Rei 'KPop Demon Hunters' Reveal

The glamorous facade of the K-pop industry often masks the intense pressure faced by its brightest stars. In a recent heart-to-heart revelation, Rei, a member of the global sensation IVE, admitted that she was on the verge of walking away from her career entirely just half a year before the premiere of the animated feature K-Pop: Demon Hunters.

A Candid Confession: "I Almost Quit Forever"

During an interview with Korean-American songwriter EJAE and Audrey Magazine, the 19-year-old artist opened up about the mental and physical toll of her rapid rise to fame. Rei confessed that she “almost quit music forever” approximately six months prior to the first glimpses of the K-Pop: Demon Hunters project.

“I was going through one of the toughest times in my life,” Rei shared during the discussion. “I wasn’t sure I could continue on this path.”

The admission quickly went viral, with outlets like Pop Crave highlighting the vulnerability of the young idol. Fans, known as DIVEs, have since flooded social media with messages of support, acknowledging the courage it took to stay in the industry.

The Timeline of a Struggle

The period Rei referred to aligns with her April 2023 hiatus. At that time, Starship Entertainment announced that Rei would temporarily halt all activities due to health concerns, specifically citing heart palpitations and anxiety symptoms.

This break occurred just as IVE was launching promotions for their first full-length album, I’ve IVE. While the group continued to dominate charts with hits like “I AM,” Rei was focusing on recovery. Her return in May 2023 was a relief to fans, but her recent comments suggest that the decision to return was far more difficult than it appeared on the surface.

Who Is Rei? The Rising Star of IVE

Born Naoi Rei in Japan, she debuted as the only Japanese member of IVE in December 2021. The group became an instant phenomenon, breaking records with their debut single “ELEVEN.”

Key Achievements of IVE:

• Song of the Year: Their hit “Love Dive” won Song of the Year at the 2022 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
• Million-Sellers: Their first studio album, I’ve IVE, surpassed 1.1 million pre-orders.
• Global Impact: The group is currently on their first world tour, "Show What I Have."

'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' and a New Purpose

One of the projects that helped reignite Rei’s passion was her involvement in K-Pop: Demon Hunters. Originally announced as a project involving veteran talent from Moana and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the film follows a world-famous K-pop girl group who secretly slay demons between concert stops.

Rei’s involvement—whether through voice acting or the soundtrack—represents a major bridge between the K-pop world and global animation. Appearing at preview events alongside collaborators like EJAE and Audrey, Rei expressed that the project reminded her why she fell in love with entertainment.

Watch: IVE - "I AM" Official Music Video

Mental Health in the K-Pop Industry

Rei’s story is part of a growing conversation regarding mental health in South Korea’s music industry. In recent years, major idols like TWICE’s Jeongyeon and BTS’s Suga have been open about their struggles with anxiety and depression.

The support from her fellow members—Yujin, Gaeul, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo—was instrumental in Rei’s decision to stay. IVE’s leader, An Yujin, recently shared on social media how the group rallied around Rei, emphasizing that "she is not alone."

Looking Forward: Resilience and World Tours

Today, Rei is back in the spotlight with renewed energy. Following the release of the EP "I’ve Mine" in late 2023, Rei has been a standout performer on IVE's world tour, showcasing her signature rap style and charismatic stage presence.

“I’m so thankful I held on,” Rei reflected. “Now I want to keep doing music for a long, long time—together with IVE and for our DIVEs.”

With the upcoming release of K-Pop: Demon Hunters and a packed global schedule, Rei’s journey from the brink of quitting to reclaiming her star power serves as a testament to her resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Rei still in IVE? A: Yes, Rei is an active member of IVE and has returned from her 2023 health hiatus to participate in all group activities and their world tour.

Q: What is the movie K-Pop: Demon Hunters about? A: It is an animated musical action-adventure film centered on a K-pop group that balances being global superstars with a secret life as demon hunters.

Q: Where can I see Rei's interview? A: The revelation was made during a collaborative interview feature with EJAE and Audrey Magazine, which has been widely shared across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Q: Who are the members of IVE? A: IVE consists of six members: Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo.