IVE to release six-track mini-album Looks Can Kill today

IVE is set to release the mini-album Looks Can Kill at 6 PM on the 26th, following the pre-release title track which reached No. 3 on the Melon HOT100. The six-song project introduces a new "Girl Hero" persona for the group.

The group IVE is set to release a new mini-album, continuing the momentum of their pre-released title track 'Looks Can Kill'. According to their agency, Starship Entertainment, IVE will release the mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' on the 26th at 6 PM. The album contains six songs in total, including the title track of the same name which was first introduced on the 19th. Following 'Cupid' and 'Magic Girl', this new release is a spin-off project presenting a new persona for IVE called 'Girl Hero'. Moving away from the typical image of a hero, the project focuses on beings who lead their own lives proactively, carrying a message that anyone can be the protagonist and hero of their own life.

Pre-release track reaches No. 10 on Melon TOP100 and No. 3 on Melon HOT100

Prior to the full album release, IVE began activities on the 19th by releasing the title track 'Looks Can Kill'. This comeback strategy, which shares the same name for the title track and the album, involves building anticipation through the performance of the pre-released song before dropping the full six-track album.

The pre-release track garnered attention for its addictive melody and flashy performance. Specifically, the "Quick Silver" part, where An Yu-jin rapidly changes dance poses, became a hot topic. Following the song's release, IVE continued their activities and steadily climbed the music charts. As of 9 AM on the 26th, the Melon rankings are as follows:

With this album release, IVE will embark on full-scale comeback activities, presenting both the pre-released title track and the included songs. The agency announced the release for 6 PM on the 26th. The title track entered the charts even before the full album was released, and parts of the choreography and stage were revealed during the pre-release promotion period. In addition to the title track, the album features five other songs covering different moods and themes.

Spin-off project featuring 'Girl Hero'

'Looks Can Kill' is a project that presents a new identity for IVE, following their previous works 'Cupid' and 'Magic Girl'. It focuses on individuals who proactively lead their lives, departing from traditional hero imagery. The album carries the message that anyone can be the hero and protagonist of their own life.

Content released during the comeback preparations also adhered to the hero concept. A schedule poster released on September 29 announced a tracklist on October 4, 'Hero in Everywhere' on the 5th, and 'Post Credit Scene: Girl Hero' on the 6th. The poster also included various concept photo versions such as 'Girl Hero', 'Hero Comics', 'Hero On Set', and 'Spin-off'. The schedule for the pre-release of the title track was announced for October 19.

On October 13, concept photos for the 'Hero Comics' version featuring An Yu-jin and Jang Won-young were released. An Yu-jin was pictured performing kicks and breaking wooden boards, as well as making a hand heart over a fallen stuntman and appearing relaxed in front of a dumbbell. Jang Won-young showcased martial arts moves using a pole to cut fruit and striking forward. In the photo where the two appear together, their respective symbolic colors and hero actions are contrasted. All previously released schedule posters, concept photos, and the pre-release track were released under the 'Girl Hero' setting of the new album.

Six songs with different atmospheres

The new mini-album consists of six songs, including the title track 'Looks Can Kill'. 'Mirror Mirror' is a track that interprets fairy tale themes with a dark and dreamy atmosphere, while 'SNAKESKIN' sings of a transformation that reveals one's true self. GAEUL and LIZ participated in the lyrics for 'CRUMBS'.

The remaining tracks are the rhythmical 'Girls Girls Girls' and the dreamy 'Glow Motion'. According to reference materials, 'CRUMBS' is characterized by a heavy beat and a confident attitude, while 'Girls Girls Girls' features bright vocals and a rhythmical sound. The final track, 'Glow Motion', is introduced as having a delicate and dreamy sensibility. The album is composed of six tracks in total, including the title track.

Domestic and international musicians participated in the song production. REI is credited as a lyricist for the title track, and GAEUL and LIZ contributed to the lyrics of 'CRUMBS'. The production team also includes Gaeko, Seo Ji-eum, Lil Cherry, Omega Sapien, Zara Larsson, Margo XS, and Cecile Believe. Some of these are introduced as domestic musicians and others as international musicians. The members mentioned the song production and participation process in content released before the album launch.

Completing the comeback schedule following activities and world tour

Since their debut song 'ELEVEN', IVE has released 'LOVE DIVE', 'After LIKE', 'I AM', 'Baddie', 'HEYA', 'BANG BANG', and 'BLACKHOLE'. It has been reported that through these songs, IVE has expressed love and self-confidence through proactive language. In February this year, they achieved a perfect all-kill on major domestic music charts with 'BANG BANG' and won eight music show trophies. IVE also conducted their second world tour, 'SHOW WHAT I AM', visiting major cities in Asia, Oceania, and North America, and performed at the Tokyo Dome.

In broadcast content released ahead of the album, the members' tour and practice experiences were also shared. On the 23rd, IVE appeared on the YouTube content 'Daesung's Empty House' and spoke with NCT DREAM's JENO and JAEMIN. Regarding gathering together during tours, the members said, "We are the type that fully enjoys it. We especially gather a lot when we go on tour," adding, "We even gather to eat when we want hotpot." LIZ revealed that a phrase she often says during practice lately is, "It's an opportunity."

In the content, the members explained the new album through the 'Girl Hero' concept and introduced their respective hero names and colors. GAEUL mentioned participating in the lyrics for 'CRUMBS' with LIZ, and also noted that REI wrote the rap part for the title track. Regarding their world tour experience, Jang Won-young said, "I feel like we have definitely become accustomed to the atmosphere of enjoying and playing together." An Yu-jin stated, "A song that was difficult at first because I was out of breath became okay as I toured, making me feel like I've improved."

IVE will release the mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' at 6 PM on the 26th, revealing all six songs including the title track pre-released on the 19th. Following the pre-release activities, concept content, and broadcast appearances, they are entering the schedule for the new album release.

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