IVE Makes OST Debut in Japan with 'DARE ME' for NTV Drama 'DameMane!'
Sharon Jung / Published April 22, 2025 08:40 PM
Sharon Jung
Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
K-pop sensation IVE has taken their first step into the Japanese television market by lending their voices to the opening theme of the new NTV drama DameMane! – Unmanageable Talents, Under New Management! (original title: ダメなマネージャー!売れないタレント、マネジメントします!). The drama, which premiered on April 20, marks IVE’s first full-group participation in an original soundtrack for a foreign production.
The group performs the dynamic opening song ‘DARE ME’, an energetic track filled with messages of self-encouragement and resilience. The track was composed specifically for the drama and aims to mirror the tone of the story—an uplifting revenge comedy centered on a former child actor turned rookie manager who helps washed-up talents stage unexpected comebacks while hiding her complicated past.
IVE’s involvement in the project represents a notable expansion of their global presence and artistic reach. Their agency stated, “IVE’s powerful vocals and energetic sound will bring an impactful start to each episode.” The group also shared their excitement, saying, “It’s an honor to participate in the OST of DameMane!, and we hope everyone enjoys both the drama and our new song.”
Since its release, ‘DARE ME’ has resonated with listeners both in Korea and Japan. The song entered Melon’s ‘Hot 100’ chart within 30 days of release and is currently charting at No. 18 on LINE Music Japan’s real-time chart, as well as No. 38 on its daily chart, highlighting IVE’s rising popularity in the Japanese market.
This OST project not only showcases the group’s vocal versatility but also reflects their growing appeal across genres and languages. It is the first time that all members of IVE have participated together in a soundtrack for a foreign series, setting a new precedent for the group’s overseas activities.
Meanwhile, IVE continues their active schedule in Japan, holding their fan concert ‘IVE SCOUT’ on April 22 at Marine Messe Fukuoka. As the group broadens its musical and performance footprint internationally, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on their next moves.
Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com
Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
K-pop sensation IVE has taken their first step into the Japanese television market by lending their voices to the opening theme of the new NTV drama DameMane! – Unmanageable Talents, Under New Management! (original title: ダメなマネージャー!売れないタレント、マネジメントします!). The drama, which premiered on April 20, marks IVE’s first full-group participation in an original soundtrack for a foreign production.
The group performs the dynamic opening song ‘DARE ME’, an energetic track filled with messages of self-encouragement and resilience. The track was composed specifically for the drama and aims to mirror the tone of the story—an uplifting revenge comedy centered on a former child actor turned rookie manager who helps washed-up talents stage unexpected comebacks while hiding her complicated past.
IVE’s involvement in the project represents a notable expansion of their global presence and artistic reach. Their agency stated, “IVE’s powerful vocals and energetic sound will bring an impactful start to each episode.” The group also shared their excitement, saying, “It’s an honor to participate in the OST of DameMane!, and we hope everyone enjoys both the drama and our new song.”
Since its release, ‘DARE ME’ has resonated with listeners both in Korea and Japan. The song entered Melon’s ‘Hot 100’ chart within 30 days of release and is currently charting at No. 18 on LINE Music Japan’s real-time chart, as well as No. 38 on its daily chart, highlighting IVE’s rising popularity in the Japanese market.
This OST project not only showcases the group’s vocal versatility but also reflects their growing appeal across genres and languages. It is the first time that all members of IVE have participated together in a soundtrack for a foreign series, setting a new precedent for the group’s overseas activities.
Meanwhile, IVE continues their active schedule in Japan, holding their fan concert ‘IVE SCOUT’ on April 22 at Marine Messe Fukuoka. As the group broadens its musical and performance footprint internationally, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on their next moves.