Be Alright

In 2025, K-pop “girl crush” group IVE released their third Japanese EP, following 2023’s *WAVE* and 2024’s *ALIVE*. The five-track album from the group known for their self-empowerment anthems (e.g. 2023 megahit “I AM”) and elegant personas includes two original Japanese tracks. “DARE ME,” an encouraging song about trying even after having made a mistake, is IVE’s first Japanese original soundtrack contribution. The upbeat track is part of the opening credits for Nippon TV series *Damemane!*, a live-action series about a former child actor who becomes a talent manager in the cutthroat entertainment world. Title track “Be Alright” takes on similar themes, with members Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo using the comforting lines “it’s gonna be all right” and “don’t worry about tomorrow” as melodic mantras. IVE gets more vulnerable on the Japanese versions of three previously released tracks: “Acciendo,” an edgy electropop song that instructs listeners to “watch me, don’t touch me”; “Blue Heart,” a Wonyoung-penned track about staying outwardly unmoved as an idol in the face of criticism; and “WOW,” a rhythmic pop song about when opposites attract.