"I Am" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Ive for their first studio album I've Ive. It was released as the album's lead single by Starship Entertainment on April 10, 2023. Its lyrics were written by Kim Eana whilst composition was handled by Ryan S. Jhun, Kristin Marie Skolem, Audun Agnar Guldbrandsen, and Eline Noelia Myreng.
"I Am" was a commercial success in South Korea and topped the Circle Digital Chart for six weeks, becoming Ive's fourth number-one single. It also reached the top ten in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The song has been certified platinum for streaming in South Korea.
On March 16, 2023, Starship Entertainment announced that Ive would be releasing their first studio album, titled I've Ive, on April 10.[1] It was also announced that the album would contain 11 tracks, including a lead single written by Kim Eana and composed by Ryan S. Jhun.[2] On April 2, the track listing was released with "I Am" announced as the lead single.[3] On April 8, the music video teaser was released.[4] A day later, the highlight medley teaser video was released.[5] The song was released alongside the album and its music video on April 10.[6]
Composition
"I Am" was written by Kim Eana, composed and arranged by Ryan S. Jhun, Kristin Marie Skolem, and Audun Agnar Guldbrandsen, with Eline Noelia Myreng participating in the composition.[7] It was described as a song with lyrics with "strong message" about "having a self-reliant and confident attitude in life and to discover a different me from yesterday".[8] "I Am" was composed in the key of E minor, with a tempo of 122 beats per minute.[9]
Critical reception
On NME's midyear list of the best K-pop songs of 2023, Ivana E. Morales wrote that the song "is pop greatness helmed by an ascending vocal prowess that gets more splendid as it goes" and called it "a declaration of the group’s sonic realm".[10]Dazed ranked it at number 19 in their list of the Top 50 best K-pop tracks of 2023,[11] and Grammy named it one of the 15 K-pop songs that defined 2023.[12]Billboard ranked "I Am" number 3 in their list of the 25 Best K-pop Songs of 2023, praising its production and remarked "both song and group feel absolutely unstoppable — so when the sextet sings 'I’m on my way' on the pre-chorus, you have no choice but to believe them."[13]
"I Am" debuted at number two on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart in the chart issue dated April 9–15, 2023;[16] and ascended to number one the following week.[17] On its component charts, it debuted at number three on the Circle Download Chart and the Circle Streaming Chart,[18][19] and number four on the Circle BGM Chart.[20] The song became their third song to achieve a perfect all-kill (PAK).[21] The song also debuted at number one on the BillboardSouth Korea Songs in the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[22] In Japan, the song debuted at number 17 on the Billboard JapanHot 100 in the chart issue dated April 19, 2023;[23] on its component charts, the song debuted at number 20 on the Top Download Songs,[24] and number 14 on the Top Streaming Songs.[25] On the Oricon Combined Singles, the song debuted at number 21 in the chart issue dated April 24, 2023.[26]
In Singapore, "I Am" debuted at number ten on the RIAS Top Streaming Songs,[27] and number seven on the RIAS Top Regional Songs in the chart issue dated August 19–25, 2022.[28] The song also debuted at number ten on the Billboard Singapore Songs on the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[29] In Vietnam, the song debuted at number 19 on the Billboard VietnamHot 100 in the chart issue dated April 20, 2023.[30] In Malaysia, the song debuted at number ten on the Billboard Malaysia Songs in the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[31] In Hong Kong, the song debuted at number seven on the BillboardHong Kong Songs in the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[32] In Taiwan, the song debuted at number five on the Billboard Taiwan Songs in the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[33]
In the United States, "I Am" debuted at number seven on the BillboardWorld Digital Song Sales in the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[34] In New Zealand, the song debuted at number 12 on the RMNZ Hot Singles in the chart issue dated April 17, 2023,[35] ascending to number 11 in the following week.[36] In United Kingdom, the song debuted at number nine on the OCCUK Indie Breakers in the chart issue dated April 14–20, 2023.[37] Globally, the song debuted at number 52 on the BillboardGlobal 200,[38] and number 30 on the BillboardGlobal Excl. U.S in the chart issue dated April 22, 2023.[39] It ascended to number 11 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. in the following week.[40]
Promotion
Prior to the release of I've Ive, on April 10, 2023, Ive held a press conference to introduce the album and its songs, including "I Am", and to communicate with their fans.[41] A day later, it was announced that Rei would be suspending her activities temporarily due to poor health.[42] The group subsequently performed without Rei for the remaining of their promotion starting with four music programs in the first week: Mnet's M Countdown in April 13,[43]KBS's Music Bank in April 14,[44]MBC's Show! Music Core on April 15,[45] and SBS's Inkigayo on April 16.[46] On the second week, they performed on five music programs: SBS M's The Show on April 18,[47]M Countdown on April 20,[48]Music Bank on April 21,[49] and Show! Music Core on April 22,[50] and Inkigayo on April 23,[51] where they won first place for all appearances.
↑Park, Seo-hyun (March 17, 2023). "아이브, 4월 10일 첫 정규앨범 발매..8개월만 컴백(공식)" [Ive released his first full-length album on April 10.. Comeback after 8 months (official)] (in 한국어). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Moon, Wan-sik (March 17, 2023). "[단독]아이브, 스타 작사가 김이나와 손잡았다" [[Exclusive] Ive teamed up with star lyricist Eana Kim] (in 한국어). MT Star News. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Lee, Min-ji (April 3, 2023). "아이브, 첫 정규 앨범 트랙리스트 공개...안유진-장원영 첫 단독 작사" [Ive, the first full-length album track list released...Ahn Yu-jin - Jang Won-young's first solo lyricist] (in 한국어). Newsen. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Park, Ah-reum (April 9, 2023). "'컴백' 아이브, 성숙해진 비주얼+자신감 폭발 "넌 그냥 믿으면 돼"" ['Comeback' Ive, matured visual + confidence explosion "You just have to believe"] (in 한국어). Newsen. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Ahn, Yun-ji (April 10, 2023). "아이브 타임 시작됐다.."어제와 다른 나" 외친 'I AM'[6시★살롱]" [Ive time has begun.."I am different from yesterday" [6:00 Salon]] (in 한국어). MT Star News. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Naver.
↑"I've Ive" (in 한국어). Kakao Entertainment. Starship Entertainment. April 10, 2023. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Melon.
↑Kim, Na-young (April 9, 2023). "아이브, 신보 타이틀곡 'I Am' 영상 공개...'시선 강탈' 세련된 비주얼" [Ive, new album title song 'I Am' video release...'Eye-catching' sophisticated visuals] (in 한국어). MK Sports. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023 – via Naver.
↑"週間 合算シングルランキング – 2023年04月24日付" [Oricon Weekly Total Single Ranking – April 24, 2023]. Oricon (in 日本語). April 24, 2023. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
↑Kim, Ye-na (April 10, 2023). "'컴백' 아이브 "첫 정규 감회 새로워, 받은 사랑 보답할 것"" ['Comeback' Ive "It's new for my first full-length experience, I will repay the love I received"] (in 한국어). X-port News. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Hwang, Hye-jin (April 11, 2023). "아이브 레이 측 "활동 일시 중단, 치료 필요하다는 의료진 소견"[공식]" [Ive Rei's side "temporary suspension of activities, medical opinion that treatment is necessary" [Official]] (in 한국어). Newsen. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Lee, Ye-jin (April 13, 2023). "블랙핑크 지수, 솔로로 1위...아이브, '활동 중단' 레이 없이 5인조 무대 (엠카)[종합]" [Blackpink's Jisoo, solo first place...Ive, 5-member stage (Mcountdown) without Rei, 'stopping activity' [Comprehensive]] (in 한국어). X-port News. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Shim, Min-kyung (April 14, 2023). "[뮤직뱅크] 매순간 가장 빛나는 소녀들! Ive 의 새로운 판타지 ♪I Am" [[Music Bank] Girls who shine the brightest every moment! Ive's new fantasy ♪ I Am] (in 한국어). KBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Yoo, Soo-yeon (April 15, 2023). "'쇼! 음악중심' 지수, 방송 출연없이 1위...아이브·박지훈 등 컴백 [종합]" ['Show! Music Core' Jisoo, 1st place without appearing on TV...Ive, Park Ji-hoon, etc. Comeback [Comprehensive]] (in 한국어). Osen. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑Lee, Seung-gil (April 15, 2023). "'인기가요' 블랙핑크 지수, 1위 트로피...아이브·뉴진스 꺾었다 [종합]" ['Inkigayo' Blackpink Jisoo 1st place trophy...Ive ·New Jeans defeated [Comprehensive]] (in 한국어). My Daily. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑ 47.047.1Min, Kyung-hun (April 18, 2023). "[사진]아이브,'더쇼 1위! 기뻐요'" [[Photo] Ive, 'The Show 1st place! happy'] (in 한국어). Osen. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑ 48.048.1Kim, Soo-hyeong (April 20, 2023). "'1위' 아이브도 소감생략..故문빈 무겁게 '애도' "부디 평안하길" ('엠카') [종합" ['1st place' Ive omitted their feelings...The late Moonbin heavy 'mourning' "Please be at peace" ('Mcountdown') [Comprehensive]] (in 한국어). Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑ 49.049.1Lee, Seung-hun (April 21, 2023). "'뮤뱅' 아이브 1위..故 문빈 애도 "잊지 않고 기억할 것"[종합]" ['Mubang' Ive won 1st place..Condolences to the late Moon Bin "I will remember without forgetting" [Comprehensive]] (in 한국어). MT Star News. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑ 50.050.1Choi, Hye-jin (April 22, 2023). "'음중' 故 문빈에 전원 묵념→앙코르 무대 생략 "깊은 애도" [★밤TView]" ['Music Core' All silent for the late Moonbin → Skip the encore stage "Deep condolences" [Night TView]] (in 한국어). MT Star News. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑ 51.051.1Oh, Yoon-joo (April 23, 2023). ""항상 밝았던 故 문빈"...'인기가요' 묵념 추모, 아이브 1위 앙코르 생략 [종합]" ["The late Moonbin who was always bright"...'Inkigayo' silent memorial service, omission of Ive's 1st place encore [Comprehensive]] (in 한국어). My Daily. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023 – via Naver.
↑"【APMA 2023】亚洲流行音乐大奖2023年度获奖名单" [[APMA 2023] Asian Pop Music Awards 2023 Winners List]. Weibo (in 中文). December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
↑Lee, Da-gyeom (January 10, 2024). NCT 드림, ‘2023 써클차트’ 디지털 앨범상...올해의 가수상은 20팀(종합) [NCT Dream won the '2023 Circle Chart' Digital Album Award... Singer of the Year Award goes to 20 teams (Comprehensive)] (in 한국어). Maeil Gyeongje. Retrieved January 10, 2024 – via Naver.
↑Lee, Tae-soo (February 18, 2024). 한터뮤직어워즈 대상에 NCT 드림·세븐틴 등 [Hanteo Music Awards Grand Prize Winners: NCT Dream, Seventeen, etc.] (in 한국어). Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved February 19, 2024 – via Naver.
↑"Melon Music Awards" MMA2023: 부문별 투표 [MMA2023: Voting by Category]. Melon (in 한국어). Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023. (Note: Tap or click on each subheading to view nominees in the various categories e.g. tap or click on "올해의 앨범" to view nominees for Album of the Year.)
↑"아이브 '아이엠' 식지 않는 열기… 인기가요 1위 트로피 주인공" [Ive's 'I Am' heat that does not cool down ... Inkigayo 1st place trophy]. MoneyS (in 한국어). Naver. June 18, 2023. Archived from the original on June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
↑"아이브 출연 없이 1위, NCT Dream→강다니엘 컴백 (인기가요)[종합]" [Ive wins 1st place without appearing, NCT Dream → Kang Daniel's comeback (Inkigayo) [comprehensive]]. Newsen (in 한국어). Naver. June 25, 2023. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
↑Kim Han-gil (April 27, 2023). '엠카' 아이브, 지수 꺾고 1위…태양·세븐틴·NCT 도재정 컴백 [종합] ['M Countdown' Ive, beats Jisoo to take 1st place... Taeyang·Seventeen·NCT Dojaejeong comeback [Comprehensive]]. TV Daily. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.