Irene’s Unexpected Summer Essential Goes Viral
Recently, Red Velvet’s Irene garnered significant attention online after fans noticed her carrying something during a radio broadcast. It turns out she was holding a mugwort hot pack in the middle of summer!
Red Velvet’s Endearing Obsession with Hot Packs
This might seem unusual to many, especially during the sweltering heat.
오늘 서울 최고기온이라던데 쑥찜팩 샤갈 pic.twitter.com/eob2NqmpH9
F*ck, today is one of the hottest temperatures, and she has a mugwort hot pack.
But fans know just how obsessed the group is with these hot packs. It’s a running gag among ReVeluvs, who’ve seen countless instances of the members reaching for their beloved warmers, regardless of the season.
Fan: Red Velvet, the unofficial ambassadors for mugwort hot packs.
Seulgi: I’m not sure about the schedule I did today, but I think fans will love it. Yes, please appoint us as the mugwort hot-pack ambassadors! There isn’t a group that loves mugwort hot packs as much as us!
They are even known to have given out mugwort hot packs to the staff at events. This isn’t a new habit for Irene either; ReVeluvs have long observed her penchant for staying warm.
이 쑥찜팩 비공식 엠버서더그룹 왜케웃겨 pic.twitter.com/tDRPkty3vj
Red Velvet is giving out free mugwort hot packs! To our staff who work hard, please take one! Thank you always!
The hot packs could even be seen in photos of Irene during summer months. 
Her dedication to staying warm, even when the temperatures soar, has always been a unique and endearing trait.
Idols and Netizens React to Irene’s Summer Warmer
It seems even fellow idols can’t believe it. 
SHINee’s Minho also couldn’t hide his shock at Irene and previously posted a photo to his Instagram stories. 
Minho’s reaction perfectly encapsulated the general public’s amusement and slight confusion at Irene’s consistent hot pack usage.
I’m hot…but you’re cold?…
— Minho
As a result, K-Netizens expressed various opinions about using hot packs during the summer.
“Even if she only stays indoors, it’s still damn hot.” “At this level, they need to make her the brand model.” “I guess the heat doesn’t bother her.” “She’s always seen bundled up when going to outdoor concerts on a super hot day…” “But doesn’t this mean her body is in really bad condition, if she needs to use that in the middle of summer?” “I don’t sweat much either and hate the AC, so I understand her.” “My friend who gets cold easily usually says it feels warm when they go out in 36-degree weather…I wonder if she is the same type…” Whether it’s for unique body constitution, personal preference, or health reasons, Irene’s commitment to her hot packs continues to be an endearing, if a slightly puzzling, part of her charming persona.
