IVE has officially kicked off the countdown to their return, unveiling a striking new teaser that hints at a darker, more unexpected side of their upcoming release.
On January 22, Starship Entertainment released a “coming soon” film for IVE’s new album through the group’s official social media channels. Following individual appearances by Jang Wonyoung and Leeseo, the latest teaser places the spotlight on Rei, whose intense performance quickly drew attention.
Rei’s Unexpected Transformation
The video opens with Rei playfully psyching herself up, setting a light tone before sharply pivoting into a more unsettling atmosphere. Standing in front of a mirror, she fixes the camera with a sharp, almost vacant stare. Rapid cuts show her striking a doll, kicking a vending machine, and shifting between restrained calm and sudden aggression.
Over the visuals, Rei delivers a line in a soft, composed voice: “I went out because I heard a whistle, but no one was there. Only a pleasant scent lingered, so I decided that kind of whistling could be forgiven.” The contrast between her gentle narration and the unsettling imagery amplifies the tension, suggesting a narrative layered with duality.
A Glimpse of the New Sound
The teaser also offers a brief preview of IVE’s upcoming pre-release track. A catchy guitar riff plays underneath the visuals, leaving a strong first impression despite its short runtime. The video concludes with a countdown pointing to February 9 at 6 p.m. KST, confirming the release date for the pre-release song.
Rei’s Growing Creative Presence
Rei’s expressive facial acting adds depth to the teaser, reaffirming her reputation for creating viral moments through gestures and expressions such as “Rei Peace,” “Ribbon Peace,” and other signature poses. Beyond music promotions, she has continued to expand her influence through her solo YouTube channel ‘Follow Rei’ and short-form content platforms. Her impact was further recognized last year when she received the Best Trend Leader Award at the TikTok Awards 2025. More recently, Rei showcased her vocal versatility by featuring on MONSTA X Jooheon’s solo album track ‘Push’, highlighting her range beyond IVE’s group sound.
What’s Next for IVE
A Starship Entertainment representative commented, “Even in a short video, Rei shows a distinct and powerful presence. We hope fans look forward to how IVE’s new music will expand their narrative and performance.”
IVE will release their pre-release single on February 9, followed by their full comeback later in February, marking their first return of the year and setting the stage for a new chapter in their evolving musical identity.