IVE SECRET: XOXZ and the Glamour Behind the Feeling

The idea: emotions behind the glamour

The Korea Herald said the group left its cute and kitschy style behind. According to the agency, Starship Entertainment, the album focuses on the flow of emotions hidden behind a glamorous expression, and shows each member's chic and confident side. The Korea Herald

The release came nearly six months after the third EP, IVE EMPATHY, in February 2025. The album's trailer, Secret, Cupid, went up on August 8, and the concept film COVER GIRLS HAVE SECRETS followed on August 18.

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Start with XOXZ

XOXZ is a phrase created by IVE, which the agency says translates to "I love you, good night. See you in my dreams." The Herald describes the track as heavy bass, brass and drums building tension, with deep-toned rap and vocals adding a dreamy touch. The Korea Herald

Wonyoung wrote the lyrics with lyricist Seo Ji-eum, who also wrote the words to "Attitude" from the previous EP. The two aimed to express IVE's mysterious identity dreamily and emotionally without spelling it out. The music video also shows a surreal space that reflects the group's identity. The title-track video went up on release day.

A Dance Practice followed a week later, on September 1.

Archival photo: Gaeul of IVE at the group's Amsterdam concert on June 13, 2024, part of the first world tour. Credit: Robbie Klinkenberg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Linked from Wikimedia Commons at a smaller size; no other edits by KPOP NO.1.