IVE’s Rei Releases Debut Solo Drama OST “Hello,” Korean and Japanese Versions Unveiled Simultaneously

IVE’s Rei is showcasing a new musical side by singing a drama OST solo for the first time since her debut. The first OST track from the Disney+ and Channel A drama “Dive to You,” featuring Rei, “Hello,” was released on various online music platforms at 6 p.m. on the 27th. The song was released simultaneously in Korean and Japanese versions, allowing listeners to experience Rei’s delicate vocals expressed in two languages.

“Hello” captures the longing to reach a cherished person again by turning back time, as well as a love one desperately wants to protect until the end. Emotional piano melodies are layered with a grand string arrangement, musically portraying the bittersweet feelings and dramatic fates of the characters striving to protect their first love. Music director Heo Seong-jin and composer Diori wrote and composed the song, incorporating the drama’s world and the characters’ emotional arcs.

Having demonstrated her distinctive tone and expressive abilities through her work with IVE, Rei completes the warm atmosphere of “Hello” with more mature vocals and clear, delicate emotion. In particular, the Japanese-born member personally recorded both the Korean and Japanese versions, expressing the different emotions conveyed by each language. Since listeners can experience the same song in two languages, comparing the charms of the two versions is another highlight of this OST.

Rei has steadily expanded the scope of her musical activities. She participated in writing IVE’s “ROYAL,” “After LIKE,” and “Kitsch,” and presented her self-written song “In Your Heart” as her first solo track on the group’s second full-length album, “REVIVE+,” released in February. Last year, she and Liz participated in Japanese singer Seiko Matsuda’s 45th-anniversary tribute album, covering “Rock’n Rouge.” In January this year, Rei also featured on “Push (Feat. Rei of IVE),” a pre-release track from MONSTA X member JOOHONEY’s second mini album.

“Dive to You” is a romance drama about twin siblings who travel back in time to revive their first love after discovering that an old camcorder can take them into the past. Rei’s first solo OST, “Hello,” warmly and wistfully fills out the emotional arc of the series, which premiered on the 26th. Attention is focused on the new vocal color Rei will showcase through this OST as she continues expanding her activities across music, television, and content.