A Bold Twist on Cupid’s Image
With their 4th mini album ‘IVE SECRET’ set to drop on August 25 at 6 PM KST, IVE (An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, Leeseo) has released a striking new ‘SECRET’ poster that flips the traditional Cupid archetype on its head.
Instead of the classic love-bringer, IVE’s ‘Evil Cupid’ takes aim for herself — a symbolic shift from being a passive connector of others to an active architect of her own destiny. This narrative aligns with IVE’s self-defined, empowered identity that has become central to their brand.
Symbolism in Every Detail
The poster is packed with six sharp details:
- Horns
- Arrows
- Arrowheads
- Tail tips
- (and other pointed elements)
Each of these elements represents one of the group’s six members, highlighting both individuality and unity. The use of these symbols underlines the thematic essence of choice, self-definition, and unapologetic agency.
Street Art Collaboration
For this concept, IVE partnered with Doezny, a well-known street artist recognized for his unique character ‘Ronald’ and collaborations with major global brands like Coach, Balenciaga, and TNGT.
Doezny’s influence is clear — the bold outlines, layered textures, and street-inspired iconography add an urban edge to IVE’s high-fashion pop aesthetic, making the poster feel like part of a larger art installation rather than just promotional material.
‘Evil Cupid’ as a Concept
The ‘Evil Cupid’ motif works on multiple levels:
- Narrative Reversal — Turning a familiar figure into something unexpected sparks curiosity.
- Visual Depth — Street art elements give it a gritty, contemporary feel.
- Message Alignment — Matches IVE’s ongoing themes of self-empowerment and control over one’s own story.
This isn’t just a visual — it’s a story hook that sets the stage for the tracks and performances to come.
Building the Hype
The ‘SECRET’ poster is just one part of IVE’s carefully orchestrated pre-release campaign:
- Moving Posters — Bringing static art to life with animation.
- Trailer Videos & Photos — Layered storytelling across mediums.
- Multi-Platform Teasers — Releasing concept hints on different channels to engage fans everywhere.
By breaking away from “fixed images” and presenting a multi-dimensional worldview, IVE is inviting fans to step into a new chapter of their lore.
Countdown to August 25
The album ‘IVE SECRET’ will be released alongside the title track ‘XOXZ’ on August 25 at 6 PM KST across all major streaming platforms. Fans are already speculating about:
- How the ‘Evil Cupid’ concept will translate to choreography.
- Whether the symbolic six details will appear in the music video storyline.
- How the collaboration with Doezny might extend into merch, stage design, or album packaging.
Kolumverse Verdict
With the ‘SECRET’ poster, IVE has once again proven their mastery of visual storytelling and brand coherence. The blend of symbolism, street art collaboration, and narrative inversion makes this comeback one of the most anticipated in the latter half of 2025.
If the teaser is any indication, ‘IVE SECRET’ won’t just be an album — it will be an immersive concept world where every detail matters.
✅ Source Article: Lee Sun-myung, “아이브 ‘시크릿’ 컴백 엿보기,” [Publisher], August 13, 2025.
✅ Alt Text: IVE performing at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree K-POP Super Live Concert.
✅ Caption: IVE on stage at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree K-POP Super Live Concert — image licensed under CC BY 4.0, included for illustrative purposes.
✅ Image Source: Photo by Korean Culture and Information Service, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
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