Red Velvet Returns as a Full Group with 'Velvet Summer' After 2 Years and 2 Months

Red Velvet has returned with their mini-album 'Velvet Summer' approximately 2 years and 2 months after their June 2024 release 'Cosmic'. The title track, 'Surfin' Boy', is a dance song blending bossa nova and reggae rhythms, with lyrics written by Joy adding depth to the composition. Prior to the comeback, the fan concert 'A Day in Red & Velvet' sold out all seats, further building excitement.

On the afternoon of the 3rd, Red Velvet announced their glamorous return as the 'Summer Queens' by releasing the mini-album 'Velvet Summer' aimed at the summer season. The album features five tracks capturing various summer vibes, including the title track 'Surfin' Boy', which adds a smooth and mature charm. The title track is a dance song characterized by refreshing sounds and cool, dreamy vocal harmonies. The lyrics, written by member Joy, tell a story of reminiscing about the hottest summer and creating brilliant memories once again.

Red Velvet held a fan concert at the Kwangwoon University Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul from July 31 to August 2, revealing the title track 'Surfin' Boy' and the B-side track 'Hula Hoop' for the first time, receiving a hot response. The fan concert 'A Day in Red & Velvet' recorded a full sell-out, boosting comeback enthusiasm.

In a statement sent through their agency, SM Entertainment, Irene said, "I am so grateful to our Lovelies (fanbase nickname) who waited for us for over 2 years. It feels good to gather again after a long time; the practice room is lively, and everything feels wonderful." Sulli added, "I am very excited to share Red Velvet's music again. Since we are gathering after our solo activities, I feel our individual capabilities have grown significantly. We worked hard to capture our own maturity in the album, so please look forward to it."

Wendy stated, "I was truly excited preparing an album as a full group after a long time. I wanted to repay the time you waited with good music and stages, and I hope you enjoy 'Velvet Summer'." Joy said, "Now that we have met again, I want to engrave good memories and moments more deeply than ever before. It was touching and overwhelming to harmonize our voices with the members after such a long time. We prepared diligently with affectionate and tender hearts, so I hope this album becomes meaningful for everyone listening."

Yeri expressed, "I want to thank our Lovelies who waited for us for a very long time first and foremost. I also missed the time preparing with all five members. I hope this album becomes music like a gift that lets you spend the hot summer coolly. I hope our hearts are well conveyed to the Lovelies, and I want to enjoy this activity together with you."

Wendy further explained, "Summer has hot and vibrant moments, but there are also days when you want to spend time leisurely doing nothing. This album 'Velvet Summer' and the title track 'Surfin' Boy' capture that languid and mature summer vibe, and I wanted to naturally show Red Velvet's diverse musical colors within it."

Sulli commented, "As soon as I heard the demo for the title track, I felt like I could hear Red Velvet's voices. I was confident that no one could digest this song better than us, and I liked the cool melody. I particularly found the bossa nova genre charming. While Red Velvet's past summer moods were often intense and energetic, this album captures a more 'velvety' summer mood as the name suggests. I think you will feel like looking at a beach at sunset rather than the hot summer noon."

Joy shared, "Personally, I was able to express my feelings toward Red Velvet and the fans well while writing the lyrics for this title track. I wanted to convey that we can build more beautiful and wonderful memories together than before when we meet like this. I hope my sincere heart, which cherishes and loves Red Velvet and the Lovelies, is conveyed. Also, I remember being moved to tears when Sulli praised my lyrics, saying she thoughtfully chose easy-to-pronounce words so they would be comfortable to sing."

Irene recalled, "We filmed in Jeju Island, and it rained. I should have filmed the mermaid outfit when it wasn't raining, but because it kept raining, I had to rush back to the accommodation to find the luggage I left behind. So, I vividly remember running into the accommodation with my hair and makeup undone, wearing mermaid ears. (Laughs)"

Yeri concluded, "It's 'Hula Hoop'. The refreshing atmosphere was truly charming, bringing summer to mind the moment you hear it. It is full of cool energy, so I felt good while recording. I think it will suit the Lovelies even more when they listen to it while driving or traveling on a hot summer day."