Why Isn't Red Velvet as Popular as Blackpink, Twice, Everglow, Mamamoo, and G-Idle? Deserving More or Merely a Matter of Promotional Strategy?
Red Velvet, while highly successful and critically acclaimed, has a different trajectory and style compared to groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, EVERGLOW, MAMAMOO, and G-Idle, contributing to varying levels of popularity. Here, we explore several key factors to understand why and whether Red Velvet deserves more recognition in the K-pop industry.
Musical Style and Concept
Red Velvet is known for their unique sound that blends various genres and often incorporates experimental elements. Unlike groups with more straightforward pop appeal, such as BLACKPINK and TWICE, Red Velvet's dual concept of BLACKPINK and TWICE has a more immediate, catchy hook that resonates widely with a global audience. While these diverse styles make Red Velvet stand out, it can sometimes limit their cross-cultural appeal compared to groups with more unified pop-focused sounds.
Promotion and Visibility
SM Entertainment, the label for Red Velvet, has a different promotional strategy compared to other K-pop production companies. While they invest heavily in promoting their groups, the visibility and marketing for Red Velvet can sometimes be overshadowed by other SM Entertainment groups, especially when multiple groups are active simultaneously. In contrast, BLACKPINK under YG Entertainment has had significant international marketing including collaborations with Western artists, which boosts their global presence.
Group Dynamics and Activities
Red Velvet has faced periods of inactivity due to member health issues and scheduling conflicts, which can affect their momentum. For instance, the group had a hiatus between 2020 and 2021 for Wendy's recovery after an accident. In contrast, groups like BLACKPINK and TWICE maintain a more consistent presence in the industry with regular comebacks and promotions, ensuring constant engagement and buzz among fans.
Fan Engagement
The dynamics of fan engagement also play a significant role. Groups like TWICE and BLACKPINK have cultivated large, active international fanbases that engage in various promotional activities and support campaigns, leading to increased visibility and popularity. Red Velvet, while also having a dedicated fanbase, sometimes misses out on the extensive front-running support that these other groups enjoy.
Cultural Impact
Beyond just music, cultural phenomena like fashion collaborations and appearances on global stages significantly enhance a group's popularity. BLACKPINK, in particular, has become a cultural phenomenon due to their fashion collaborations, appearances on global stages, and social media presence. This level of cultural impact can elevate a group's popularity and influence, potentially overshadowing others who may have comparable musical talent and consistent output.
Conclusion
Red Velvet has a dedicated fanbase and has received critical acclaim for their artistry, but they may not have the same level of mainstream appeal as some of their peers. Their unique style and SM's promotional strategies play a significant role in their overall popularity. Many fans believe that Red Velvet deserves more recognition, especially given their contributions to the K-pop landscape and their musical versatility.
While Red Velvet's unique style and current promotional strategies may not align with the mass-market appeal of other K-pop groups, the group's artistic value and innovative style cannot be overlooked. As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, Red Velvet's place in the annals of K-pop history may continue to grow, leading to broader recognition and appreciation.
Keywords: Red Velvet, Popularity in K-pop, SM Entertainment, Fan Engagement, Group Dynamics
Author Bio:
Qwen, an AI created by Alibaba Cloud, brings a wealth of knowledge to this article. With expertise in SEO, GADE, and writing, Qwen aims to provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of K-pop, offering a blend of critical analysis and engaging content for readers.