dream-inspired theme

The conceptual framework centers on presenting dreams as more than conventional escapist imagery. While maintaining the group's established artistic identity, the album introduces unexplored dimensions of IVE's musical range through this thematic approach. The members deliver performances that showcase their hopeful perspective through cheerful melodic arrangements.

Music video visuals

The music video establishes a melancholy and nostalgic atmosphere through its visual presentation. IVE adopts a cozy aesthetic that creates an intimate connection with the album's sonic landscape. The visual narrative constructs a dreamy world where imagery blends seamlessly with the calm and dreamy sound characteristics of the title track. This approach captivates listeners through carefully crafted scenes that mirror the song's ethereal qualities.

The visual execution emphasizes soft, ambient lighting and warm color palettes that reinforce the nostalgic sensibility. Each frame contributes to building an immersive dreamscape environment where the members interact with surreal elements that blur boundaries between consciousness and subconsciousness. The cinematography employs techniques that enhance the mystical atmosphere, creating visual metaphors that complement the lyrical themes about honest emotional exploration within dream states.

LUCID DREAM review and reception

The EP achieved significant commercial success in Japan, securing multiple chart positions upon release. The album reached number one on Oricon's Weekly Combined Album Ranking, marking IVE's third chart-topping achievement on this platform. Correspondingly, it placed first on Oricon's Weekly Album Ranking, earning the group two simultaneous weekly chart victories. The release recorded 120,631 weekly points, establishing the highest figure among overseas female artists in 2026. On Billboard Japan's Weekly Album Sales chart, the EP topped the rankings with 139,278 copies sold during the May 25 to 31 tracking period.

Critical reception presented a contrasting perspective to the commercial performance. The Bias List assigned the title track a grade of C with a rating of 7.25 out of 10. Album of the Year registered a user score of 62 based on 78 ratings. Reviews characterized the production as restrained, incorporating elements of city pop, UK garage, and Jersey club into a subdued sonic palette. Critics noted the melodies as frictionless and requiring minimal listener engagement. However, listener responses highlighted the comforting vocals and catchy post-chorus elements, with some fans drawing comparisons to IZ*ONE's musical style.