Netizens are buzzing about IVE's latest music chart performance.

On an online forum, fans talked about IVE's new song "Off The Record," which is part of their first full-length album, 'I've MINE.'

Fans were surprised when the song didn't initially make it into Melon's Top 100 chart upon its release on October 6. However, it did manage to climb to #92 around 8 AM PST the next day, leaving fans puzzled.

The song also gained about 69,000 listeners on the streaming platform, which was lower than expected for a 4th-generation girl group's title track.

Some fans blamed the song's release time, saying that launching it at 1 PM on a Friday led to fewer streams. Many are now eagerly awaiting IVE's next title song, "Baddie," hoping it will make a bigger impact.

Critics are also questioning the song's quality, with some saying it feels more like a pre-release track than a title song. Others agree, saying it doesn't match the musical style the public expects from IVE.

The song's lackluster performance on the international stage also disappoints some people. Despite targeting international listeners, "Off The Record" failed to make an impact on the Spotify Global chart.

As of now, "Off The Record" is at #61 on Melon's Top 100 chart, alongside IVE's previous hits and their new song "Either Way." Netizens have varying opinions about the situation.

Fans' Reactions:

"Releasing it at 1 PM on a Friday? That's not a good move."

"Why is it performing poorly on international charts too?"

"IVE's comeback seems less hyped this time."

"Maybe the upcoming song is the real title track?"

"It's surprising to see them struggle like this."

"Are they already losing their popularity?"

"This is worrisome."

"I expected this to happen."

"Releasing it at 1 PM probably hurt its performance."

"Once they perform on music shows, things might pick up."

"I'm shocked, they were doing so well before."

"I didn't even know the song was out."

What are your thoughts?

Source[1]

NewJeans' Minji touched fans' hearts with a handwritten letter on her birthday — even while the group is currently unable to promote due to legal issues.

On May 7, Minji celebrated her birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on the group’s personal SNS account, which the members opened themselves to stay connected with fans.

Minji began her letter with honesty, writing, “I think I’m living a busier life than I expected. When I finally looked up, it was already May, and it was my birthday.”

She admitted that she had a lot she wanted to say, but her thoughts felt “messy.” Still, her message to fans was clear, “I just hope that I, our members, and Bunnies can all be happy. Happiness is the biggest goal in my life.”

Minji then opened up about her personal journey and struggles, saying, “I sometimes think that running toward my happiness by doing what I love might look foolish to others. But isn’t giving up your happiness now for the sake of a future that might not even come… too harsh on yourself?”

Despite everything, she ended on a hopeful note, “I really miss the times when we shared our feelings through the good music we made together. But I always look forward to what’s ahead."

She added, "We didn’t stop here, and we’re not going to stop! It might look like we’re standing still, but I believe we’re growing deeper.”

Her message comes during a difficult time for NewJeans. The group announced last year that they were cutting ties with ADOR, their original agency, after trust was broken. They later began working independently under the new name ‘NJZ’.

However, ADOR responded with legal action — claiming the exclusive contract with NewJeans was still valid and asking the court to stop the group from promoting or signing deals.

The court sided with ADOR and granted an injunction, forcing NewJeans to pause their activities. Their appeal was rejected, and they’ve now filed a second appeal.

Through it all, Minji’s message proves one thing — even when forced to stop, NewJeans' hearts are still moving forward.

Source: [1]