For a decade, Red Velvet has been one of K-pop’s most distinctive girl groups, an ensemble praised for its voice, visuals, artistry and unrivaled dual concept versatility. Under SM Entertainment, the five-member lineup has shaped an entire generation of music lovers and critics.
Their 2024 EP Cosmic marked the group’s 10th anniversary, but little did fans know then that this dreamy and emotional MV would also become the entire group’s last comeback before the members went their separate ways. When Red Velvet entered 2025, 2 out of 5 members chose not to renew their exclusive contracts with SM, closing an important chapter in the group’s history.
“Cosmic”: the song that returns from the past to break hearts again
At the end of 2025, Cosmic unexpectedly blew up on Korean social media again, with comments like “I didn’t think much about it when it came out, but now it has a different effect,” AND “I’m not even a fan, but this song sticks with you.”
The reason? Not just its ethereal melody, but its meaning.
This was the song that closed the curtain Red VelvetThe first decade, a farewell hidden inside a sweet melody. Texts like “How about we stay a little longer?” has become a shared pain among fans, the longing for the return of all five members together, something the entire country “went crazy for”, but must now wait indefinitely.
The final scenes of the MV, five girls lit up in cosmic blue, have now become the symbol of an era that can no longer be easily replicated.
From “happiness” to legends: a decade of reinvention
He made his debut in 2014 with Happiness, Red Velvet they quickly became one of the best girl groups of the third generation of K-pop. Their discography Ice cream cake, Stupid stupid, Red flavour, Bad boy, Peek-A-Boo, Psycho it remains a masterclass in sonic diversity.
Their double identity distinguished them:
- The “Red” side: vibrant, energetic, youthful.
- The “Velvet” side: elegant, mature, soft.
International media outlets such as Billboard and Pitchfork highlighted the group for conceptual excellence, applauding the way each era carried its own artistic identity. Red Velvet became known as SM’s most conceptually coherent girl group, capable of shaping and redefining the aesthetic trends of K-pop.
A perfect formation now divided into different paths
As of 2025:
While the group will not be disbanded, the logistics of five different programs across different agencies mean a return of the entire group will be rare. Fans recognize that the frequency of OT5 “It will never be the same again.”
Red Velvet has long been called SM’s “most perfect lineup”:
- Irene: the iconic visual host with classic beauty.
- Wendy – one of the strongest singers of her generation.
- Seulgi – the performance machine of the group, balanced in dance and voice.
- Joy: Bright tone, approachable charm and distinct presence.
- Yeri: youthful energy, songwriting talent, modern identity.
Five unique strengths, an unshakable synergy. A combination so cohesive that many fans believe K-pop may not see such a balanced lineup for a long time.
Watching Cosmic again: beauty, pain and the realization of an era that is ending
Scenes from Red Velvet shining Cosmic now you hit harder the harmony, the maturity, the silent sadness of the end of a chapter. Fans describe watching the MV as “nice but painful” as a reminder that OT5 moments will become increasingly rare.
As each member follows their own path, fans continue to hope for a future reunion. But for now, Cosmic serves as an emotional point, a gentle and bright farewell to 10 legendary years.
A fitting “end of sentence” for five women who once drove all of South Korea crazy.
Sources: K14
