IVE met THE FIRST TAKE to deliver a one-take performance that revealed their true vocal and stage abilities. THE FIRST TAKE gave IVE the perfect platform to present themselves as artists, not just performers. Fans in both Japan and Korea responded with admiration for their musical growth and charm.
IVE and THE FIRST TAKE Deliver Live Stage with Global Appeal
IVE appeared on the popular Japanese YouTube channel βTHE FIRST TAKEβ at 10 p.m. on June 2. They performed a one-take live version of βAfter LIKE,β drawing attention to their strong vocals and refined stage skills. βTHE FIRST TAKEβ is a renowned music content series that showcases live performances filmed in a single take. The show is held in a minimalist white studio and places a microphone in the center to focus entirely on the artistβs raw performance. This format has earned the channel love from fans worldwide because of its honesty and intensity.
THE FIRST TAKE and IVE Meet in a Pure Performance Space
As of June 2, βTHE FIRST TAKEβ has more than 10.9 million subscribers. The content focuses on singers with both strong skills and high popularity. These artists present one-take live performances that capture their voices and expressions without any editing or correction. The channel is managed by Sony Music Entertainment. Sony Music Labels holds the trademark rights for the show, and most of the audio gear used is Sony-made. The featured microphone is the Sony C-800G, which also appears in the channel banner. The headphones are the Sony MDR-CD900ST, widely known in the recording industry.
IVE and THE FIRST TAKE Highlight Versatility and Talent
IVEβs one-take performance of βAfter LIKEβ revealed their ability to blend polished choreography with vocal stability. The video allowed them to prove themselves not just as a performance group but as capable vocalists. Their presence in βTHE FIRST TAKEβ offered a new perspective to fans who may not have focused on their singing before. With this opportunity, they reminded audiences of their multidimensional charm and musical growth since debut. The video became available on βTHE FIRST TAKEβ YouTube channel on June 2 at 10 p.m., attracting immediate reactions from fans in and outside Japan.
IVE Expands Japanese Presence Through Continued Success
IVE officially debuted in Japan in October 2022 with the release of βELEVEN -Japanese ver.-.β The single gained significant success and was certified as a Gold Disc by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. In the same year, they appeared on NHKβs highly regarded year-end program βKΕhaku Uta Gassen,β which marked an important milestone for Korean artists in Japan. This early success strengthened IVEβs image as a rising K-pop act with global appeal. Their consistent activities in Japan have helped them develop a strong and loyal fanbase.
IVE and THE FIRST TAKE Reflect Global Momentum
IVEβs influence continued to grow with appearances at Japanβs biggest events. They performed at βSummer Sonic 2024,β the nationβs largest music festival, as well as the major fashion event βTokyo Girls Collection.β As part of their first world tour βSHOW WHAT I HAVE,β they became the first Korean artists to hold a concert at K-Arena Yokohama. They then reached another milestone by performing at the Tokyo Dome, which is often referred to as the βstage of dreamsβ among musicians. These achievements proved their popularity and growth as global artists.
Japanese Fans React Warmly
Japanese viewers praised IVEβs appearance on βTHE FIRST TAKEβ and expressed gratitude that the group was appreciated solely for their musical talent. Fans unfamiliar with IVE were impressed by Reiβs rap skills and unique voice, describing it as both powerful and youthful. Reiβs performance received high praise even among Japanese audiences, who admired her ability to deliver strong yet delicate vocal tones. Many fans also found Lizβs smile while singing heartwarming and said her joy added to the charm of the performance.
Audio Details and Korean Fans’ Reactions
The video received attention from Korean online community MLBPARK, where users discussed the influence of Sony on the sound quality. Some pointed out that the video emphasized high frequencies and guitar tones, features often found in Japanese music production. This audio direction was viewed as intentional and helped the video stand out. Korean viewers also responded positively to Reiβs rap, praising its flow and her clear delivery. Overall, the combination of strong vocals, thoughtful production, and authentic emotion made IVEβs appearance on βTHE FIRST TAKEβ a meaningful success in both countries.

Here’s a link to YouTube. Here’s a link to MLBPARK.
Thank you so much for reading this post! Iβd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!
The whole group’s visuals are top-tier and they sing so well, like wow. Seriously, thank you for appearing on The First Take!