Psycho: Red Velvet’s Unforgettable Comeback
Red Velvet‘s “Psycho” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has left a lasting impact on the K-pop industry. Here’s why it could be considered one of the best comebacks in their history.
The Anticipation
Red Velvet, one of the leaders of 3rd generation K-pop, had been on a hiatus since their previous comeback in 2019. The anticipation for their return was palpable among fans. The group’s comeback was confirmed in June 2021, after more than a year of inactivity. This announcement came at a crucial time, as the group was facing a possible contract expiration.
The Impact
Upon its release, “Psycho” immediately swept major realtime charts. It achieved a certified all-kill, scoring No. 1 on the daily and realtime charts of Melon, Genie, Bugs, Mnet, Naver, and Soribada; and the realtime charts of Flo and iChart. This achievement is significant as all-kills have become harder to attain due to changes in how some charts calculate their rankings. Moreover, “Psycho” reached 8th place overall on the 2020 digital song ranking. It also received Platinum certification for streaming (100 million streams) by the KMCA.
The Setback
SBS, a South Korean television network, played a significant role in Red Velvet’s “Psycho” comeback. The group performed their new repackage album title track ‘Psycho’ for the first time on the upcoming SBS “Gayo Daejeon”. This exclusive premiere stage for ‘Psycho’ was highly anticipated by fans. However, due to an unfortunate accident involving member Wendy who was severely injured. This led the group to pause their promotion. Even after Wendy’s full recovery, the group has not made a comeback. This unexpected event was a major setback for the group and their fans. However, the anticipation for their return remains high among fans and the music industry.
The Legacy
Red Velvet’s “Psycho” comeback was not just a return to the music scene; it was a powerful statement of their musical prowess and unique style. It solidified their position in K-pop history and left fans eagerly anticipating what they will bring next.
