IVE's 'REBEL HEART' Recognized as One of the Best K-Pop Songs of 2025 by Billboard

The popular K-pop group IVE (안유진, 가을, 레이, 장원영, 리즈, 이서) has once again made a significant mark in the global music scene. On July 21, 2025, Billboard announced its list of 'The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025 (So Far): Critic’s Picks,' featuring IVE's track 'REBEL HEART.' Released as a pre-release single from their third mini-album 'IVE EMPATHY' in February, 'REBEL HEART' portrays a rebellious march of individuals with diverse narratives. The song is characterized by rich vocal harmonies, an uplifting chorus, and a blend of sweet strings with upbeat drums.

Billboard highlighted the song's standout English chorus and its appealing rebellious spirit, stating that it showcases IVE's expanding sound spectrum beyond Korea, solidifying their influence in the K-pop industry.

Since its release, 'REBEL HEART' has received enthusiastic responses from music fans both domestically and internationally, establishing itself as a mega-hit of 2025. The song achieved a 'Perfect All-Kill' on major Korean music charts and won 11 music show trophies, while also maintaining a spot on the Billboard 'Global (Excl. U.S.)' chart for 10 consecutive weeks, marking a global success.

Additionally, 'REBEL HEART' captivated audiences at recent performances at Lollapalooza Berlin and Lollapalooza Paris, where fans passionately sang along in Korean, further breaking down barriers with global fans and affirming its status as IVE's new signature song. With over 57 million cumulative streams on Spotify, the track continues to enjoy worldwide popularity, raising expectations for IVE's future endeavors as a leading force in K-pop.

Looking ahead, IVE is set to participate in the '2025 Coupang Play Series' on July 30, where they will perform at the first match between Team K League and Newcastle United.