KUALA LUMPUR: Red Velvet may just be the next best thing to come out from South Korea.
Comprising five all-girl members, the group is the latest act produced by South Korea's talent agency S.M. Entertainment.
Showing signs that it has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of its internationally-successful seniors such as SUPER JUNIOR, Girls’ Generation and SHINee, Red Velvet debuted its first single Happiness last August.
Initially featuring only four members - Seulgi, Irene, Joy and Wendy, the group is rapidly gaining popularity with the addition of a new member, Yeri, and the release of its first EP, Ice Cream Cake, last March.
“We have worked on it for quite a long time and diligently too!” Joy, 19, said in an interview recently.
Irene, 24, added: “I am really excited. There are several songs in the EP that really highlight our vocals.”
Wendy, 21, agreed that it felt great to release the group’s first mini-album but the new progress in their career was also leaving the members feeling a tad bit anxious.
“It feels like now is really the time to actually show our stuff. The pressure is on and I can feel it,” she added.
“With our new member Yeri and through the love of our fans, we promise to do our best,” said Joy.
Two lead singles were released before the EP, namely Ice Cream Cake and Automatic, complete with the music videos.
Ice Cream Cake topped Gaon's Weekly Album Sales Chart in its first week and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's World Albums Chart.
Its single, Ice Cream Cake, rose to No. 3 on Billboard's World Digital Songs Chart, while Automatic peaked at No. 9.
On March 27, the group won its first music show trophy on Music Bank.
Win!
New Straits Times is giving away a signed copy of Red Velvet’s EP Ice Cream Cake, and also S.M. Entertainment artiste AMBER’s EP Beautiful, both courtesy of S.M. Entertainment. To win, simply answer the question and complete the slogan:
1. Name three artistes under S.M. Entertainment other than AMBER and Red Velvet.
Slogan: S.M. Entertainment produces great talents in music because _______________________ (not more than 20 words).
Email your entries to nstentertainment@gmail.com with the subject “NST/S.M. Entertainment Album Giveaway” by May 23. Two (2) entries with the best answer and slogan will win the albums.
Also include your details (full name, IC number, contact number, mailing address) in your email.
Rules & regulations:
1. Judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entertained.
2. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.
For a more in-depth interview with Red Velvet members, get a copy of today's Life&Times.