Update: IVE has officially confirmed their February comeback plans, adding another major group to the busy early 2026 K-pop schedule.

Starship Entertainment confirmed on January 16 that IVE is "currently working on a new album with the goal of making a comeback in late February." The confirmation came after iMBC Entertainment first reported the comeback news earlier that day.

This announcement follows yesterday's news that WHIB will return on January 29 with their first mini album "ROCK THE NATION," setting up a packed start to the new year for K-pop fans.

While Starship Entertainment hasn't revealed specific details about IVE's upcoming release, the late February timeline suggests fans can expect the full promotional rollout to begin soon. The group's last major release was their first full-length album "I've IVE" in April 2023, followed by the single "I AM" later that year.

IVE has established themselves as one of the leading fourth-generation girl groups since their debut in 2021, with hits like "ELEVEN," "LOVE DIVE," and "After LIKE" dominating charts both domestically and internationally. The group consists of members Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo.

The February comeback will mark IVE's return after focusing on individual activities and international appearances throughout much of 2025. With WHIB kicking off comeback season in late January, IVE's late February release timing positions them well to capture early spring momentum.

Starship Entertainment indicated they'll share more details about the album concept, tracklist, and promotional schedule in the coming weeks. Given IVE's track record of elaborate comeback campaigns, fans can likely expect a detailed scheduler and teaser content to begin rolling out soon.

The confirmation adds IVE to what's shaping up to be a competitive early 2026 comeback season, with multiple groups preparing returns after the year-end award show cycle.