Red Velvet returns with mini album 'Velvet Summer' after two years

Red Velvet returned as a full group on August 3, releasing their mini album 'Velvet Summer' across major music platforms at 6 PM KST. The record is the group’s first full-team release in two years and two months, following 2024’s 'Cosmic.'

'Velvet Summer' carries five tracks spanning reggae, bossa nova, acoustic, classical, and dance. Title track "Surfin' Boy" leans on reggae rhythms, dreamy bossa nova guitar, and house grooves for a calmer, more mature take on the group’s summer sound.

Since debuting in 2014 with "Happiness," Red Velvet has built a reputation as one of K-pop’s "summer queens" through hits such as "Red Flavor," "Power Up," "Umpah Umpah," and "Queendom." "Surfin' Boy" trades those high-energy anthems for the feeling of a beach at sunset rather than the midday heat.

In an interview with the Korea Times on August 3, Seulgi said the bossa nova style felt especially charming. "The moment I heard the demo, I could already hear Red Velvet’s voices in it," she shared. She added that the members hoped their own maturity would come through after time apart on solo activities.

Member Joy wrote the lyrics for "Surfin' Boy" and the track "Hawaii." She explained that the words carry the warmth of summer memories and the wish to build more of them with fans, ReVeluv.

Ahead of the release, Red Velvet performed "Surfin' Boy" for the first time at their Seoul fan concert. 'Velvet Summer' is now available on all major streaming platforms.