7 most viewed Red Velvet MV’s explored as the group celebrates the 10th anniversary with EP Cosmic

Red Velvet is set to release a new EP, Cosmic, on June 24 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut. The group's agency, SM Entertainment, announced they would introduce a completely new style of summer music in this upcoming EP.

This follows the release of their third full-length album, Chill Kill, in November 2023 and their first Japanese album, Bloom, in 2022. The South Korean girl group, which includes Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri, debuted in August 2014 with the single Happiness.

Since then, they've released numerous hits like Red Flavor (2017), Power Up (2018), Umpah Umpah (2019), and Queendom (2021). In 2023, Red Velvet embarked on their fourth world tour, "R To V."

The group sold out concerts in Singapore and successfully performed at venues across Asia, including Yokohama, Manila, Bangkok, and Jakarta. They also performed in European cities such as Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam, wrapping up in London in June 2023.

Some of the most-played Red Velvet MVs of all time

Here are the most-played songs of the band:

Bad Boy
Psycho
Russian Roulette
Peek a boo
Red Flavour
Dumb Dumb
Monster

1) Bad Boy

In 2018, Red Velvet released the music video for Bad Boy, which received widespread acclaim from fans for its unique production. This video has become the group's most-watched, amassing over 400 million views to date.

The Bad Boy music video features seamless transitions between scenes and themes, enhancing its visual appeal. It complements the song's message of confidence and empowerment, depicting a strong individual confronting challenges, particularly those posed by 'bad boys.'

The lyrics highlight overcoming manipulation and asserting dominance with feminine strength. The track's themes of self-assertion and independence are characteristic of Red Velvet's signature style.

2) Psycho

Psycho, released in 2019, stands out as one of Red Velvet's most popular music videos. The song intricately blends intense and captivating emotions experienced in love.

This music video seamlessly portrays various emotional facets of individuals in a relationship. The lyrics delve into the highs and lows of deeply committed love, which may seem unconventional to others.

Despite frequent conflicts and unique dynamics, the couple remains unable to separate from each other. The title suggests a feeling of mental turmoil arising from the complexities of their relationship.

3) Russian Roulette

Russian Roulette ( Image via YouTube/SMTOWN)

Red Velvet's track Russian Roulette explores the intricacies of romantic relationships. Initially released in 2016, the song's accompanying music video has gained significant popularity among Red Velvet fans.

The song uses the analogy of a perilous game to symbolize the dynamics of relationships. Its lyrics depict a situation where the protagonist feels the need to conceal their true emotions, suggesting an uneven or secretive relationship.

Repeated mentions of 'Russian Roulette' emphasize the risks involved in pursuing this love despite the potential for emotional harm. Phrases like 'I feel your heart b-b-beat all over me' convey a strong connection, yet also hint at doubts and mistrust. Despite acknowledging the possibility of heartache, the protagonist is willing to take the gamble, recognizing the conflict between desire and self-preservation.

4) Peek A Boo

Peek A Boo, another highly-viewed Red Velvet music video, was released in 2017 as the title track of their second full-length album, Perfect Velvet. The song features an upbeat pop sound characterized by a smooth synth melody and a lively drumline.

The lyrics portray a game of cat and mouse, where the members present themselves as alluring figures playing hard to get. The music video enhances this eerie atmosphere, depicting Red Velvet as murderers targeting delivery boys.

Their striking presence, showcased through bold red costumes and colorful attire, adds to the visual appeal. The storyline unfolds as the pizza delivery boy becomes their unsuspecting target, ensnared in their enigmatic home.

Dance sequences symbolize their intense focus on the object of their desire, leaving viewers with a captivating yet slightly unsettling experience. Peek-A-Boo's music video by Red Velvet delivers compelling visuals, harmonious vocals, and captivating storytelling.

5) Red Flavour

Red Velvet is recognized by fans for its diverse music videos, and Red Flavor is no exception, released in 2017. The song opens with the members seated, surrounded by oversized fruits.

This lively pop anthem captures the essence of summer and the excitement of youthful romance. The lyrics, rich in vivid imagery and metaphors, evoke the feeling of a sweet and thrilling love, much like ripe strawberries in the summer sun.

The song's lively pace and infectious chorus create a sense of joy and enthusiasm. Through references to corner candy shops and the taste of summer, this Red Velvet music video explores themes of youth, innocence, and nostalgia.

6) Dumb Dumb

Dumb Dumb remains one of Red Velvet's most-watched music videos to date. The track is lively and playful, showcasing the band members' quirky behavior. Throughout the chorus, the repetition of the word "Dumb" reflects the singer's humorous view of their own actions.

The facial expressions of the members convey various emotions associated with being in love. The lyrics describe the singer's inability to control physical responses, like a racing heartbeat and awkward gestures, likening herself to a malfunctioning mannequin or robot to illustrate her lack of composure.

The song cleverly integrates nods to Michael Jackson, incorporating titles such as Beat It, Billie Jean, and Man in the Mirror to illustrate the complex dynamics of romantic relationships and the quest for clarity. These references add layers of meaning, exploring themes of identity, perception, and the desire for depth beyond surface appearances.

7) Monster

In 2020, Red Velvet's MV Monster emerged as another popular hit. Sung by IRENE and SEULGI, the song delves into the concept of inner conflict and the shadowy aspects of human nature.

The lyrics depict a battle between the public personas of the singers and an inner 'monster' that emerges in darkness. Phrases like 'dancer in the dark' and engaging in mysterious, almost sinister actions like spell-casting create an atmosphere of mystery and dominance.

The song explores the notion of embracing one's darker nature instead of shunning it. Through the repetition of 'I'm a little monster,' the MV delivers a strong affirmation of the singers' multifaceted identities. They acknowledge the existence of a more perilous, unpredictable aspect of themselves that can be both intriguing and intimidating.

These are some of the most viewed songs of the Red Velvet so far.

Edited by Gayatri Chivukula