Radiant Revival: Red Velvet makes long-awaited comeback with Velvet Summer

Mikaela Ariar, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 5, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Red Velvet | YT)

SOUTH KOREA – K-pop’s summer queens, Red Velvet, just made a comeback with their mini album Velvet Summer after a two-year hiatus. Released on August 3, the album was accompanied by a music video for its lead single Surfin’ Boy.

The return came after their 2024 release Cosmic and marks Joy, Seulgi, Irene, Wendy, and Yeri’s first collaboration since two members signed with different agencies.

According to reports, the album “explores a vibrant range of summer sounds and moods, drawing from bossa nova, reggae, dance-pop, classical and acoustic influences.”

Below are the songs featured on Red Velvet’s Velvet Summer:

Surfin’ Boy
Hot Girls Cold Vibe
Orchestra
Hula Hoop
Hawaii

Moreover, member Joy wrote the lyrics for Surfin’ Boy and helped with the writing process of Hawaii, which led ReveLuvs to praise her songwriting talent.

Famous for summer hits such as Red Flavor (2017) and Power Up (2018), the five-member group revisited the energy fans fell in love with while also exploring a broader sonic palette.