IVE got a REI of light

While she'll always be the same at heart, IVE’s REI continues to grow and evolve as the super group rakes in streams and achievements. Here, the star sparkles, showing us her different sides and colours

- IAN LEE

In the first half of 2025, IVE’s REI has gone full throttle — the K-pop group’s extended play IVE Empathy and single “Rebel Heart” both took pole position on the charts earlier this year, and the act just concluded its IVE THE 3RD FAN CONCERT <IVE SCOUT> in South Korea and Japan. Perhaps our Sunday afternoon shoot in Seoul is the perfect little respite from the raucous call of the past months — REI smiles instantly when she turns on the water hose in the garden for our cover shot, but quickly switches back to display her game face for a whole series of snaps.

“Thank you!” she chirps cheerfully when we tell her how pretty she looks in that summery yellow dress. REI charms us further as she speaks about her favourite moment in Singapore with IVE, and what DIVEs can look forward to next.

Hi REI! Earlier this year, IVE released the EP IVE Empathy, along with the singles “Rebel Heart” and “Attitude”. What can DIVEs look forward to in the second half of the year?

After wrapping up our latest comeback, we're now preparing for our next Japanese album. We're also working hard to take the stage at Lollapalooza once again, like last year. And who knows? Maybe DIVEs will get to see a whole new side of IVE soon...

Do you remember what your reaction was when IVE Empathy became IVE’s sixth number one album and “Rebel Heart” became your sixth number one single in Korea?