Red Velvet Returns With 'Velvet Summer': "We Prepared It With Even More Affection"

Red Velvet made its full-group return Aug. 3 with the release of its new mini album, "Velvet Summer," their first comeback together since "Cosmic" in June 2024. The five-track EP is led by the title song "Surfin' Boy" and also features "Hula Hoop" and three additional B-sides.

Instead of revisiting the group's signature bright summer sound, "Velvet Summer" explores a softer, more mature atmosphere. Joy also wrote the lyrics for "Surfin' Boy," reflecting on cherished summer memories while looking forward to creating new ones with fans.

Ahead of the release, Red Velvet held a sold-out three-day fan concert at Seoul's Hwajeong Gymnasium, where the group debuted performances of "Surfin' Boy" and "Hula Hoop." The Aug. 1 show also celebrated the group's 12th debut anniversary, making the event especially meaningful for both the members and fans.

The following is a Q&A with Red Velvet regarding its return with "Velvet Summer," as provided by SM Entertainment.

Q. This marks your first full-group comeback since "Cosmic" in June 2024. How does it feel to release a new album together again after more than two years?

Irene: First of all, I want to thank ReVeluv for waiting so patiently. It feels so good to be together again, and even practicing together in a lively rehearsal room has been something I've really missed.

Seulgi: I'm excited that we can finally share Red Velvet's music again. Since we've all spent time focusing on our solo activities, I think we've grown individually, and I hope that maturity comes across in this album.

Wendy: It was so exciting to prepare another album as five members. We wanted to repay everyone who waited for us with great music and performances, and I hope people enjoy listening to "Velvet Summer."

Joy: Being together again made me realize how special it is to sing with the members. We prepared this album with even more affection than before, and I hope everyone who listens can feel that sincerity.

Yeri: I want to thank ReVeluv for waiting for us for such a long time. I hope this album feels like a gift that helps everyone get through the hot summer, and I can't wait to make more happy memories together during this promotion.

Q. What was your first impression of the title track "Surfin' Boy"? How is it different from Red Velvet's previous summer songs?

Seulgi: The moment I heard the demo, I could already imagine Red Velvet singing it. That made me confident that no one could pull off this song better than we could. I loved its refreshing melody, and I was especially drawn to the bossa nova influence. Our previous summer songs were often bright and energetic, but this one captures a softer, more "velvet" side of summer. Instead of the blazing afternoon sun, it feels like watching the sunset by the beach.

Q. Joy, you wrote the lyrics for the title track on your own. What did that experience mean to you?

Joy: I was able to express everything I wanted to say to both Red Velvet and our fans through these lyrics. I wanted to tell them that every time we reunite, we can create even more beautiful memories together. I also hope they can feel how much I love and cherish both Red Velvet and ReVeluv. When Seulgi told me she thought my lyrics were especially easy to sing because I had carefully considered the pronunciation, I was so touched that I almost cried.

Q. Do you have a message for the fans who waited for this comeback?

Irene: I know waiting for us was never something to be taken for granted, so I'm incredibly thankful. Let's make lots of happy memories together.

Seulgi: ReVeluv, how have you been? All of us prepared this album with you in our hearts more than ever before. Thank you for waiting and for missing us. I hope this album helps everyone enjoy a cool and happy summer.

Wendy: I hope we can make enough wonderful memories together during this promotion to make the two-year wait worthwhile. Thank you, as always, for your unwavering love and support. Let's spend this summer together with Red Velvet.

Joy: ReVeluv, thank you for waiting so patiently. We'll repay that patience with the best performances we can give. Thank you, and I love you all.

Yeri: Thank you so much for believing in us and waiting for us. Because of ReVeluv, we're able to stand on stage together again as five members. I hope we create many happy memories during this promotion. Please give lots of love to the album, and let's stay together for a long time.