'K-POP' ifeye Eyes Coachella as It Returns With EP "As if"

K-POP group ifeye is back with a new EP and a clear target: the global stage, including Coachella. The six-member act, which marked its first anniversary on April 8, released its third EP, "As if," on April 15.

Ahead of the release, the members visited the offices of KPOPIT in Jungnim-dong, Seoul, to talk about the new album and the year behind them.

For "As if," the group worked with producer Lim Soo-ho, known for IU's hit "LILAC." Members said the collaboration gave them more room to shape the project than on their earlier releases. "I feel like I've grown as an artist through this album," Kassia said. "We had so many chances to share our own ideas. There was real back-and-forth with the production team."

Rahee said the shift was noticeable. "On our first and second albums, there were things we couldn't bring up. With the third, we finally got to speak up, and that made me happy. I think we became stronger as artists during the break, talking through a lot together."

Taerin said the writing process pulled directly from the members. "For each theme, they asked what each of us wanted to say. That ended up in the lyrics as it was." Rahee added that the group's input also shaped the visual concept. "We wanted to push the dreamy feel, so I put together a slide deck of references myself and handed it over. Our ideas lined up well with the producers, and I'm proud of how it turned out."

Looking back on the past year, Taerin pointed to KCON LA in 2024 as the standout memory. "Most of the audience didn't know us, but when we got on stage, they cheered and even sang along," she said. "It made me really want to play bigger stages and share that with more people."

Wonhwayeon described a recent fan concert in Taiwan as another turning point. "The fans had prepared a surprise video for us. The moment I saw it, I started crying because I was so grateful." Miyu added, "Back when we were trainees, I wanted to perform a show just for fans. That dream came true."

The members also addressed the absence of Sasha, who paused activities in March. "With our main vocalist out, I worked really hard on my vocals to help the team," Wonhwayeon said. "Each member put in the effort, and together we tried to fill Sasha's spot so the gap wouldn't show." Kassia said the transition was technically difficult. "We were used to a six-person formation, then suddenly had to switch to five. We've practiced a lot, and now it feels more natural."

Wonhwayeon also shared an unexpected fan moment of her own, involving soloist YENA. "I watch her videos and follow her challenges a lot. When she was promoting 'Nemonem,' we got to meet and do a challenge together," she said. "She remembered that we did the 'NERDY' challenge with her and asked if we were holding up okay. That really moved me."

For this comeback, the members named a music show win as their goal. "I want to do an encore live," Wonhwayeon said. "When I see other artists holding the trophy together, looking that happy, it feels like a dream. I really think we could pull off a great live." Miyu and Rahee agreed, saying they want "our song playing wherever we go." Kassia took it a step further. "Beyond the music shows, I want our name on the major streaming charts this year, and if possible, at number one."

The group is also riding momentum from overseas. ifeye was named to British music magazine NME's "Essential Emerging Artists 100 for 2026" list, and the title track from their second EP, "r u ok?," placed third on NME's "25 Best K-POP Songs of 2025."

"We got the news at the end of the year, and because we didn't expect it at all, we were even happier," Wonhwayeon said. "It made me want to get on the Billboard charts, too. As much as people overseas are noticing us, I hope more people in Korea start to as well." Taerin called the recognition surreal. "It felt like a dream. Something I'd only imagined was actually happening, and it made me wonder how far we could go. I want to hit number one on Billboard and stand on the Coachella stage."

Miyu said the NME nod also eased a private worry. "Honestly, when I first heard 'r u ok?,' I was anxious about whether the public would like it, because I thought the style was unusual. When I read the article saying we'd made NME's list, I thought, 'So we weren't the only ones who liked our song.' Feeling recognized like that meant a lot."

The EP "As if" is built around the kinds of questions people quietly ask themselves. It carries five tracks, including the title song "Hazy(Daisy)," an easy-listening track with an energetic rhythm and a soft, drifting mood.