I. Introduction
Red Velvet released its fifth extended play (EP), The Red Summer, on July 10, 2017 with the lead track "Red Flavor."
II. Background & Release
The EP featured 5 songs that reflect a portion of Red Velvet's unique musical approach. It typically includes a blend of "red" (primarily bright pop) and "velvet" (more r&b and ballads) songs. However, this EP, marketed as a special summer release, featured only "red" songs. During promotions on Korean music shows, Red Velvet also performed "You Better Know" in addition to the title track.
III. Tracklist
| Title | Style | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
| "Red Flavor" | Red | Kenzie | Daniel Caesar (Caesar & Loui), Ludwig Lindell (Caesar & Loui) | Caesar & Loui (The Kennel) | 3:11 |
| "You Better Know" | Red | Lee Seu-ran, JQ (Makeumine Works), Choi Ji-hye (Makeumine Works) | Becky Jerams, Pontus Persson, Kanata Okajima | Pontus Persson | 4:10 |
| "Zoo" | Red | Lee Seu-ran | LDN Noise, Courtney Woolsey, Alice Penrose | LDN Noise | 3:24 |
| "Mojito" | Red | JQ (Makeumine Works), Hyun Ji-won (Makeumine Works) | Marissa Jack, Lars Halvor Jensen, Johannes "Josh" Jorgensen | Deekay | 3:04 |
| "Hear the Sea" | Red | Hyun Hwang (Monotree) | Hyun Hwang (Monotree) | Hyun Hwang (Monotree) | 3:22 |
IV. Spotify Playlist
V. Videos
Red Flavor MV
Red Velvet Summer Vacation Teaser
Red Velvet Summer Memories Teaser
Red Flavor MV Teaser
VI. Concept Photos
VII. Reception
The Red Summer became Red Velvet's sixth consecutive release to top the Gaon Album Chart and third to debut in first on the U.S. Billboard World Albums chart, setting a record for South Korean girl groups with the most #1s on the chart. It also reached #8 on the Billboard Top Heat Seekers Chart, #25 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart and made the group's highest debut on the Japanese Oricon Charts at #27. The lead single "Red Flavor" became their first #1 on the Gaon Digital Chart, as well as charting in the Philippines and Japan. All five songs on the album charts on Gaon, with two other songs reaching the top 25. It also earned the group its first Korean Music Award for Best Pop Song.
