Why IVE's XOXZ is Breaking K-pop's Usual Formula

IVE - XOXZ marks a significant departure from the K-pop group's established sound, shifting away from the bombastic pop style that brought them chart success. Released on August 25, 2025, this new single sees the popular girl group returning to an edgier hip-hop sound with results that have divided listeners.

While IVE songs typically showcase melodic choruses and strong vocal performances, XOXZ instead embraces a minimalist approach with echoey production that creates an illusion of grandeur. The unexpected stylistic choice in both sound and IVE lyrics represents a calculated risk for the group, especially considering how K-pop has evolved over the years. Although the industry has traversed extensive sonic ground since iconic releases like SNSD's "The Boys," XOXZ attempts to carve out its own space in a landscape where truly innovative sounds have become increasingly rare.

IVE’s Signature Sound and What Fans Expect

Prior to XOXZ, IVE established themselves as masters of catchy, melodic pop with distinctive musical signatures that fans came to anticipate in each release.

Melodic choruses and strong pre-choruses

The group built their reputation on earworm choruses that showcase their vocal abilities rather than focusing solely on rap elements. Their pre-choruses typically build tension masterfully before releasing into expansive, satisfying hooks. This formula became their trademark—creating anticipation through dynamic pre-choruses that explode into memorable, sing-along choruses.

Fashion-forward, confident image

Beyond their sound, IVE cultivated a confident, sophisticated image that set them apart from peers. Their styling consistently emphasizes elegant yet bold fashion choices that complement their self-assured lyrics. This visual approach reinforces their musical identity—polished, ambitious, and unapologetically glamorous.

Examples from past hits: Love Dive, I AM, After Like

"Love Dive" epitomizes IVE's signature approach with its haunting pre-chorus building to a soaring, melodic refrain. Similarly, "I AM" delivers an empowering message through its expansive chorus, whereas "After Like" seamlessly blends retro elements with modern production techniques. Throughout these hits, certain constants remain: memorable melodic hooks, polished vocals, and production that balances contemporary trends with timeless pop sensibilities—elements notably absent in XOXZ's experimental direction.

How XOXZ Breaks the Mold

XOXZ abandons the familiar IVE formula, replacing their signature pop sound with an experimental approach that has surprised longtime fans. The track represents a bold sonic evolution that stands in stark contrast to their previous releases.

Minimalist trap production

At the core of XOXZ's distinctive sound is its stripped-back trap production. The song features heavy 808 bass hits and solid drums that create an underlying tension throughout the track. This minimalist approach differs dramatically from IVE's typically lush arrangements. According to music critics, the production incorporates "brassy sounds and solid drums" that build "an overall sense of tension". Furthermore, this sparse soundscape creates a stark canvas for the vocals, with deep-toned rap elements intertwining with minimal harmonies to establish contrasting emotional temperatures.

Spoken chorus instead of sung hook

Perhaps the most jarring departure from IVE's established formula is the chorus structure. Rather than delivering the expected melodic hook, XOXZ features a spoken/whispered chorus that has generated mixed reactions. One reviewer noted that the chorus is "driven by talking rather than singing". The echoey sound creates an illusion of grandeur, yet some critics find it "dry and lacklustre" compared to IVE's typically powerful refrains. Nevertheless, the whispery delivery of the title and fast-spoken lines represent a conscious artistic choice to move beyond conventional K-pop structures.

Short runtime and abrupt transitions

XOXZ also breaks conventions with its condensed format and unexpected structural shifts. Most notably, the song features an abrupt transition into an afrobeat section before returning to the trap beat—a move one reviewer described as "pretty cool" despite ultimately climaxing back into "the same trap beat". This brevity reflects a broader trend in the album, which contains six tracks totaling just seventeen minutes. Such concise packaging appears deliberate, possibly responding to evolving consumption habits in the digital era.

Production and Structure Breakdown

Diving deeper into XOXZ's sonic architecture reveals a meticulously crafted structure that challenges traditional K-pop song formats. The track's careful balance between experimental elements and IVE's signature touches demonstrates their willingness to push boundaries.

Verse and pre-chorus analysis

The verses feature sparse instrumentation with atmospheric synth arpeggios creating a dreamy foundation. Most impressively, the ethereal pre-choruses stand out as a highlight amid the experimental production. These segments maintain a connection to IVE's past work, serving as a bridge between their established sound and this new direction.

Bridge and genre switch to afrobeat

XOXZ contains perhaps its most surprising element midway through—an unexpected shift to afrobeat rhythms that briefly transforms the song's sonic palette. This momentary genre switch creates a refreshing contrast before ultimately returning to the trap-influenced main production. The transition feels deliberately jarring yet calculated, showcasing the group's versatility.

Chorus: echo effects and repetition

The chorus employs heavy echo effects and repetition of the phrase "I want-want-want it all", creating an illusion of depth despite its minimalist approach. The dramatic instrumental flourishes during these segments add tension, while the whispery delivery of "XOXZ" serves as a distinctive sonic signature throughout.

Line distribution and vocal delivery

Vocalists Liz and Yujin notably anchor the chorus sections, consequently balancing the track's more experimental elements. Meanwhile, rappers Rei and Gaeul receive increased prominence, demonstrating IVE's commitment to showcasing diverse vocal colors across the condensed runtime.

Fan Reactions and Industry Context

The release of IVE - XOXZ has ignited passionate conversations across fan communities, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic praise to outright disappointment.

Mixed reviews from longtime fans

The song has sharply divided the fanbase, with many expressing that XOXZ lacks the melodic appeal of previous IVE songs. One fan lamented that since the group's third album, their tracks haven't made it to their playlist. Yet others praised the song as "the best since I AM" and noted how it "keeps growing on me." The chorus, in fact, received particular criticism for being "dry and lacklustre" compared to IVE's typically powerful refrains.

Comparisons to other 4th gen girl groups

XOXZ arrives amid heated debates about IVE's position among top 4th generation girl groups. Discussions frequently pit IVE against aespa, whose upcoming "Rich Man" track has generated significant buzz. Some observers argue that "4th gen is really declining now" with both groups' recent releases.

Speculation on Starship's strategy shift

Industry analysts point to Starship Entertainment's evolving approach. The company has previously built success through strategic pre-debut activities with groups like IVE. Coupled with rumors of a new girl group debuting in 2025, some fans worry about the company's commitment to IVE's continued development.

How it fits into current K-pop trends

XOXZ represents IVE's adaptation to contemporary K-pop sounds, specifically the "chill trap" trend currently popular in the industry. As one commenter noted, "This trend will not last forever. It will pass like all kpop trends."