IVE’s “Bang Bang” Hit With Brutal Reactions, Sparks Massive Disappointment

IVE released their new track “BANG BANG” at 6 PM (KST) on February 9 as a pre-release for their second full album REVIVE+, which is set to drop on February 23. The song immediately drew attention, but not all of it was positive.

“BANG BANG” centers on EDM and electronic sounds, opening with a Western swing-inspired intro. The track follows a fast-paced, high-energy structure meant to highlight IVE’s confident image and push toward a more global sound.

However, the drastic shift from IVE’s usual sound has left many netizens disappointed.

Soon after release, Korean online communities were flooded with critical reactions. Many netizens said the song does not sound like IVE, with some expressing frustration that the group appears to be moving away from the elegant and addictive style that defined earlier hits such as “ELEVEN” and “LOVE DIVE.”

• “The song is good, but it definitely doesn’t feel like an IVE song… And I’m still going to wait forever for the Eleven and Love Dive vibeㅠㅠ.”
• “The song is really bad….”
• “This is the title track?”
• “So when is the real title track coming out? I’m looking forward to it.”
• “Tsk, the intro is kind of bad.”

With reactions sharply divided, attention is now on REVIVE+ and whether the full album will ease fans’ concerns or deepen the controversy.