Highlights
- SM Entertainment released Velvet Summer on August 3, ending a 26-month hiatus after their June 2024 mini-album Cosmic.
- The five-track EP topped iTunes album charts in 15 regions and produced over $30,000 USD in digital sales, according to China's QQ Music platform.
- High demand for a pre-release anniversary event at Korea University prompted SM Entertainment to add a third date after the original run sold out in presales.
SM Entertainment group Red Velvet returned to commercial charts on August 3 with the mini-album Velvet Summer, marking the act's first full-group project since June 2024's Cosmic. All songs from the EP entered domestic South Korean platforms like Melon. Notably, the lead track Surfin' Boy debuted at No. 1 on Bugs, a well-known local music streaming service in the country.
Velvet Summer also reached No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart in 15 international regions, including Denmark, Sweden, Chile, Peru, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Paraguay, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Simultaneously, the EP also entered the top 10 across 28 territories for the same chart.
Velvet Summer Triggers Significant Revenue Performance in China
The release established early digital traction across Chinese streaming networks. The EP topped QQ Music's digital album sales and overall Korean music video charts, while earning a Gold Certification after surpassing 250,000 Chinese yuan (~ $37,023 USD) in sales.
Additional distribution channels reflected that performance as well. Velvet Summer ranked first on KuGou Music’s digital album sales chart as well as Tencent Music’s integrated K-pop chart, spread across five distinct platforms.
Live Demand and Portfolio Positioning of Red Velvet
To support Red Velvet’s first rollout in over 2 years, SM Entertainment hosted a fan concert titled ‘A Day in Red & Velvet’ from July 31 to August 2 at Korea University's Hwajeong Tiger Dome. The original two-date booking sold out in the fan club presales, pushing SM to add an extra date on July 31. Notably, the group’s August 1 show coincided with the group's 12th debut anniversary, making the performance even more special.
Velvet Summer builds on SM Entertainment's strategy of utilizing Red Velvet's "Summer Queen" identity, built on seasonal summer hits like Red Flavor, Power Up, Umpah Umpah, and Queendom. The EP’s title track, Surfin' Boy, notably features lyrics co-written by group member Joy. The song utilizes bossa nova guitar, reggae rhythms, and house grooves, alongside a broader tracklist that includes songs like Hot Girls Cold Vibe, Orchestra, Hawaii, and Happy Birthday.
