Since debuting with IVE in December 2021, Rei—the group’s main rapper—has become a subject of much debate within the K-pop fan community. Her rapping abilities have met with both praise and skepticism, reflecting the differing ways fandoms evaluate an idol rapper based on technical standards, performance quality, and group roles.
Speed, Pronunciation, and Flow
One of the points most frequently mentioned by fans is Rei’s rap speed and pronunciation. On TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit, many suggest she can reach approximately 8.5 syllables per second, at one point ranking among the fastest female idol rappers. Her rap verses in “Royal” and “Love Dive” are described as “addictive” and easy to listen to, particularly since IVE’s music leans more toward mainstream pop than pure hip-hop.
Japanese and international fans also highly value Rei’s Korean pronunciation. Despite not being a native speaker, she is often noted for her clear articulation and minimal slurring, with some even remarking that she is “so fluent it’s hard to believe she is Japanese.” This is a significant advantage in the K-pop idol environment, where many foreign rappers face linguistic limitations.
Regarding flow and delivery, opinions are somewhat divided. One segment of fans believes Rei’s rap is cheerful, smooth, and perfectly suited for the K-pop style without overpowering the music. Some international reactors have even compared the feel of her rapping to Western melodic rap. However, others argue that her flow remains simple and lacks variety, not yet reaching a standout level when compared to more technically-oriented rappers.
Rap Writing Abilities
Rei has participated in writing lyrics for six IVE tracks, including “Royal,” “After LIKE,” “Kitsch,” “Hypnosis,” “Not Your Girl,” and “Next Page.” She primarily focuses on Korean rap verses, despite only beginning to learn the language during her trainee period before the group’s 2021 debut. She is also credited with the ability to write lyrics in three languages: Japanese, Korean, and English.
A notable school of thought suggests that Rei is the “ace of IVE”—the all-rounder who can rap, sing, and compose. Supporters believe she is the most balanced non-leader member in terms of skill, expression, and musicality. However, this view is not universally shared, as many fans argue that the “ace” standard in K-pop requires a more distinct level of excellence in at least one area.
Instead, the more common consensus is that Rei possesses versatility. Many fans feel her vocal tone is particularly well-suited for singing, even preferring her as a vocalist over a rapper. Nevertheless, they acknowledge that rapping is her personal passion rather than a role she was forced into.