IVE has further solidified its status as a leading force in K-pop, earning top recognition on major global charts.

According to Billboard’s “The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025: Staff Picks,” released on December 18 (local time) via the outlet’s official website, IVE’s “XOXZ” was selected as one of the Best K-pop Songs of the Year, once again proving the group’s worldwide popularity. Dubbed an “MZ generation wannabe icon,” IVE—comprised of An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo—continues to draw international attention.

“XOXZ” is the title track from IVE’s fourth mini album IVE SECRET, released in August. Inspired by the English expression “XOXO,” the song introduces “XOXZ,” a coined term unique to IVE, presented like a coded message. With the sentiment “I love you, good night, and see you in your dreams,” the track sensibly explores the complexity of hidden attitudes and layered emotions rather than a single, straightforward feeling, earning strong praise from listeners around the world.

Billboard described the song as “an enigmatic track that delivers deep emotional resonance without requiring explanation,” adding, “The contrast between the low-register rap in the chorus and the soaring high-pitched melody creates a finely tuned sense of tension, while restrained vocals over an 808 bass amplify subtle emotional shifts.” The outlet continued, “IVE’s signature exploration of the self has evolved into an even more captivating form, and the group’s confident attitude—demanding everything with complete self-assurance—is unmistakable.”

This recognition underscores how IVE’s self-directed narrative and diverse musical experimentation have successfully captured the attention of both the public and critics alike.


Written by Kim Su Jin
Translated by Lee So Yun