IVE has pre-released “Looks Can Kill,” the title track of their upcoming mini-album of the same name, marking the six-member group’s first comeback in about eight months since their second full album “REVIVE+.”
The single dropped on October 19 at 6 p.m. KST across music streaming platforms, according to Starship Entertainment. The full mini-album “Looks Can Kill” arrives on October 26 with six tracks: the title song alongside “Mirror Mirror,” “SNAKESKIN,” “CRUMBS,” “Girls Girls Girls” and “Glow Motion.”
The agency describes the title track as a song that blends a synth-pad rhythm with heavy bass, dynamic drums and electronic sounds. Lyricist Seo Ji-eum, who has penned many of IVE’s hits, rapper Lil Cherry and member Rei are credited on the lyrics, while Gaeul and Liz took part in writing the lyrics for “CRUMBS.”
The comeback introduces a new alter ego — the “girl hero” — extending the “girl fantasy” universe IVE has built across previous eras, from cupids to magical girls. In a Q&A, An Yujin said that while the previous album expanded the group’s message from “me” to “us,” this time they captured how the members positively influence one another and create new changes. Jang Wonyoung added that a small word of encouragement can give courage to another person, and that the group wanted to share the story that everyone can be a hero to one another. According to Starship, the mini-album carries the message that anyone can become the protagonist and a hero of their own life.
IVE will perform “Looks Can Kill” live for the first time at the “Spotify DIVE ACADEMY” event in Gangnam, Seoul, on the evening of October 19, the final day of the three-day event that began October 17.
The release follows a blockbuster run: Biz Chosun notes that IVE earned their sixth Perfect All-Kill with double title track “BANG BANG,” collected 83 music show trophies overall, and wrapped their second world tour “SHOW WHAT I AM,” which covered Tokyo Dome, Kyocera Dome and eight North American cities. The pre-release comes a week ahead of the full mini-album, a bold scheduling move for one of fourth-generation K-pop’s biggest acts.
