Girl groups have been experiencing a renaissance in the K-pop verse as of late. In the last three years alone, a number of these groups have entered the market with their own authentic sound—think NewJeans with ‘Hype Boy’ or Le Sserafim with ‘Fearless’. As for the girls of IVE? There’s no forgetting the popularity of ‘Love Dive’, which swept up the ‘Song of the Year’ title in South Korea’s prestigious music award shows last year. Composed of Gaeul, Yujin, Wonyoung, Liz, Rei and Leeseo, the K-pop sextet is no doubt recognised for their swinging, electropop title tracks such as ‘After Like’ or ‘I Am’ which never fail to rouse a crowd to sing along near-instantly.
Understandably, no less could have been expected for the group’s most recent return to the scene—their first EP I’ve Mine. With six new songs on its track list, IVE’s latest effort is every bit the feel good package that the zeitgeist will easily take to. Led by two pre-releases, ‘Either Way’ and ‘Off the Record’, the entire EP is chock-filled with their signature dulcet vocals, addictive refrains and saccharine-sweet melodies. And as with every other K-pop comeback, its highly-anticipated album release comes accompanied with enthralling visuals in the vein of a high-octane music video set to capture the hearts of fans all around. To that end, we’ve been gladly on the receiving end of the one that comes with IVE’s sole hip-hop swerve in their discography so far: ‘Baddie’.
To convey the catty, rebellious mood of the rap-led tune, the playfully maximalist package is bolstered by a great deal of beauty moments such as sharp, attention-grabbing talons which call to mind one furry animal featured in the music video, trendy hair accessories and mismatched hues swathed on the lids. It’s always a fun time tracking notable transformations for different members and this particular comeback sees Liz going blonde whilst Yujin sports a wolf cut for added oomph. More beauty highlights from IVE’s ‘Baddie’ MV, for your perusal below.
1 / 7
Witchy talons
Apart from Liz’s blonde transformation, ‘Baddie’ sees her donning a playfully witchy manicure of black-and-white ombre hues that match her street ensemble. For contrast, her mien is zhuzhed up with varying pastel shades left to accent her peepers.
2 / 7
Subtle edge
Wonyoung’s switched away from her usual doll-like appearance this time around and gained a look of soft edge with her new lip ring piercing and darkened eye line.
3 / 7
All eyes on me
Rei spits a fiery rap in ‘Baddie’ and her bad gal transformation shows for it. Think spidery, manga lashes and a disarray of piercings—all juxtaposed against the Hello Kitty barrette and off-kilter pigtails.
4 / 7
Ribbon mania
Ribbon mania won’t be leaving us anytime soon and for the group’s maknae Leeseo, the bolder, bigger and pinker your bow is, the better. Of course, no bow that vivacious can go without some equally striking shades to match—delivered through her bubblegum under-eye blush and holographic manicure.
5 / 7
Cat's out of the bag
A little furry feline plays as the main motif throughout the music video—so it only makes sense that we’ve got Gaeul sporting some cat-like claws herself.
6 / 7
Snip snip
The word is transformed and Yujin’s surely about delivered. In contrast to her usually straight, lengthy locks, the troupe’s leader definitively underwent the snip and opted for a bolder wolf cut instead.
7 / 7
Double take
Eclectic pops of neon line Rei’s peepers, lending the rapper an instantly idiosyncratic gaze—vivified further by her braided tresses.
