IVE is facing backlash as netizens slam Starship Entertainment over the group’s recent comeback quality.
A post on Nate Pann went viral, highlighting sharp criticism against Starship for what fans say is a steady decline in IVE’s music and production since their third album. The post gained over 129,000 views with hundreds agreeing.
The main complaints focus on low-quality songs and overuse of AI in music videos, which many feel cheapens IVE’s image.
“No matter how hard Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin work to raise IVE’s status, Starship always disappoints with low-quality songs and concept albums,” the original poster wrote.
Fans hammered the recent title track “Attitude” as particularly weak, calling the dolphin high note “totally unnecessary” and the rap “super cringe.”
“Even ‘Attitude’ was f*cking trashy. It’s an IVE song, but it only got attention because fans made that ‘Rei going wild’ meme.”
Others say post-“I AM,” the group’s music feels overly catchy but outdated and tacky.
“To be honest, ever since ‘I AM,’ all their songs feel like they’re focused purely on being catchy— and there’s this weirdly outdated, slightly tacky vibe to them.”
Criticism extended to choreography and styling, with calls for Starship to invest more and drop the double title track strategy.
“If they keep treating IVE like a low-budget group this comeback, it’s game over. Make it feel like money. And seriously, get rid of the choreographer and stylist — the choreo is downright painful.”
Fans also pointed to falling music video views. Before “I AM,” videos hit 200 to 300 million views. Since then, numbers dropped drastically to barely 50 to 60 million.
IVE’s last comeback was in February with their third EP, IVE EMPATHY. It featured two title tracks, “Rebel Heart” and “Attitude.” “Rebel Heart” marked their fifth Perfect All-Kill on Korean charts, underscoring IVE’s strong popularity despite current criticism.
The controversy continues as fans debate whether Starship is sacrificing quality amid IVE’s star power.
