In a much-anticipated return to the music scene, K-pop sensation Red Velvet unveiled their third full-length album, “Chill Kill,” on Monday, ending nearly a year-long hiatus. The album, comprising 10 tracks, features the lead single sharing its title.

During a livestream on YouTube with subtitles, Red Velvet’s leader, Irene, elucidated the concept behind “Chill Kill,” describing it as “the incident or existence that breaks calmness.” She delved into the song’s narrative, explaining how it portrays the upheaval caused by a sudden chill that transforms her world. Irene added, “The song narrates a relationship where my once calm life becomes riddled with errors. Despite the tragedy, I yearn for someone and sing of hope.”

Expressing their immediate connection with the single, Joy shared, “We loved ‘Chill Kill’ from the moment we heard it. The last time that happened was with ‘Feel My Rhythm,’ our 2022 single.”

Building anticipation an hour before the release, the hashtag #TakeAChillKill dominated the list of Philippine trends on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the fervor of fans eagerly awaiting the album.

“Chill Kill” marks Red Velvet’s return since the release of their extended play “The ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday” a year ago, which reportedly exceeded a million copies in sales. Notably, this album signifies the quintet’s first full-length release since “Perfect Velvet” in 2017.

Debuting in 2014, Red Velvet, consisting of members Seulgi, Wendy, Yeri, and the aforementioned Irene and Joy, has consistently captivated audiences with their infectious singles, including hits like “Red Flavor,” “Bad Boy,” and “Psycho.”

Despite a brief hiatus for health reasons during their “R to V” tour last May at the Mall of Asia Arena, Red Velvet delivered an unforgettable performance, with only four members participating as Joy took time off to prioritize her well-being.

(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)