Introduction
IVE has done it again, with another comeback to add to one of the most stacked and diverse discography in recent K-Pop history. The songs on IVE Secret are dreamy, although they do anything BUT put you to sleep.
With the songs ‘XOXZ’ and ‘GOTCHA (Baddest Eros)’ following the Evil Cupid concept, and songs like ‘Dear, My Feelings’ and ‘Midnight Kiss’ making you feel like you’re in a hopeless romantic story, this album might be in contention for one of the best K-Pop comebacks of 2025.
In this article I will be briefly giving my current impressions of each song, and then rating the album on a Scale from 1-10 overall.
Track #1: XOXZ
This is probably one of, if not, the most catchy K-Pop track of 2025. The chorus can easily become stuck in one’s head by even just listening to the teaser once. Most related to ‘Ice Queen’ from IVE Switch, but can also remind people of ‘Baddie’ and ‘Kitsch’. It’s a dreamy yet fierce song that manages to fit a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from emotional, mesmerized, and absolutely pumped up in just 2:34. There better be some crazy CapCut edits with this song. Shout-outs to Wonyoung for co-writing this bop by the way.
Track #2: Wild Bird
This song is surprising. When hearing it for the first time I wanted to say it reminded me of the latter part of ‘You Wanna Cry’, and even some of Thank You as well. However, it is so original in its own way that many dives may struggle to pinpoint what it makes them think of, and that makes it so strong. Amazing ending as well introduced with a beautiful acoustic guitar. Overall, it gives vibes of both Fearless Taylor Swift and also modern Taylor Swift in the style of 2010s K-Pop. Don’t sleep on this song after the first listen!
Track #3: Dear, My Feelings
This sentimental track can for sure pass as one of the main themes for a romantic comedy, or even simply music for a wholesome TikTok edit about said kinds of movies. The backing vocals towards the end make it worth looping in truly “In My Feelings” situations. It’s very charming with a lot going on in it, and at worst it can simply pass as just a “vibes” ballad.
Track #4: GOTCHA (Baddest Eros)
This track had my heart skipping beats. Like Verse 2 indicates, this song is like a nightmare that you wouldn’t mind being unable to escape from. It’s as if the track ‘BADDIE’ had a more assertive sister, and it can be overwhelming even for dives familiar with IVE’s more seductive tracks. It might just be IVE’s most seductive and “devilish” track so far, so do what you will with that take.
Track #5: 삐빅 (♥beats)
The beat on ‘beats’ (pun intended) is so bizarre and exciting. It’s interesting how this and ‘GOTCHA’ have almost the same length. But this song is pure vibes, from the instrumentals, the sound effects, the bridge (both elegant and eloquent) and the overall vocals. A little too short, however.
Track #6: Midnight Kiss
Such a relaxing ballad that induces early 2010s levels of nostalgia. Great for situationships and more! Solid outro song with writing credits from our favorite cat, Liz. Dives can definitely tell her influence here, since she’s usually so elegant and dreamy. This song is an effective manifestation of that, but it’s missing more depth in its instrumentals, as well as backing vocals.
Overall Thoughts
This project by IVE was such a fun listen. Although no tracks aside from possibly ‘XOXZ’ truly past the threshold of constant loop, like the previous EPs. Tracks like ‘HEYA,’ ‘Accendio,’ ‘Blue Heart,’ ‘Rebel Heart,’ ‘FLU’ and ‘TKO’ are prime examples from recent projects on why I cannot exactly put this EP above those ones just yet. On the bright side, having another member besides Wonyoung have writing credits, was a huge step in the right direction.
Additionally, the EP itself is very short. It is merely three seconds longer than IVE Mine which feels longer due to the songs feeling more emotional (at least for me), while most of IVE Secret is pure vibes. It feels like a lot of tracks have slightly more potential than they showed off.
But the amazing thing about IVE that I tell people, is how unique the songs are and how much they grow on you as a result. There is no group similar to IVE that has as much success as them, and that’s why they are the favorite group of yours truly. – AC Chilling