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IVE continues to strengthen its position as one of K-pop’s leading groups, with “XOXZ” earning recognition as one of the best K-pop songs of 2025. Billboard staff selected the track for its annual list, highlighting the group’s growing global impact and artistic confidence.
According to Billboard’s The 25 Best K-pop Songs of 2025: Staff Picks, released on December 18 local time, IVE’s “XOXZ” stood out as a defining release of the year. The song, which serves as the title track of IVE’s fourth mini album IVE SECRET, drew praise for its emotional depth and refined musical structure.
Inspired by the expression “XOXO,” “XOXZ” presents a coded message that blends affection with emotional complexity. Built around the sentiment of “I love you, good night, and see you in your dreams,” the track explores layered feelings rather than a single emotion, earning strong responses from listeners worldwide.
Billboard described the song as mysterious yet emotionally resonant, noting that it delivers a deep emotional pull without the need for explanation. The publication highlighted the contrast between low-tone rap in the chorus and flowing high melodies, supported by an 808 bass and restrained vocals that amplify emotional shifts. Billboard also praised IVE’s evolving narrative of self exploration, emphasizing the group’s clear confidence and bold attitude.
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Since debuting in 2021 with “ELEVEN,” IVE has consistently built its identity around self belief. Earlier this year, the group expanded that message with “REBEL HEART,” the pre-release track from their third mini album IVE EMPATHY, shifting the focus from “me” to “us.” That release achieved a perfect all-kill on domestic charts. It was followed by the title track “ATTITUDE,” which sparked widespread challenges, and “XOXZ,” which gained renewed popularity through chart reversal. Together, these releases marked three major hits in 2025 and brought IVE a total of 20 music show wins this year alone, pushing their career total to 74 trophies.
IVE’s success extended beyond streaming and broadcasts. Both IVE EMPATHY and IVE SECRET surpassed one million copies in first-week sales, securing the group’s seventh consecutive million-seller achievement. On Billboard, IVE reached number one on the Emerging Artists chart, entered the Billboard Artist 100, and ranked across World Albums, Top Current Album Sales, Top Album Sales, and Global charts excluding the US. The group also collected 22 trophies at major award ceremonies this year, including grand prizes.
The group’s global presence continued through major live stages. Following last year’s appearance at Lollapalooza Chicago, IVE returned in 2025 with performances in Berlin and Paris, becoming the first K-pop girl group to appear at the festival for two consecutive years. They also energized audiences at Rock in Japan Festival 2025, reinforcing their reputation as a strong live act.
IVE launched its second world tour SHOW WHAT I AM with shows at Seoul’s KSPO DOME from October 31 to November 2. The tour will continue across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, with a scheduled stop at Kyocera Dome Osaka in April 2026. As the year comes to a close, IVE remains active across multiple stages, closing out 2025 with continued momentum.
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