IVE member Rei to take temporary break due to health issues

Rei from girl group IVE [STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

Rei from girl group IVE will take a temporary hiatus due to health issues, her agency Starship Entertainment announced Tuesday.

“Rei, after experiencing heart palpitations and pressure in her chest, paid a visit to the doctors to receive a consultation and medical checkups,” the statement from the agency reads.

“We received medical advice that she needs treatment and should take a rest. After sufficient discussion with Rei, we have decided to temporarily halt her activities so she can recover her health.”

Rei was seen to be unwell during Monday’s press showcase, during which she left after only participating in the press photoshoot session.

“We apologize for worrying fans [of IVE] with this unexpected news, and the company will do its utmost to help Rei focus on recovery and taking a break,” Starship Entertainment said, ending its statement by asking fans to wish Rei a speedy recovery.

IVE will be continuing group activities for the time being as a group of five.

IVE released its first full-length album “I’ve IVE” on Monday, with the lead track “I AM.” The album is garnering a positive response from the general public, with lead track “I AM” landing on major streaming services’ real-time charts alongside with the track “Kitsch,” which was released on March 27 ahead of the album.

Consisting of six members — An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz and Leeseo — the girl group debuted in December 2021 with the single “Eleven.” It is best known for hit songs “Eleven,” “Love Dive” (2022) and “After Like” (2022). With its three previous releases, IVE sold over 3 million albums and took home 74 trophies over the span of two years.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]