Interview: Red Velvet Talks Tour Prep, Worldwide Fandom, and Taking K-pop Stateside

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Mar 5, 2019 | Rachel Spang

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Anyone with a Wi-Fi connection is probably aware that K-pop has exploded over the past few years, not only in its native South Korea, but across the globe. While having superfans is nothing new to the artists who grace the Top 40, K-pop lovers have consistently taken their and passionate to another level—they can launch their favorite bands into the spotlight and give them the opportunity to take over the global stage.

One of our favorite phenomenons to come out of South Korea as of late? Red Velvet, a five-piece girl group who have burst through the cultural divide to develop a massive fan base in North America. Catchy singles like “Bad Boy”, “Russian Roulette”, and “RBB (Really Bad Boy)” have achieved mainstream success, with the bilingual tracks clocking in tens of millions of streams on various global music platforms. Recognized not only for their incredible vocals, Red Velvet is also known for their dynamic sound. The band members—Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri—are also known for their carefully crafted social media presence, which showcases their distinct personalities and gives fans a look at what goes on behind-the-scenes when they're on the road.

Following the release of 2019 singles “Sappy” and “Sayonara”, Red Velvet head out on their first headlining North American tour in February, stopping in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Newark, and Chicago. We got the chance to chat with the rising stars about tour life, preparing for their shows, and what it's like to perform so far from home.

Your live performances not only showcase your incredible vocals, but your dancing and visuals as well. How much time does it take to rehearse choreography for tour?

We do try our best for every single concert, but since this is our first time ever having a tour in North America, we put much more effort and worked hard and practiced a lot. So hope you all keep looking forward to our concerts!

What do you do/bring to deal with homesickness while on the road?

Sometimes we go to the Korean food restaurants and grab some Korean food or we talk on the phone with family in Korea.

Do you have any certain pre-concert rituals?

We try to relax ourselves, like by listening to the music or stretching our body after our rehearsal and before the concert begins.

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When you’re touring and spending a lot of time together, is there any particular dynamic or role you each take on? Is there a mom of the group?

Since IRENE is the team leader, she usually takes a role of ‘mom’ in the group, but other members also take care of each other in each different ways.

What are your green room necessities?

Definitely some snacks that can power us up before the concert!

In your experience performing in the US so far, what do you think is the biggest difference in performing stateside versus performing in South Korea?

It is same in everywhere that everyone who comes to the concert cheers us and enjoys our stages. But to add more, at LA concert, so many fans were singing along with us while they are dancing our choreography as well – which was a big surprise yet very interesting. With all that encouragement, we could enjoy our concert and do our best on the stage!

So when it comes to free time in-between shows, what do you like to do while traveling?

Usually, we visit some touring spots or go shopping, or just stay in room and take a rest and prepare for the next tour.

You have an incredibly dedicated worldwide fanbase. Do you get any opportunities to meet fans while on tour? What are some of your most memorable fan interactions?

I still remember the moment when I was so touched and overwhelmed by seeing a packed venue, filled with our lovely fans! This tour is our first time meeting our fans in North America and we were so thankful for their warm welcome and big supports that we couldn’t even hear our in-ear monitor. We will keep working hard and showing you the best stage in the following concerts as well!

Your group Red Velvet is known for embracing two charms—your girly and fruity side and your elegant side. How do you express these different charms in your performances and at the concert?

We always try to bring new side of us when we comeback with a new album, and we are really glad that many people like our various looks and charms delivered depending on the various concepts.

What is Red Velvet’s plan for 2019?

Well first, we will keep seeing you all through our North American tour, and will continue to bring good music and performances, so please stay tuned!

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