IVE Releases “LUCID DREAM” MV for Their 4th Japanese EP
IVE has officially released the music video for “LUCID DREAM,” the title track from their fourth Japanese EP of the same name.
The MV was unveiled on May 26 through Sony Music Japan and IVE’s official channels ahead of the EP’s official release on May 27. The release marks IVE’s latest Japanese comeback as the group continues expanding its global presence through original Japanese music and large-scale promotions.
A Dreamlike Concept With Emotional Storytelling
According to official announcements from IVE Japan, “LUCID DREAM” centers around the theme of dreams — not as a form of escape from reality, but as a space where people confront themselves honestly and embrace their emotions.
The music video reflects this concept through cinematic storytelling, surreal visuals, and heavy use of lighting effects to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. Official descriptions of the MV explained that butterflies were used as symbolic metaphors for dreams, guiding the members deeper into a dream world throughout the story.
Fans also praised the video’s elegant styling and softer emotional tone, which differs from some of IVE’s previous high-energy Japanese title tracks while still maintaining the group’s signature confident image.
Details About the 4th Japanese EP
IVE first announced the release of their fourth Japanese EP “LUCID DREAM” in March 2026, confirming a May 27 release date alongside teaser visuals and album details.
The EP contains six tracks, including three original Japanese songs:
- “LUCID DREAM”
- “Fashion”
- “JIGSAW”
It also includes Japanese versions of:
- “REBEL HEART”
- “ATTITUDE”
- “Thank U”
Before the title track release, IVE pre-released “Fashion” in April as part of Apple App Store Japan’s “Every Step with App Store” campaign.
Junji Ito Collaboration Draws Attention
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the EP has been its unique visual collaboration with legendary Japanese horror manga artist Junji Ito.
Limited-edition album artwork illustrated by Ito introduced a darker and more unsettling artistic direction compared to traditional K-pop album aesthetics. The collaboration quickly gained attention online for blending IVE’s polished image with Junji Ito’s signature psychological horror style.
The EP’s track “JIGSAW” was also connected to promotional activities involving Junji Ito-related projects, further strengthening the album’s mysterious and dreamlike concept.
Fans React to the MV Release
Shortly after the MV premiered, fans flooded social media with reactions praising the visuals, cinematography, and emotional atmosphere of the song.
Many fans highlighted the group’s elegant styling and the softer vocal-focused direction of the track, while others praised the symbolism and storytelling used throughout the MV. Discussions on Reddit and fan communities also focused heavily on the dream-inspired concept and the group’s evolving Japanese discography.
The release further demonstrates IVE’s growing influence in the Japanese market, where the group has continued to achieve strong album sales, dome concerts, and large-scale brand partnerships.
Final Thoughts
With “LUCID DREAM,” IVE delivers one of its most visually artistic Japanese releases to date.
From its emotional dream-inspired storyline to the cinematic music video and Junji Ito collaboration, the project showcases a more experimental side of the group while maintaining the polished identity that has helped IVE become one of K-pop’s leading girl groups globally.