Red Velvet rides a sold-out summer wave with full-group comeback

Red Velvet has returned as a full five-member group after 2 years and 2 months. This is the first new release and full-group activity featuring all five members since Wendy and Yeri left SM Entertainment for individual activities last year.

Red Velvet entered their official comeback phase on the 3rd with the release of their summer mini-album 'Velvet Summer.' This comeback marks their first full-group release in approximately 2 years and 2 months since 'Cosmic' in June 2024.

This promotional period was prepared with a lineup encompassing both performances and content. From the 31st of last month to the 2nd of this month, Red Velvet held the fan concert 'A Day in Red & Velvet' at the Hwajeong Gymnasium of Korea University in Seoul. The performances, originally scheduled for two sessions, were already sold out during the pre-sale stage, leading to a complete sell-out even for the additional shows. At this event, the members unveiled the stage for the title track 'Surfin' Boy' for the first time ahead of the digital release.

New Album 'Velvet Summer' Featuring Joy's Songwriting

The new album 'Velvet Summer' contains a total of five tracks. The title track 'Surfin' Boy' combines bossa nova guitar melodies with reggae rhythms and house grooves.

Included tracks are 'Hot Girls Cold Vibe,' which emphasizes beat changes; 'Orchestra,' a reinterpretation of Henry Mancini's 'Lujon'; the medium-tempo pop track 'Hula Hoop'; and the acoustic pop track 'Hawaii.' Notably, member Joy participated in writing the lyrics for both 'Surfin' Boy' and 'Hawaii.'

Music Show Appearances and Reality Show Release Schedule

Red Velvet's comeback activities will continue through broadcasts and self-produced content. Starting with the 'M COUNTDOWN' stage on the 6th, they will successively appear on KBS2 'Music Bank' on the 7th and the '2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer' stage on the 9th. Starting on the 14th, the solo reality show 'Level Up Project 6,' returning after approximately 4 years, will be released in three episodes through Mnet and Wavve.

Meanwhile, Joy recently participated in a dance challenge with Ive's Rei. In a video uploaded to SM Town Red Velvet's official social media on the 7th, Joy and Rei showcased short tassel-cut hairstyles while participating in the challenge together.