IVE’s New Song Snippet Hit With Viral Criticism, K-Netizens Defend 

Netizens did not hold back against the viral post.

A snippet of IVE’s upcoming track “XOXZ” part of their fourth mini album IVE SECRET has sparked debate online, with some claiming the release already feels underwhelming.

| Starship Entertainment

A now-viral post quickly spread on popular Korean forum Pann and gathered over 50,000 views after questioning the group’s creative choices. The original poster also suggested that Gaeul might once again be forced into an unnatural rap part like in past songs.

I think IVE’s new song XOXZ flopped.
Apparently there’s even a rap part in it, so it looks like they’ll once again force Gaeul into an awkward rap part like they did with ‘Attitude’ and ‘Baddie.’

— Viral Pann post

Despite the original poster’s doubts, the top comments showed a very different reaction. Many netizens dismissed the criticism, saying that targeting IVE has become a trend simply because they’re one of the leading girl groups. Several even pointed out that groups who truly “flopped” don’t generate this level of discussion at all.

Fans defended the group by noting IVE’s continued success in both music and brand power, with Wonyoung singled out as an advertising powerhouse. Others argued that people focusing on potential rap parts or questioning the song’s quality before its release reflects more on the critics’ frustrations than on the group’s performance.

| Pann

• “You always say IVE flopped, but the only ones who really failed in the girl group scene are your idols.”
• “Groups that actually fell off don’t even get posts anymore. Only top-tier ones like IVE get this kind of attention.”
• “If they really flopped, they’d be stuck around rank 500 on the charts. IVE is still 1st tier. Go stream your own group instead of worrying about them.”
• “How bad did your faves flop when they’re dead last in results and CFs? IVE is still thriving — just Wonyoung alone shoots about 20 ads.”
• “The fact that only IVE, aespa, and BLACKPINK get dragged proves they’re top tier. The jealousy from flop-group stans is unreal.”

While the snippet continues to stir debate, netizens’ strong urge to defend the group shows how firmly IVE is still seen as one of the top acts of their generation.