Red Velvet is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment. The group debuted on August 1, 2014, with their digital single "Happiness." Red Velvet quickly gained popularity for their unique concept, versatile music styles, and strong vocal performances. The group consists of five members: Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri.
Before their debut, each member of Red Velvet went through a rigorous training period at SM Entertainment. Irene, the oldest member, trained for five years before her debut, while Seulgi trained for seven years. Wendy, originally from Canada, auditioned and joined SM Entertainment in 2012, and Joy joined in 2012 after winning an audition held by the company. Yeri, the youngest member, was added to the group in March 2015, several months after Red Velvet's debut.
Red Velvet's debut single, "Happiness," showcased the group's colorful and energetic style. However, the music video for the song faced some controversy due to some perceived insensitive imagery, leading to a partial re-editing and the delay of Red Velvet's official debut stage. Despite the initial setback, Red Velvet released their first mini-album, "Ice Cream Cake," in March 2015, which gained positive reviews and helped establish their musical identity.
Here's a breakdown of the members' roles as vocalists within Red Velvet:
Irene: Irene is the leader of Red Velvet. While she is primarily known for her captivating visuals and charismatic stage presence, she has also contributed as a rapper in some songs, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Seulgi: Seulgi is recognized for her powerful vocals and exceptional dancing skills. Although she is mainly known as a vocalist, she has occasionally displayed her rap abilities in certain performances and collaborations.
Wendy: Wendy is widely acknowledged for her exceptional vocal range and skill. She is considered the main vocalist of Red Velvet, often taking on challenging high notes and delivering emotional performances. Wendy has not showcased her rap skills extensively within the group.
Joy: Joy has a soulful and unique vocal tone, contributing to Red Velvet's diverse sound. While she primarily focuses on her vocal abilities, she has occasionally participated in rap sections and demonstrated her versatility in performances.
Yeri: Yeri joined Red Velvet as the youngest member and has primarily been recognized as a vocalist. She has showcased her singing abilities through various songs and performances.
In September 2015, Red Velvet released their first full-length album, "The Red." The album featured a mix of various musical genres, including pop, R&B, and funk. Its lead single, "Dumb Dumb," became a commercial success and solidified Red Velvet's position in the K-pop industry. The group continued to release successful albums and singles, with tracks like "Russian Roulette," "Red Flavor," and "Peek-A-Boo" becoming major hits.
In 2017, Red Velvet released their second full-length album, "Perfect Velvet," with the lead single "Peek-A-Boo." The album showcased a more mature and sophisticated side of the group, receiving critical acclaim and achieving commercial success. Red Velvet's popularity grew not only in South Korea but also internationally, leading to numerous music show wins and chart-topping achievements.
Tragedy struck in December 2019 when Wendy suffered a severe accident during rehearsals for the SBS Gayo Daejeon event. She sustained injuries to her face, wrist, and hip, leading to a lengthy hiatus to focus on her recovery. Wendy made her return in August 2020, and Red Velvet resumed activities as a group.
Red Velvet's discography continued to expand with successful releases such as the album "The ReVe Festival" trilogy, which included hit tracks like "Zimzalabim," "Psycho," and "Monster." They also gained recognition for their unique B-sides, harmonies, and experimental musical styles.
, Red Velvet members have pursued individual endeavors. Irene and Seulgi formed a sub-unit called "Irene & Seulgi" in 2020, releasing the mini-album "Monster." Wendy has showcased her vocal abilities through collaborations and OST (Original Soundtrack) contributions, while Joy has pursued acting and released her solo debut album, "Hello," in May 2021.
Throughout their career, Red Velvet has earned numerous accolades and nominations, both in South Korea and internationally. They have performed at various music award shows and concerts, gaining a reputation for their captivating performances, stylish visuals, and strong stage presence.
Red Velvet's fans are known as ReVeluvs. The fandom has grown in size and has actively supported the group through fan projects, fan art, fan events, and online communities. ReVeluvs have been praised for their dedication and creativity in supporting Red Velvet.
In addition to their group promotions, Red Velvet members have also participated in sub-unit and solo activities. Irene and Seulgi formed the sub-unit "Irene & Seulgi" in 2020 and released their mini-album "Monster," which showcased a darker and more experimental sound. Wendy has collaborated with various artists and has contributed to several OSTs for Korean dramas. Joy has pursued acting and has appeared in dramas such as "The Liar and His Lover" and "Tempted." Red Velvet has gained significant international recognition and has actively promoted their music outside of South Korea. They have performed at concerts and events in various countries, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and more. Their music has topped charts in countries like the United States, Canada, and Singapore, demonstrating their global popularity. Red Velvet is known for their unique concept that revolves around the duality of their music and visuals. They have two main concepts: "Red" and "Velvet." The "Red" concept represents their brighter and energetic side, often characterized by catchy pop songs with vibrant music videos. On the other hand, the "Velvet" concept showcases a more mature and sultry side, featuring R&B and ballad-inspired tracks that highlight their vocal abilities. Red Velvet has collaborated with various artists throughout their career. They have worked with renowned Korean artists like TVXQ's Yunho, NCT's Taeyong, and R&B singer Crush. In 2019, Red Velvet collaborated with Ellie Goulding and Diplo for the song "Close to Me" as part of a global project. They have also participated in special projects such as SM Entertainment's annual winter album releases and OST contributions for popular Korean dramas. Red Velvet has been involved in charitable activities and social causes. They have participated in campaigns such as "Share Happiness" with UNICEF, raising funds for children in need. Additionally, Red Velvet members have individually supported various charitable causes and have used their influence to promote positive social change.
Red Velvet has released several albums and singles throughout their career. Their discography includes albums like "The Red," "Perfect Velvet," "The Perfect Red Velvet," and the "ReVe Festival" trilogy, which consists of "Day 1," "Day 2," and "Finale." They have also released various special albums, repackaged albums, and extended plays (EPs) featuring a range of musical styles and genres.
Red Velvet has received numerous awards and accolades for their music and performances. They have won multiple awards at major music award shows in South Korea, including the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. They have also achieved significant milestones such as earning music show "triple crowns" (winning three consecutive weeks on a music program) and achieving "perfect all-kills" (simultaneously topping multiple music charts in South Korea).
Red Velvet members have appeared on various South Korean variety shows, showcasing their personalities, talents, and humor. They have participated in popular programs like "Knowing Bros," "Weekly Idol," "Running Man," and "Idol Room," among others. Their appearances on these shows have endeared them to fans and helped broaden their appeal beyond their music.
Red Velvet are well-rounded performers and have the ability to adapt to different roles within their music and performances. While their focus lies primarily on their vocal skills, they have demonstrated versatility in various aspects of their artistry.