Members of K-pop girl group Red Velvet, from left, Joy, Yeri, Irene, Seulgi and Wendy, perform during the group’s fan concert 2026 Red Velvet FAN-CON “A Day in Red & Velvet” at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Red Velvet Returns with “Velvet Summer”
K-pop darlings Red Velvet have made a much-anticipated return, melting hearts with their new mini-album “Velvet Summer.” This comeback marks their first full-group release in over two years, moving away from their signature blazing summer anthems to embrace a more serene, “sunset mood.” The five-piece group, consisting of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri, last released music together with “Cosmic” in June 2024, making this July 2026 return a significant moment for ReVeluv worldwide.
The five-track album is fronted by the captivating lead single “Surfin’ Boy,” a refreshing dance number characterized by crisp production and Red Velvet’s iconic dreamy vocal harmonies. A notable highlight of this release is member Joy’s solo lyrical contribution to “Surfin’ Boy,” a first for the team. She poured her heart into the lyrics, reflecting on life’s warmest summers and the promise of creating even more radiant memories. “I was able to pour out everything I wanted to say to Red Velvet and our fans while writing these lyrics,” Joy shared in a written interview, adding, “I wanted to convey that whenever we meet again, we can build memories even more beautiful than before. Seulgi even sent me a message praising how singable the lyrics were after mine were chosen. I was so happy I nearly cried.”
K-pop girl group Red Velvet / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
A New “Velvety” Summer Sound
Seulgi elaborated on the group’s new sonic direction, noting a departure from their high-energy past summer hits like “Red Flavor” (2017) and “Umpah Umpah” (2019). “The moment I heard the demo, I could already hear Red Velvet’s voices in it,” Seulgi explained. “The bossa nova genre felt so appealing. Our past summer songs were intense and full of energy, but this time we captured a more ‘velvety’ summer mood, like watching the sunset over a beach rather than standing under the midday sun.” Wendy echoed this sentiment, describing “Velvet Summer” as an ode to the lazier, more reflective side of the season. “Summer has its hot, vibrant moments, but there are also days when you just want to do nothing and take it slow,” she said. “This album captures that languid, mature summer sensibility.”
Fan-Con Excitement and Sneak Peeks
The comeback followed a spectacular three-day sold-out fan concert, “2026 Red Velvet FAN-CON ‘A Day in Red & Velvet’,” held at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul from Friday to Sunday. During these highly anticipated events, the group gave fans a sneak peek of “Surfin’ Boy” and the B-side “Hula Hoop.” The setlist was a nostalgic journey through their discography, featuring beloved hits like “Dumb Dumb,” “Bad Boy,” and “Psycho,” alongside fan favorites such as “Blue Lemonade” and “Hit That Drum.”
K-pop girl group Red Velvet performs during its fan concert 2026 Red Velvet FAN-CON “A Day in Red & Velvet” at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Reunion, Growth, and Future Memories
For the members, the reunion after two years of individual pursuits in music, acting, and variety shows was undeniably the highlight. Leader Irene expressed her gratitude, “I’m so grateful to our ReVeluv who waited more than two years for us. Even the noisy practice room feels wonderful now that we’re all together again.” Irene also shared a humorous behind-the-scenes moment from the “Surfin’ Boy” music video shoot on Jeju Island. “It kept raining when we were supposed to film the mermaid look,” she recalled with a laugh. “I ended up running back to our lodging to grab luggage with my full hair and makeup still on, mermaid ears and all.” When asked about her favorite B-side, Yeri enthusiastically chose “Hula Hoop,” stating, “The moment you hear it, summer comes to mind. It would be perfect to play on a summer drive or a trip.”
K-pop girl group Red Velvet / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
With each member having established thriving solo careers, they collectively believe this time apart has only strengthened their group identity. “Since we’re reuniting after our individual activities, I think each of us has grown a lot,” Seulgi reflected. “We worked on this album hoping our own kind of maturity would come through.” Wendy beautifully encapsulated the group’s aspirations for the future with their fans: “I want to make enough happy memories with ReVeluv that the two years and two months will have been worth the wait. Let’s spend the summer of 2026 happily, together with Red Velvet.”
