IVE’s Rei Reveals She “Barely Got Anything” from Her First Paycheck Despite Busy Group Activities
IVE’s Japanese member Rei has opened up about her first earnings since debuting, revealing a surprisingly modest start despite the group’s overwhelming success. Her candid remarks will be featured on the March 28 episode of MBN and Channel S’s foodie-travel variety show “Moo No Plan 2.”
In the upcoming episode, hosts Jun Hyun-moo and content creator Kwak Tube travel to Tokushima, a small city in Japan, in search of local delicacies like okonomiyaki and the premium Awa beef. Joining them are Kim Jong-min and IVE’s Rei, who becomes the group’s “food guide” for the day.
Rei shares that a Japanese friend recommended a famous okonomiyaki spot, and she confidently declares, “Trust me and follow me!” Her enthusiasm and initiative even extend to handling the restaurant reservation herself.
As they enjoy the savory okonomiyaki made by a local chef who may or may not recognize the idol famous for helping IVE sell out Tokyo Dome, Jun Hyun-moo shifts the mood with a heartfelt question, “When you got your first paycheck, did you buy something for your parents?”
Rei responds sincerely, “I didn’t get much in my first payout, so I couldn’t buy them anything right away. But I later gave them everything I had saved up little by little.”
Her answer touched both the cast and viewers, showing the idol’s humility and deep love for her family despite the fame and glamour surrounding IVE’s career.
Earlier in the show, Rei also had fans laughing when her entrance surprised Kwak Tube, who had been daydreaming about iconic Japanese K-pop idols like Taeyeon, Giselle, Momo, and Sakura. Realizing it was Rei, he quickly switched from dancing to TWICE’s “Cheer Up” to IVE’s “ATTITUDE” to save face.
Following their okonomiyaki adventure, the crew heads into Tokushima city to seek out Awa beef, another regional specialty. Once again, Rei takes charge, saying, “Leave the arrangements to me!” Her proactive spirit and charm continue to shine as the group compares the flavors of Korean hanwoo and Japanese Awa beef in a culinary face-off.
Rei’s grounded attitude despite IVE’s skyrocketing popularity not only warmed hearts but also offered a rare glimpse into the realities behind the scenes of K-pop stardom.