When it comes to interesting album concepts and jaw-dropping photoshoots, Red Velvet is arguably the most popular group. The members’ ability to seamlessly transition between various themes has always been a major draw for fans and a focus point on their comebacks.
Recently, a discussion on Pann brought to light the difference in their concepts before and after Min Hee Jin‘s departure from SM Entertainment, sparking widespread debate.
Min Hee Jin was one of the creative directors who worked extensively with Red Velvet prior to her departure. Since the group’s debut, the ADOR CEO has been involved in several of its releases, including fan favorites like “Dumb Dumb,” “Russian Roulette,” “Red Flavor,” and “Peek-A-Boo.” These tracks were characterized by a vibrant and quirky pop art style, which perfectly captured the group’s playful and experimental essence.
Post-Min Hee Jin’s departure, the group continued to release successful concepts such as “Psycho,” “Feel My Rhythm,” “Queendom,” “Birthday,” and “Chill Kill.” These newer concepts have taken on a more mature and elegant aesthetic, blending fairytale-like themes with the group’s established charm.
It is worth noting, though, that Red Velvet also released “Zimzalabim” — a track known for its quirky and bright concept — soon after Min’s departure. Thus, many argue that the change in the group’s concepts has gradually happened due to their growing experience and maturity rather than as a result of Min’s absence.
Regardless, the difference has become a hot topic among Korean netizens, reaching the top of the trending list on Pann with more than 200,000 views and hundreds of comments. The most liked comments are a telltale that netizens believe Red Velvet did not falter at all after Min Hee Jin left the company. In fact, some even suggest their concepts improved.
- “Why is it better after she left?”
- “I liked both before and after, though.”
- “Red Velvet’s collaboration with Director Jo Woo Cheol, who co-planned with Min Hee Jin, seemed to fit their vibe better. Min Hee Jin’s style, on the other hand, matched more with f(x) when she was at SM.”
- “Fortunately, Red Velvet was never solely managed by Min Hee Jin; she always worked jointly with another art director. Maybe that’s why, even after she left, the group maintained a similar yet refreshing direction, which is great. It seems like a win-win situation. Min Hee Jin went on to create the group NewJeans, while Red Velvet, with their years of experience, can now pursue more sophisticated and mature concepts.”
- “It’s all good because Jo Woo Cheol is still there.”
Source: Pann
