K-pop girl group Red Velvet returns Monday with the mini album "Velvet Summer," the quintet's first full-group release since "Cosmic" in June 2024. The five-track EP trades the blazing energy of past summer anthems for a more reflective, sunset-tinged mood.

Since debuting under SM Entertainment in 2014, Red Velvet has built one of K-pop's most durable discographies around a signature dual concept: the bold, pop-driven "Red" side and the sultry, R&B-inflected "Velvet" side. That framework has made their summer releases — from "Red Flavor" (2017) to "Power Up" (2018) — seasonal staples in the industry, giving "Velvet Summer" a clear lineage to both extend and subvert.

The lead track, "Surfin' Boy," is a dance number anchored by crisp production and the group's signature dreamy vocal harmonies. Notably, member Joy penned the lyrics on her own — a first for the team — reflecting on the intensity of a defining summer and the promise of creating even brighter memories going forward.

"I was able to pour out everything I wanted to say to Red Velvet and our fans while writing these lyrics," Joy said in a written interview on Monday. "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."

According to Seulgi, "Surfin' Boy" represents a sonic shift away from the high-energy summer singles the group is known for, such as "Red Flavor" (2017) and "Umpah Umpah" (2019).

"The moment I heard the demo, I could already hear Red Velvet's voices in it," Seulgi said. "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 that sentiment, describing the album as a tribute to summer's quieter moments. "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."

The comeback follows a sold-out, three-day fan concert — 2026 Red Velvet FAN-CON "A Day in Red & Velvet" — held from Friday to Sunday at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul. During the shows, the group performed "Surfin' Boy" and the B-side "Hula Hoop" live for the first time. The setlist also included hits such as "Dumb Dumb," "Bad Boy," and "Psycho," alongside fan favorites "Blue Lemonade" and "Hit That Drum."

For the members, reuniting as a full group was the standout moment of the comeback. Over the past two years, each member pursued solo music, acting, and variety projects — a pattern increasingly common among third-generation K-pop acts navigating the post-peak years of their contracts, where individual brand-building runs alongside group activities.

"I'm so grateful to our ReVeluv who waited more than two years for us," leader Irene said, referring to the group's official fandom. "Even the noisy practice room feels wonderful now that we're all together again."

Irene also recounted a behind-the-scenes mishap from the 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 to choose a favorite B-side, Yeri selected "Hula Hoop." "The moment you hear it, summer comes to mind," she said. "It would be perfect to play on a summer drive or a trip."

With their solo careers now firmly established, the members say the time apart strengthened rather than diminished the group's collective identity.

"Since we're reuniting after our individual activities, I think each of us has grown a lot," Seulgi said. "We worked on this album hoping our own kind of maturity would come through."

Wendy concluded with the group's aspirations for the months ahead: "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."