Music

IVE Dominates Billboard Charts with 'Kitsch' & 'I AM': K-Pop Powerhouse in the Spotlight

Apr 26, 2023 | by Nobelle Borines

American music magazine Billboard has highlighted the success of "MZ Generation Icons" IVE (Ahn Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz, Lee Seo) in their recent article.

On April 24th (PST), Billboard praised IVE, stating that IVE, having debuted less than two years ago, has already established themselves as the next-generation powerhouse of K-pop. With their beautiful harmonies, comforting lyrics, and self-love concept, both "After LIKE" and "LOVE DIVE" ranked within the top 10 on the Billboard Global (excluding the U.S.) chart.

Billboard also noted the success factors of IVE, quoting the words of Starship Entertainment's Executive Producer Seo Hyun-ju. Seo highlighted IVE's consistent values, stating that it's what makes them outstanding and captivating to their fandom. "As they've showcased various colors and charms with each release, they've grown into a highly anticipated and intriguing group," Seo added.

According to the latest chart (dated April 29) released by Billboard, IVE's first full-length album "I've IVE" features double title tracks "Kitsch" and "I AM", both of which have made their mark on numerous Billboard charts.

"Kitsch," which has been on the charts for three consecutive weeks, climbed 17 steps to rank 59th on the 'Billboard Global 200' chart. On the 'Billboard Global (excluding the U.S.)' chart, where it has been listed for four consecutive weeks, "Kitsch" rose five steps to rank 36th.

Title track "I AM," which debuted on the charts last week, showed a steep rise, making an impressive performance on multiple charts for two consecutive weeks. On the 'Billboard Global 200' chart, 'I AM' rose 31 steps compared to last week, securing the 21st position. On the 'Billboard Global (excluding the U.S.)' chart, it climbed 19 steps to rank 11th.

Furthermore, "I AM" ranked 6th on the 'World Digital Song Sales' chart for two consecutive weeks, and the first full-length album "I've IVE" continued to showcase its remarkable results on various charts, including 7th on the 'World Albums' chart and 8th on the 'Heatseekers Albums' chart for two weeks in a row, proving IVE's global popularity.

By achieving "Perfect All-Kill" on major domestic music streaming platforms with their pre-release track "Kitsch," IVE secured the top spot on domestic charts with "I AM" as well, creating their fourth syndrome.

The album "I've IVE" delivers various renditions of keywords such as "self-love, confidence, and freedom," synonymous with IVE's identity. With its unique yet familiar sound, clear storytelling, colorful visualizations, and confident messages, IVE's syndrome proves to be an ongoing phenomenon.

Meanwhile, IVE has achieved "Perfect All-Kill (PAK)" on music shows with 'I AM,' winning on SBS M "The Show," MBC M "Show! Champion," Mnet "M Countdown," KBS 2TV "Music Bank," MBC "Show! Music Core," and SBS "Inkigayo" for six consecutive days. Starting on May 1, they will release their self-produced content "1.2.3 IVE" every Monday at 11 PM.