IVE’s latest comeback hit different. Their new single “XOXZ” drops with a title that’s basically a text message sign-off turned into a whole vibe: XOXO + Z, “hugs, kisses, and sweet dreams.”
According to the group, it translates to “I love you, good night, see you in my dreams,” which is admittedly pretty sweet. But once the music video kicks in, things get a lot more cinematic than your average goodnight text.
The MV opens with an absolute showstopper: a semi-truck bursting through a bedroom window, shattering glass everywhere before IVE appears on top of it like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
From there, it’s all chrome corridors, laser-grid lighting, and colour-blocked outfits that make the choreography hit even harder. It’s basically a fever dream styled by someone with impeccable taste.
There’s no heavy storyline here. Just sharp editing, slick performance shots, and a hook that lodges itself in your brain whether you’re ready for it or not.
The whole thing rides on minimal vocals and low-pitched rap verses that feel more like late-night whispers than the big, arena-filling choruses IVE’s known for.
The creative direction comes from 2eehyein at NEWYEAR ASIA, who’s managed to turn what could’ve been a straightforward concept into something genuinely hypnotic. Member Jang Wonyoung also co-wrote the lyrics, adding another layer of personal touch to the release.
“XOXZ” serves as the title track for IVE’s fourth EP IVE SECRET, which dropped on August 25, 2025. It’s their first Korean comeback in about seven months.
Musically, this is IVE doing hip-hop pop minimalism. At just 2:34, the track leans heavy on 808s, brass stabs, and drum programming that keeps everything tense and understated.
It’s a far cry from the anthemic, melody-driven bangers like “Rebel Heart” and “Attitude” that dominated earlier this year. Instead, “XOXZ” feels more like a mood; cool, nocturnal, a little mysterious.
And if you’re into the choreography (as you should be), IVE rolled out the full treatment: a STUDIO CHOOM Original, individual member focus cams, and even a LaChica choreographer version. Basically, if you want to learn every formation frame by frame, they’ve got you covered.
Fan reactions have been all over the place. Some listeners are absolutely living for the sleek, atmospheric sound and the way the dreamy concept ties into the lyrics. Others? Not so much.
There’s a vocal group who wanted a bigger chorus; something with more melodic punch, and felt the minimalism played it a bit too safe for a title track.
One Korean netizen summed it up pretty well: “The concept and the song didn’t match what I expected, but it keeps growing on me.” That seems to be the consensus for a lot of people – “XOXZ” is a grower, not a shower.
Commercially, though? The track’s doing just fine. The music video hit #1 on YouTube Korea’s trending music videos for three consecutive days and also reached #1 on Genie’s daily MV chart (Aug 25–26) and VIBE’s MV Top 50 (Aug 26–27). It topped China’s QQ Music overall MV chart as well.
It’s all in the details: the way the synth line feels like a cool hand on a fevered brow, and how Rei’s whispery verse gives way to that surprisingly warm, pulsing bassline. The charm isn’t instant; it’s a slow-burn.
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