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Red Flavor
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| "Red Flavor" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mar Vista remix cover | ||||
| Single by Red Velvet | ||||
| from the EP The Red Summer | ||||
| Language | ||||
| Released | July 9, 2017 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:11 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Composers |
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| Lyricists |
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| Red Velvet singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Red Flavor" on YouTube | ||||
"Red Flavor" (Korean: 빨간 맛; RR: Ppalgan mat) is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Red Velvet for their first Korean special extended play, The Red Summer (2017). It was released as the lead single from the EP on July 9, 2017, through SM Entertainment and was distributed by Genie Music, along with the accompanying fruit-infused music video. Written by SM collaborator Kenzie and composed by Daniel Caesar and Ludwig Lindell (known collectively as Caesar & Loui), it is primarily a dance-pop song with synths and percussion. The song reflects the summer funky vibe, while the lyrics hint towards a young relationship with summer references. A Japanese version, adapted by songwriter Kami Kaoru, was later included on the group's first Japanese EP, #Cookie Jar, on July 4, 2018.
"Red Flavor" was well received by music critics; it appeared on several year-end lists and won Best Pop Song at the 15th Korean Music Awards. In 2019, Billboard ranked it as the 2nd greatest K-pop song of the 2010s, and in 2023, Rolling Stone placed it 19th on its list of the 100 greatest songs in the history of Korean pop music. Commercially, the song was a major success in South Korea, becoming Red Velvet's first number one on the Gaon Digital Chart, their longest-charting single to date, and their fifth song to surpass one million downloads. It also peaked at number four on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart in the United States and became the group's first single to enter the Billboard charts in Japan and the Philippines.
Since its release, Red Velvet has performed "Red Flavor" for all of their headlining concert tours. The song was performed at the Spring is Coming concert in Pyongyang at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre (alongside "Bad Boy") to an audience that included Korean Workers' Party chairman Kim Jong-un. Seen as an act of a wider diplomatic initiative between South Korea and North Korea, the group's appearance at the concert made them only the fifth idol group to have performed in North Korea and the first artist from SM in 15 years, since boy group Shinhwa. The song has also been adapted into an orchestral version by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring the arrangement of Park In-young.
Background and release
[edit]After the release of their fourth extended play Rookie in February,[1] Red Velvet released the digital single "Would U" as the first release for the second season of the label project SM Station in March 2017.[2][3] It was the group's first single as a quartet in years due to member Joy's filming schedule for her first drama The Liar and His Lover (2017),[4] in which she was starring as the female lead.[5] Through Star-News and SM Entertainment's official press announcement on June 23, 2017, they were reported to have recently finished filming a music video.[6] It eventually became Red Velvet's second comeback within a calendar year, which was later extended to a total of three times with the release of their second studio album Perfect Velvet in late November 2017.[7] On June 30, the first batch of teaser photos were posted on the group's official social media accounts. The EP's title and its full tracklist, which included "Red Flavor", were revealed on the same day.[8] The song had its official digital release on July 9, 2017, along with The Red Summer.[1] The remix of "Red Flavor" by Mar Vista was released on August 31, 2023.[9]
Recording and composition
[edit]
"Red Flavor" was produced by Daniel Caesar and Ludwig Lindell (under the name of Caesar & Loui), who had previously worked with several South Korean artists in this name.[11] In an interview with Tone Glow, the duo revealed that it had originally been written for the British girl group Little Mix with the title "Dance With Nobody". After deciding that the song could also work for the K-pop market, they recorded the demo with vocals by Ylva Dimberg whose voice is still heard in the background vocals in the pre-chorus. A low voice was featured in the intro and chorus of the song.[10]
Musically, Tamar Herman of Billboard characterized "Red Flavor" as an electropop song with "dramatic synths and a percussive melody".[1] It is composed in the key of A major, with a tempo of 125 beats per minute.[12][13] Hwang Sun-eob of IZM noted the "sensuous composition of the bassline or synthesizer".[14] In addition, Chase McMullen of The 405 noted that the song includes a "clap-along groove".[15] Its Korean lyrics, which were written by long-time SM songwriter Kenzie, Caesar, and Lindell focuses on the theme of "fruit-flavored summer love".[1] Initially released in Korean, a Japanese version of the song was performed at their first Japan showcase on November 6, 2017.[16] The Japanese version of "Red Flavor" was then included on Red Velvet's first Japanese EP #Cookie Jar (2018), with the single of the same name.[17] The Japanese version of the song was adapted by songwriter Kami Kaoru.[18]
Critical reception and recognition
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| IZM[14] |    |
Following its initial release, "Red Flavor" was met with positive reviews from music critics. Tamar Herman of Billboard magazine called the track "dynamic in its jam-packed, but not overpowering production" and concluded that it is "sure to be one of the summer's K-pop earworms".[1] Jeff Benjamin of Fuse described the song as a "super-simple-to-swallow piece of pop", giving credit to the "cheery-chanty melody", which he pointed to as one of Red Velvet's more accessible tunes.[19] McMullen complimented the song as an "effortless pop glide",[15] while Lee Gi-seon of IZM magazine praised the song's unique production and the group's vocals.[14][20] Chester Chin of The Star labelled the song an "in-your-face summer jam" and added that it was "relentlessly catchy".[21] Taylor Glasby of Dazed commented that the song "shouldn't be seen as merely a quirky fix", stating: "It's complex and intimidating and that it feels so immediate and identifiable on the surface is just emblematic of its greatness." With the mighty punch of its chorus, she claimed the song "completely won the summer".[22]
GQ Korea named "Red Flavor" its Song of the Year in the magazine's November 2017 issue. In December, IZM listed the song as one of its top 10 singles of the year.[23][24] Dazed ranked the song at number two on its list of the 20 Best K-pop Songs of 2017.[22] The song landed on Billboard's 20 Best K-Pop Songs 2017 list at number four, with Jeff Benjamin praising its uplifting, addictive, deliciously bubblegum melody.[25] The magazine later featured "Red Flavor" in their decennial staff list of The 100 Greatest K-pop Songs of the 2010s at number two, calling it an "undeniable hit since day one and remains ever-beloved by fans worldwide".[26] The song also landed on Melon's domestic Top 100 Songs of the 2010s list at number 29 (number 9 among K-pop idols).[27] Billboard and NME ranked "Red Flavor" number 1 and 4 in their lists of best Red Velvet songs, respectively.[28][29] Melon ranked it number 20 while Rolling Stone ranked it number 13 in their lists of the greatest K-pop songs of all time, with the latter publication praising its production and hailing it as the epitome of "summertime fun, adventure, and romance."[30]
| Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | The Best K-pop Songs of 2017: Critics' Picks | 4 | [25] |
| The 100 Greatest K-pop Songs of the 2010s: Staff List | 2 | [26] | |
| The Daily Dot | The absolute best K-pop of 2017 | Placed | [31] |
| Dazed | The 20 best K-pop songs of 2017 | 2 | [22] |
| GQ Korea | 2017 GQ Awards | Placed | [24] |
| IZM | Top 10 Songs of 2017 | [23] | |
| Melon | Top 100 K-pop Songs of All Time | 20 | [32] |
| Music Y | Top 10 Songs of 2017 | 1 | [33] |
| Rolling Stone | 100 Greatest Songs in the History of Korean Pop Music | 13 | [30] |
| SBS PopAsia | Top 7 K-pop songs of 2017 | Placed | [34] |
| Weiv | The Best Tracks of 2017 | [35] |
Accolades
[edit]Following the group's initial South Korea music shows promotion, Red Velvet earned their first Show Champion trophy for "Red Flavor" on July 20, 2017, and continued to achieve a total of five trophies by the end of July 2017.[36] It was nominated for the Song of the Year - July category at the 7th Gaon Chart Music Awards in 2018, but lost to labelmate Exo's "Ko Ko Bop".[37] The song, however, won in the Best Digital Song category at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards, becoming the group's second time to win this category following "Ice Cream Cake" in 2016.[38] "Red Flavor" also earned Red Velvet their first Korean Music Awards in their career in the Best Pop Song category.[39] The song also received a nomination in the Song of the Year category at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards, but lost to Twice's "Signal".[40]
| Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Melon Music Awards | Best Dance Award – Female | Nominated | [41] |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best Dance Performance – Female Group | Nominated | [42] | |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| 2018 | Golden Disc Awards | Digital Bonsang | Won | [38] |
| Digital Daesang | Nominated | |||
| Korean Music Awards | Best Pop Song | Won | [43] | |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Gaon Chart Music Awards | Song of the Month – July 2017 | Nominated | [37] |
| Program | Date | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Show Champion | July 19, 2017 | [44] |
| M Countdown | July 20, 2017 | [45] |
| Music Bank | July 21, 2017 | [46] |
| Show! Music Core | July 22, 2017 | [47] |
| Inkigayo | July 23, 2017 | [48] |
Commercial performance
[edit]On the third week of July 2017, "Red Flavor" debuted atop the Gaon Digital Chart for one week, giving Red Velvet their first number one on the chart since their debut in August 2014.[49] It was also the group's best selling record in the first week, with 291,643 downloads.[50] Following its appearance at number 20 on 2017's Gaon Year-End Digital Chart, "Red Flavor" became Red Velvet's longest-charting entry to date,[51] having spent a total of 64 consecutive weeks within the top 100 of the Digital Chart,[52][53] while re-appearing for 16 weeks on the lower half of the new top 200 as of September 2019.[54][55] The song also debuted at number two on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, making it their first top-five entry.[56][57] As of September 2018, the song has sold over 2,500,000 downloads in South Korea, making it the group's fifth million-seller and currently their best selling single. Gaon also reported that the song has accumulated over 100 million streams, making it Red Velvet's second song to reach the milestone, following "Russian Roulette" (2016).[50] The former appeared again as the 58th biggest hit single on 2018's Gaon Year-End Digital Chart, which saw the most year-end entries from the group with a total of four releases, including "Bad Boy" at number 26.[58]
Elsewhere, the song debuted at number four on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, making it Red Velvet's third song to debut and peak at the same position following "Happiness" (2014) and "Rookie" (2017).[59][60] The Korean version also debuted at number 24 and 25 on the Billboard Philippine Hot 100 and Billboard Japan Hot 100 respectively,[61][62] marking the group's first entry and their highest peak to date on the Japanese chart.[63]
Music video
[edit]Background
[edit].png)
On July 7, 2017, a 19-second video teaser for "Red Flavor" was uploaded on the official SM Town channel, with the official video being released two days later.[66] The visual was released on SM Entertainment's official YouTube channel on July 9, 2017, to coincide with the digital release of The Red Summer.[1] Choreographed by Kyle Hanagami who had previously worked with the group for their singles "Be Natural" (2014), "Ice Cream Cake" (2015) and "Russian Roulette" (2016),[67][68] the song's music video was directed by director Seong Chang-won.[69] Joy recalled running into SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man at an SM Town dinner, who disclosed to her that he had been heavily involved in overseeing a lot for the song, including its lyrics, melody, rhythm, and even the choreography.[70]
Synopsis and reception
[edit]The fruit-infused music video has a colorful summer theme that features all five members singing about love in the summer.[1][19] It shows various scenes in where Red Velvet can be seen interviewing fruits, and appears on a small screen, expressing something with their hands, which turned out to be a sign language.[71][72] It depicts people falling in love with colorful and intense colors, fruits and drinks over the lively pop beats.[64] The song was highlighted by its colorful movements reminiscent of cheerleading.[65] Following the music video's release, writer Tamar Herman of Billboard described it as "evoking the tastes of fresh fruit, candy, ice cream and cocktails" further praising the video for its "vibrant seasonal romance" picture.[1] The music video was included in Idology's 2017 Best Music Videos.[73] The music video was also one of YouTube Korea's Top 10 Most Popular Music Videos of 2017.[74] On September 10, 2018, the music video for the track reached 100 million views on YouTube.[75]
Live performances
[edit]A day before its digital release,[1] "Red Flavor" was performed live by Red Velvet for the first time at an SMTOWN concert in Seoul.[76] Hours after the release on July 9, 2017, the group had their first music show performance on Inkigayo, where they also performed "You Better Know".[77] They continued appearing on several music shows such as The Show, M Countdown, Music Bank, and Show Champion where they earned their first music show trophy for "Red Flavor" on July 20, 2017.[44][78] The song was also part of Red Velvet's first solo concert tour Red Room in August 2017.[79] It is the first Red Velvet song to be recorded and performed in Japanese, serving as their debut performance during a showcase in Japan on November 6, 2017,[80] and later being performed during the Japanese leg of the annual SMTOWN Live World Tour.[81] During the group's attendance at 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards, they performed the Hitchhiker remix version of the song along with their November single "Peek-a-Boo".[82] The second remix contained an anthemic EDM-breakdown after the final chorus.[83]
As part of the group's attendance and performance at the Spring is Coming concert,[84] which was intended as part of a wider diplomatic initiative between South Korea and North Korea, Red Velvet performed the song along with "Bad Boy" in Pyongyang at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre to an audience that saw the appearance of Korean Workers' Party chairman Kim Jong-un. This made them only the fifth idol group to ever perform in North Korea and the first artist from SM Entertainment in 15 years since the performance of former labelmate Shinhwa.[85][86][87]
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Red Summer and #Cookie Jar.[18][69]
Studio
- Recorded and edited at SM LVYIN Studio
- Recorded at doobdoob Studio
- Recorded, edited, and mixed at SM Blue Cup Studio
- Mastered at Sterling Sound
Personnel
- Red Velvet (Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, Yeri) – vocals, background vocals
- Kenzie – Korean lyrics, vocal directing
- Kami Kaoru – Japanese lyrics
- Daniel Caesar – composition, arrangement
- Ludwig Lindell – composition, arrangement
- Ylva Dimberg – background vocals
- Lee Ji-hong – recording, digital editing
- Ahn Chang-kyu – recording
- Jung Eui-seok – recording, digital editing, mixing
- Chris Gehringer – mastering
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
Monthly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Version | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | July 9, 2017 | Korean | [89] | ||
| July 4, 2018 | Japanese |
|
[90] | ||
| August 31, 2023 | Mar Vista remix |
|
[9] |
Orchestra version
[edit]| "Red Flavor (Orchestra Version)" | |
|---|---|
.png) | |
| Single by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and Park In-young | |
| Released | July 17, 2020 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:21 |
| Label | |
| Composers |
|
| Music video | |
| "Red Flavor (Orchestra Version)" on YouTube | |
"Red Flavor (Orchestra Version)" is an orchestral song recorded by South Korean orchestra Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, re-established with the arrangement of Park In-young.[91] SM Entertainment made its first collaboration with the orchestra forming a new classical label, SM Classics, creating an orchestral version of "Red Flavor". The music video for the "Red Flavor" orchestra features a 44-man orchestra performing "Red Flavor" under the direction of David Lee.[92]
Track listing
[edit]- Digital download / streaming[93]
- "Red Flavor (Orchestra Version)" – 3:21
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from Melon and Tidal.[94][95]
Studio
- Recorded at Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Rehearsal Room
- Recorded at Brickwall Sound
- Mixed at SM Concert Hall Studio
- Mastered at 821 Sound
Personnel
- Yoo Young-jin – music and sound supervisor
- Park In-young – recording director, background instrument
- David Lee – conductor
- Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra – performer
- Moon Jung-jae – piano
- Hwang Hyun – background instrument
- Lee Jong-han – background instrument
- Monkey Media Group – recording
- Kang Hyo-min – recording
- Moon Il-oh – recording assistant
- Nam Koong-jin – mixing
- Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | July 17, 2020 | [94] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Herman, Tamar (July 9, 2017). "Red Velvet Offers a Taste of Summer With 'Red Flavor' Song & Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- ^ Son, Ye-ji (March 31, 2017). 레드벨벳, 봄맞이 달콤설렘송… 'SM 스테이션2' 막 올랐다 [Red Velvet's Springtime Sweet Heartbeat, 'SM Station 2' Just Went Up]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- ^ Park, Soo-jung (March 31, 2017). [팝업뮤직]레드벨벳의 봄, 상큼 ‘루키’→달콤 ‘우드 유’ [[Pop-up Music] Red Velvet's Spring, Refreshing 'Rookie' to Sweet 'Would U'] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ Park, Seol (March 23, 2017). "대만도, 루키루키!" 레드벨벳, 4월 프로모션 간다 ["Taiwan, Rookie Rookie!" Red Velvet Goes to Promotion in April]. TV Report (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ Jeong, An-ji (July 17, 2017). 레드벨벳, 첫 단독 리얼리티 시작…8월 2일 첫 방송 [Red Velvet Will Begins Its First Solo Reality Show and Will Premiere on August 2]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ Yoon, Sang-geun (June 23, 2017). 레드벨벳, 7월 컴백 예정..SM "뮤비 촬영 마쳤다" [Red Velvet to Make a Comeback in July, SM "Music Video Finishes Shooting"]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ Choo, Young-joon (November 8, 2017). 컴백 레드벨벳, '루키→빨간맛→피카부' 퍼펙트 히트 예고 [Red Velvet Comeback, 'Rookie, Red Flavor, Peek-A-Boo', Perfect Hit Announcement]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ Jung, Hee-yeon (June 30, 2017). '컴백' 레드벨벳, 타이틀곡 '빨간 맛'…7월 9일 공개 [Red Velvet 'Comeback', Title Track 'Red Flavor' to be Revealed on July 9]. Sports Dong-A (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- ^ a b Choi, Ryeong (August 31, 2023). "iScreaM 프로젝트…레드벨벳 '빨간맛' 리믹스 싱글 발매". Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved September 22, 2023.
- ^ a b "Korean Flavors: An Interview with Songwriting/Production Duo Caesar & Loui". Tone Glow. August 8, 2017. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- ^ Ziwei, Puah (June 19, 2019). "Watch the Dizzying Video for Red Velvet's New Single 'Zimzalabim'". NME. Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ "BPM for Red Flavor by Red Velvet". SongBPM. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ "Red Flavor - Spot On Track". Spot On Track. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
- ^ a b c Hwang, Sun-eob (July 2017). "Red Flavor Review". IZM (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ a b McMullen, Chase (July 14, 2017). "Review: Red Velvet's concise and carefree new offering Red Summer is the perfect K-pop treat for the height of the season". The 405. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ Peterson, Jacques (November 7, 2017). "Going Global! Red Velvet are Making Waves in Japan". SBS PopAsia. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ Herman, Tamar (June 21, 2018). "Red Velvet's First Japanese Single '#Cookie Jar' is a Full-Blown Sugar Rush: Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ a b #Cookie Jar (photobook). Red Velvet. Japan: SM Entertainment, Avex Trax. 2018. Credits.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b "Red Velvet Capture the Taste of Summer with 'Red Flavor': Watch the Video". K-Stop (Podcast). Fuse. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Gi-seon (July 2017). "The Red Summer Review". IZM (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ Chin, Chester (September 26, 2017). "'The Red Summer': K-Pop Girl Group Red Velvet's Sizzling Affair". Star2. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- ^ a b c Glasby, Taylor (December 7, 2017). "The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2017". Dazed. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
- ^ a b "Neo Music Communication IZM" 2017 올해의 가요 싱글 [Top 10 Singles of 2017]. IZM (in Korean). December 2017. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ a b "2017 GQ Awards". GQ Korea (in Korean). November 2017.
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- ^ a b "The 100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s: Staff List". Billboard. November 25, 2019. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
- ^ "Melon" 2010년대 국내종합 연대차트 [Top 100 Songs of Past Decade] (in Korean). Melon. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ "The 25 Best Red Velvet Songs: Critic's Picks". Billboard. July 31, 2019. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ Assis, Tássia (March 22, 2022). "Every Red Velvet song ranked in order of greatness". NME. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ a b "The 100 Greatest Songs in the History of Korean Pop Music". Rolling Stone. July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Tucci, Sherry (August 10, 2017). "Best K-Pop 2017: The Absolute Best Stuff Out There". The Daily Dot. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 K-pop songs of all time revealed". Manila Bulletin. August 29, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
- ^ "레드벨벳 (Red Velvet) 『The Red Summer』". Music Y. December 29, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Top 7 K-Pop songs of 2017". SBS PopAsia. January 12, 2018. Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ Jeong, Gu-won; Na, Won-young (January 7, 2018). [2017 연말결산] 필자들이 꼽은 올해의 트랙 (국내) [The Best Tracks of 2017]. Weiv (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 11, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ 레드벨벳 “인기가요 1위 고마워요”…5관왕 달성 후 기쁨의 인증샷 [Red Velvet's: "Thank you for Our First Win on Inkigayo", A Photo of Happiness After Five Wins]. Seoul Shinmun (in Korean). July 23, 2017. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ a b "2017 Gaon Chart Music Award". Gaon Chart Music Awards. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ a b 2018년 32회 수상자 리스트 [List of Winners of the 32nd Annual Awards in 2018] (in Korean). Golden Disc Awards. Archived from the original on December 6, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Jung-ho (February 28, 2018). 혁오·강태구, 韓대중음악상 3관왕 달성..BTS 올해의 음악상 [HYUKOH and Kang Tae-gu Won Three Awards at the Korea Popular Music Awards, BTS Won the Music of the Year Award] (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ Herman, Tamar (December 1, 2017). "15 Must-Watch Videos From 2017 MAMA In Hong Kong". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
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- ^ "2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards". Mwave. Archived from the original on March 22, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ 최우수 팝 노래 [Best Pop Song] (in Korean). Korean Music Awards. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ a b Ji, Min-kyung (July 19, 2017). '쇼챔피언' 레드벨벳, 1위 등극...'빨간맛' 통했다 [Red Velvet Won First Place in 'Show Champion', Red Flavor Leads]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ '엠카운트다운' 레드벨벳 '빨간 맛' 1위…엑소 '코코팝'-정용화 컴백 & KARD 데뷔 [Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor' Wins First Place in 'M Countdown', EXO 'Ko Ko Bop' - Jung Yong-hwa Comeback & KARD Debut] (in Korean). Busan Ilbo. July 20, 2017. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ Cho, Hye-ryeon (July 21, 2017). 여름요정 레드벨벳, '뮤직뱅크' 1위…엑소+정용화 컴백 [Red Velvet, The Summer Fairies Won First Place on Music Bank, EXO and Jung Yong-hwa Comeback]. TV Report (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
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- ^ Hwang, Seung-bin (July 23, 2017). '인기가요' 레드벨벳 1위로 5관광 "여름이니까 빨간 맛" [Red Velvet's Fifth First Place in 'Inkigayo', "Because, it's summer Red Flavor."]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
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- ^ a b Yoon, Sang-geun (February 24, 2021). 美 퓨즈TV "레드벨벳 신곡 '빨간 맛', 요정 같은 트랙" [Fuse TV "Red Velvet's New Song 'Red Flavor', Fairy-like Track"]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ a b Yoon, Joon-pil (July 12, 2017). 美 퓨즈TV, 레드벨벳 집중 조명...'보는 맛'도 잡은 '빨간 맛' [Fuse TV, Red Velvet's Highlights, 'Red Flavor' that Caught the 'Viewing Taste']. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 27, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- ^ Red Velvet 레드벨벳 '빨간 맛 (Red Flavor)' MV Teaser [Red Velvet 'Red Flavor' MV Teaser] (YouTube) (in Korean). SMTOWN. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ Jung, Byung-keun (November 16, 2017). 레드벨벳 "빨간맛' 성공, 부담되지만 자신감 생겨" [Red Velvet's "'Red Flavor' Success, Burdened but Confident"]. Joy News 24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ Red Velvet 'Power Up' Dance Practice Behind the Scenes with Kyle Hanagami (YouTube). Red Velvet. August 30, 2018.
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{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ '해투' 레드벨벳 "'빨간맛', 이수만이 공 들인 곡" ['Happy Together' Red Velvet, "'Red Flavor', the Song that Lee Soo-man Worked on"]. Star News (in Korean). September 15, 2017. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
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- ^ Yang, Ji-yeon (July 2, 2017). 레드벨벳, SM타운 콘서트서 신곡 '빨간 맛' 최초 공개···조이 티저 오픈 [Red Velvet Releases New Song 'Red Flavor' at SMTOWN Concert for the First Time, Joy Teaser Released]. Seoul Economic Daily (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ Cho, Yoon-sun (July 9, 2017). 이효리, '인기가요'로 음방 피날레…레드벨벳 신곡 첫 공개 [Lee Hyo-ri, Music Show Finale with 'Inkigayo', Red Velvet's First New Song]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ Yoon, Sang-geun (July 10, 2017). 레드벨벳 '레드 서머' 해외 16개國 K팝 차트 1위 '통했다' [Red Velvet's 'Red Summer' Topped 16 K-Pop Charts Overseas 'It worked']. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ Ji, Seung-hoon (August 20, 2017). 레드벨벳, 달콤했던 3일간의 '빨간 맛' 콘서트 [Red Velvet's Sweet Three-Day 'Red Flavor' Concert]. YTN (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
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- ^ 아이린 #빨간맛 무대에서 빵 터진 사연은? 당연히 모든 300 레베럽 때문☆ 300 X2 190621 EP.8 [Why Did Irene Burst Into Laughter on the #RedFlavor Stage?] (YouTube) (in Korean). tvN. June 23, 2019. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017.
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Red Flavor
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Upon release, "Red Flavor" achieved immediate commercial dominance in South Korea, topping seven major digital music charts—including Melon, Genie, Naver Music, Bugs, Olleh Music, Soribada, and Monkey3—by 2 p.m. KST on its debut day, marking a swift ascent driven by strong streaming and download performance.[2] Internationally, it debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, contributing to Red Velvet's third No. 1 on the World Albums chart with the accompanying EP and underscoring their position as a leading K-pop female act.[3] The song's upbeat, accessible style solidified Red Velvet's "Red" concept of vibrant pop, contrasting their dual "Red" and "Velvet" aesthetic duality, and propelled the group to broader recognition through subsequent promotions and accolades such as Digital Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards.[3]
Development and Production
Background and Conception
"Red Flavor" was composed by Swedish producers Daniel Caesar and Ludwig Lindell, collectively known as Caesar & Loui, who initially created the track for the British girl group Little Mix following a meeting with their A&R representative, under the working title "Dance With Nobody".[4] The duo determined the song aligned more closely with the K-pop market and provided it to SM Entertainment for consideration.[5] Subsequently, the track was offered to Girls' Generation for their planned summer album, but the group passed on it, as revealed by member Sooyoung during a 2024 web show appearance where she noted the members had reviewed the guide but ultimately did not select it.[6] SM Entertainment then assigned "Red Flavor" to Red Velvet as the lead single for their special summer extended play The Red Summer, aligning with the group's established "Red" concept of vibrant, energetic music designed to evoke summery, upbeat vibes.[7] Lyrics were penned by SM's frequent collaborator Kenzie (Kim Yeon-jung), who translated and adapted the original English framework into Korean to emphasize themes of intoxicating allure likened to a "red flavor".[4] The production process began with a foundational instrumental and a signature low, slurred vocal effect in the intro and chorus—Ludwig Lindell's voice recorded via iPhone and processed in Logic Pro, directly inspired by the vocal style in Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)" produced with Major Lazer.[4] Melodies were iteratively developed, with a demo featuring background vocals by Swedish singer Ylva Dimberg that were retained in the final pre-chorus; the full track required an extended refinement period, including a months-long break to revisit with fresh perspective.[4] This conception positioned "Red Flavor" as a dance-pop anthem tailored for Red Velvet's dynamic performance style, released on July 9, 2017.[7]Songwriting and Recording
The lyrics of "Red Flavor" were written by Kenzie (real name Kim Yeon-jung), a veteran SM Entertainment songwriter credited with numerous K-pop tracks including Girls' Generation's "Into the New World" and EXO's "Monster."[8] The composition credits go to Swedish producers Daniel Caesar and Ludwig Lindell, known collectively as Caesar & Loui, who specialized in crafting upbeat electronic and dance-pop elements for SM artists.[9] Caesar & Loui handled the arrangement under their production alias The Kennel, incorporating tropical house influences with pitched-down vocal effects derived from Lindell's own voice, initially recorded via iPhone for a robotic texture.[4] The song's creation stemmed from an instrumental demo by Caesar & Loui, which SM Entertainment adapted for Red Velvet after Kenzie rewrote the Korean lyrics to evoke a sensory "red flavor" theme blending excitement and summer vibrancy, diverging from any prior English-language concepts.[4] Production emphasized layered synths and rhythmic hooks, with the duo drawing from their prior work on tracks like Girls' Generation's "All Night" to tailor the sound for the group's dual "red" and "velvet" aesthetics.[4] Red Velvet members did not contribute to songwriting or composition, consistent with SM's typical in-house process where idols focus on performance rather than creative input.[10] Recording occurred in early 2017 at SM-affiliated facilities in Seoul, aligning with the mini-album The Red Summer's preparation for a July release, though specific session dates remain undisclosed in producer accounts.[11] The process prioritized vocal harmonies from the five members—Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri—to capture the track's playful, addictive energy, with final mixing completed under Caesar & Loui's oversight to ensure compatibility with live choreography demands.[4]Composition and Instrumentation
"Red Flavor" is classified as an electropop track characterized by dramatic synthesizers and a percussive melody.[7] The song features an up-tempo dance arrangement driven by cool synth sounds, rhythmic melodies, and groovy rhythms, aligning with its summer-themed aesthetic.[12] It maintains a tempo of 125 beats per minute in the key of A major, contributing to its energetic and infectious pace.[13] The composition was crafted by Swedish production duo Caesar & Loui (Daniel Caesar and Ludwig Lindell), with lyrics penned by SM Entertainment's in-house songwriter Kenzie.[14] Instrumentation relies heavily on electronic elements, including layered synthesizers for melodic hooks and basslines, alongside programmed percussion and beats that emphasize syncopated rhythms.[7] No prominent acoustic instruments are featured, underscoring the track's synthetic, club-oriented production suited for dance-pop consumption.[4]Release and Promotion
Announcement and Release Details
"Red Flavor" (Korean: 빨간 맛; RR: Ppalgan mat) served as the lead single for Red Velvet's summer extended play The Red Summer, marking the group's first dedicated summer release. S.M. Entertainment revealed the title track's name and its composition by longtime collaborator Kenzie on July 4, 2017, emphasizing themes of exhilarating summer love expressed through vivid red imagery and flavors. A music video teaser was subsequently uploaded to the group's official YouTube channel on July 7, 2017, building anticipation ahead of the scheduled debut. The single, along with the full EP, launched digitally on July 9, 2017, at 12:00 PM KST, distributed by S.M. Entertainment and Genie Music.[15][1][7][16]Marketing Strategies and Tie-Ins
The marketing strategy for "Red Flavor" emphasized its role as a vibrant summer anthem, timed for release on July 9, 2017, to align with peak seasonal demand in South Korea's music market. SM Entertainment highlighted the track's tropical house elements, including dramatic synths and percussive rhythms, alongside lyrics depicting "fruit-flavored summer love," to evoke refreshment and playfulness.[7] This positioning built on Red Velvet's established "Red" concept side, characterized by bright, energetic aesthetics, differentiating it from competitors' releases.[7] Pre-release hype was generated through a phased teaser campaign on official social media and SM's platforms, featuring individual and group concept photos of the members in colorful, fruit-motif attire against summery backdrops, starting in early July 2017. The music video received a live premiere during SMTOWN Live World Tour VI in Seoul on July 8, 2017, providing exclusive first access to concertgoers and sparking immediate online discussions.[17] Post-release promotion relied on intensive appearances across major Korean music programs, such as Mnet's M Countdown, KBS's Music Bank, and SBS's Inkigayo, where choreographed performances reinforced the song's catchy hooks and visual appeal over multiple weeks.[18] No major commercial tie-ins or brand partnerships were directly linked to "Red Flavor" at launch, with efforts centered on organic digital dissemination via Genie Music distribution and YouTube, which facilitated rapid viewership growth. The campaign's success was evident in the track's dominance on digital charts, attributed to its accessible, mood-lifting appeal rather than external endorsements.[7]Lyrics and Themes
Lyrical Content
The lyrics of "Red Flavor," written by Kenzie, Jo Yoon-kyung, and Moon Sook, center on a playful exploration of youthful infatuation framed through sensory imagery of sweetness and heat. The song opens with verses depicting carefree dreaming and the allure of summer nights, as in the lines "Look at me, what are you thinking? What should I do today? I'm dreaming however I want," which convey a sense of spontaneous freedom associated with adolescence.[19][20] This is reinforced by references to being "nineteen, easily falling in love," highlighting the impulsive nature of young romance.[19] The chorus introduces the titular "red flavor" as a central metaphor for temptation and delight, described as "curious, honey" with a "strawberry" taste that "slowly melts" upon biting, evoking the juicy, dissolving pleasure of forbidden or exciting experiences.[19][21] Listeners are invited to seek out a "corner candy shop," symbolizing hidden indulgences, while emphasizing a preference for "the taste of summer nights" over typical flavors, tying the theme to seasonal vibrancy.[19] The repetition of "red flavor" in the hook underscores its addictive quality, blending auditory catchiness with thematic invitation to partake in this "red" essence, interpreted by group member Yeri as representing the "hot summer" and "thrilling love" through red's color and taste.[22] Subsequent verses expand on sensory immersion, with phrases like "pop pop popping up sweet honey" and calls to "bet you wanna dance like this," urging participation in a rhythmic, flirtatious energy.[19] The bridge escalates with "open the seven rainbow doors" to claim a love "redder than the sun," shifting from playful temptation to possessive passion, while maintaining the candy motif through "candy girl, cookie girl, chocolate girl."[19][23] Overall, the structure—verses building narrative allure, a hook-driven chorus, and a climactic bridge—prioritizes evoking physical and emotional "flavors" of summer romance without explicit narrative resolution, aligning with the song's electro-pop delivery.[19]Interpretations and Symbolism
The lyrics of "Red Flavor" primarily interpret the titular "red flavor" as a metaphor for the vibrant, intoxicating thrill of youthful romance amid summer's heat, evoking sensations of sweetness, spiciness, and sensory indulgence akin to ripe red fruits. This imagery underscores an energetic, carefree vibe, with references to licking flavors and cooling off in the sun suggesting a playful pursuit of emotional and physical refreshment in budding attractions.[24][25] The red hue symbolizes passion and intensity, mirroring summer's scorching temperatures and the "hot" feelings of infatuation, while fruity motifs represent freshness, ripeness, and the transient peak of desire, blending innocence with undertones of sensuality that tread the boundary of innuendo.[24] Critics describe these elements as high-fructose pop metaphors for love's effusive, fruit-like sweetness, capturing adventure and joy without explicit narrative depth.[14] Such symbolism aligns with the song's broader thematic escape into seasonal euphoria, prioritizing experiential vividness over literal storytelling.[26]Music Video
Production Background
The music video for "Red Flavor" was directed by Seong Chang-won and produced by SM Entertainment.[27] Executive producer duties were handled by SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man.[28] Filming incorporated dynamic elements such as colorful outdoor choreography sequences, indoor house party scenes, and stylized individual segments featuring each member interacting with fruit motifs aligned to their personal aesthetics—Irene with watermelon, Yeri with grapes, Seulgi with pineapple, Joy with kiwi, and Wendy with oranges.[24] Production emphasized a summery, playful aesthetic to complement the song's tropical house vibe, with behind-the-scenes footage revealing the group's preparation for choreography and costume fittings prior to the July 8, 2017, YouTube premiere.[1] The video's concept drew inspiration from the track's lyrical focus on vibrant, flavorful summer romance, utilizing saturated colors and whimsical props to evoke a sense of youthful exuberance and novelty.[7] No specific filming locations were publicly detailed, but the varied settings suggest a combination of studio greenscreen work and practical outdoor shoots in South Korea.[27]Visual Synopsis
The music video for "Red Flavor" adopts a whimsical, fruit-infused theme characterized by surreal and vibrant visuals that evoke a sense of summer exuberance. It commences with the five members—Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri—conducting mock interviews with oversized, anthropomorphic fruits, establishing a playful narrative of discovery and transformation.[29] Each member is visually associated with a specific fruit aligned to their personal color motifs: Irene with watermelon, Seulgi with pineapple, Wendy with orange, Joy with kiwi, and Yeri with grape, through wardrobe, props, and symbolic representations that blend human and fruity elements.[29] Subsequent scenes transition to energetic dance sequences in candy-hued sets and outdoor party environments, featuring synchronized choreography reminiscent of cheerleading routines that emphasize group dynamics and youthful vitality. The aesthetic relies on saturated primary colors—predominantly reds, yellows, and blues—applied to costumes such as vibrant-patterned blouses, shorts, and dresses, alongside props like giant fruits and abstract installations that create a dreamlike, sensory-overloaded atmosphere.[29] Surreal effects, including multiple cloned instances of the members interacting in harmonious formations, amplify the video's fantastical quality, portraying a collective embrace of summery, flavor-bursting joy.[29] These visual elements collectively depict themes of ripening emotions and carefree infatuation, rendered through abrupt editing and digital enhancements that prioritize visual pop over seamless realism, aligning with the track's groovy, synth-driven energy.[29] The production, directed under SM Entertainment's summer concept, integrates hyper-real fruit motifs with abstract dance breaks, fostering an immersive, escapist portrayal of seasonal romance.[7]Aesthetic and Choreography Analysis
The music video for "Red Flavor," directed by Seong Chang-won, employs a bright and playful aesthetic centered on summer fruit motifs, with members dressed in colorful, coordinated outfits featuring reds, greens, and pastels that evoke freshness and vitality.[27] The sets incorporate whimsical elements like oversized fruits and candy-colored backgrounds, reinforcing the song's theme of an exhilarating, seasonal romance through visual metaphors of ripeness and sweetness.[30] This vibrant styling contrasts with more subdued K-pop visuals of the era, prioritizing energetic exuberance over narrative complexity. The choreography, crafted by American dancer Kyle Hanagami, emphasizes synchronized group formations and dynamic, accessible movements suitable for fan replication, contributing to the track's viral appeal.[31] [32] Key sequences include sharp hip isolations during the chorus and fluid wave-like gestures in the pre-chorus, mirroring the track's groovy rhythm and percussive beats while evoking cheerleading precision for a fun, summery vibe. Hanagami's design highlights Red Velvet's versatility, blending precise footwork with expressive arm flourishes that enhance the performance's visual pop without overshadowing the members' charisma.[33]Performances and Adaptations
Live Performances
"Red Flavor" received its live debut on South Korean music programs in mid-July 2017, shortly after the single's digital release on July 7. The group performed the track on broadcasts including M Countdown and Music Bank, securing consecutive first-place victories that highlighted its immediate popularity.[34][18] The song became a fixture in Red Velvet's concert setlists, serving as an opener in multiple shows, such as the SMTOWN Live 2023: SMCU Palace at Kwangya event held in Unseo-dong, South Korea.[35] It was also featured at international events, including the Pyongyang performance on April 1, 2018, where the group delivered "Red Flavor" paired with "Bad Boy" before North Korean audiences as part of an inter-Korean cultural exchange.[36] In later years, "Red Flavor" continued to appear in major live settings, such as the K-POP MEGA CONCERT in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on November 6, 2024, broadcast by KBS World TV.[37] The track was performed at the 2025 SMTOWN LIVE series, including a medley with "Cosmic" on January 11, 2025, demonstrating its enduring appeal in the group's repertoire despite lineup changes due to member schedules.[38]Covers, Remixes, and Sampling
An orchestral cover of "Red Flavor" was released by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra featuring vocalist Inyoung Park on July 17, 2020, as part of SM Entertainment's SM Station project.[39] The arrangement substitutes the original's electronic production with symphonic strings and brass, preserving the core melody and vocal lines for a classical reinterpretation.[40] On August 31, 2023, SM Entertainment's ScreaM Records issued an official EDM remix titled "Red Flavor (Mar Vista Remix)", produced by MAR VISTA.[41] This version amplifies the track's dance elements with heightened synth drops and basslines, extending the runtime to 3:36.[42] The song has inspired numerous dance and vocal covers by other K-pop acts, such as fromis_9's performance at KCON New York on July 8, 2019, and Hearts2Hearts' rendition at The Fact Music Awards on September 20, 2025.[43] No prominent instances of sampling "Red Flavor" in other commercial recordings have been documented.[44]Reception and Analysis
Critical Reviews
"Red Flavor" received widespread acclaim from music critics for its effervescent production and seasonal appeal. Billboard highlighted the track's "jam-packed, but not overpowering" instrumentation and "summery boldness," emphasizing its soaring vocals and bold energy that captured the essence of summer pop.[7] In ranking the best K-pop songs of 2017, Billboard praised its "uplifting, addictive, deliciously bubblegum" qualities, positioning it as a standout for its fun-loving vibe that solidified its status as Korea's song of the summer.[45] NME commended the song's enduring impact, describing it as the track that "defined the Summer of 2017 in K-pop" and labeling it a "legendary anthem for all seasons" due to its immediately recognizable hook and vibrant pop execution.[46] Similarly, in their selection of top K-pop summer songs, NME noted its lighthearted, non-serious charm, which contributed to its role as a quintessential seasonal hit.[47] Rolling Stone Australia characterized "Red Flavor" as "high-fructose pop perfection," overflowing with effusive love metaphors and feel-good exuberance that exemplified Red Velvet's bright, quirky aesthetic.[14] Critics consistently attributed the song's success to producers Caesar & Loui, whose composition blended airtight vocals with a galvanizing melody, as echoed in broader analyses of Red Velvet's discography where it ranks among their pinnacle releases.[48] While some observers critiqued its instrumental as occasionally generic within upbeat K-pop tropes, the consensus affirmed its execution as tailor-made for replay value and live energy.[24]Fan and Public Response
"Red Flavor" elicited strong enthusiasm from Red Velvet's fandom, ReVeluv, who lauded its upbeat tempo, playful lyrics, and alignment with the group's "red" concept emphasizing vibrant, energetic music. Many fans highlighted the song's replay value and its role in elevating the group's mainstream appeal, with online discussions and polls frequently ranking it among their top tracks.[49] In South Korea, public reception propelled the song to cultural staple status, establishing it as the quintessential summer anthem of 2017 and earning the group the "Summer Queens" nickname for dominating seasonal charts and airplay.[50] Its electro-pop hooks resonated broadly, fostering widespread adoption in media and casual listening. On Melon, the dominant streaming service, "Red Flavor" secured the most likes of any girl group song, exceeding 215,000 by late 2019 and later surpassing 238,000, underscoring enduring listener affinity.[51][52] Internationally, the track amplified Red Velvet's visibility among K-pop audiences, with fan reactions emphasizing its accessibility and danceable choreography, though domestic metrics dominated overall buzz. No significant backlash emerged, contrasting with occasional criticisms of the group's experimental styles in prior releases.Accolades and Recognitions
"Red Flavor" achieved five wins on major South Korean music programs during its promotional cycle in July 2017, including first place on MBC Music's Show Champion on July 19, Mnet's M Countdown on July 20, KBS's Music Bank on July 21, MBC's Show! Music Core on July 22, and SBS's Inkigayo on July 23.[53] At the 15th Korean Music Awards held on February 28, 2018, the song received the Best Pop Song award, marking Red Velvet's first win in that category.[54] It was also nominated for Song of the Year at the same ceremony.[54] In international recognition, Billboard ranked "Red Flavor" second on its list of the 100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s, published in November 2019, praising its exuberant production and role in defining Red Velvet's "velvet" side.[55] The track earned a Digital Bonsang at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards in January 2018, acknowledging its digital sales performance.[56]Commercial Performance
Chart Achievements
"Red Flavor" topped the Gaon Digital Chart in South Korea, becoming Red Velvet's first number-one entry on that ranking and their longest-charting single to date with 58 weeks on the chart.[48] It also debuted at number one on the Gaon Download Chart.[48] The track simultaneously led multiple domestic digital service providers, including Melon, Genie, Bugs, Naver Music, Olleh Music, Soribada, and Monkey3, as of July 9, 2017.[2] Internationally, "Red Flavor" entered the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart at number 4 upon its debut week ending July 22, 2017, marking Red Velvet's tenth appearance and ninth top-ten hit on that tally.[3]| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Gaon Digital Chart (South Korea) | 1 [48] |
| Billboard World Digital Song Sales (US) | 4 [3] |
| Melon (South Korea) | 1 [2] |
| Genie (South Korea) | 1 [2] |
| Bugs (South Korea) | 1 [2] |