2016 was Red Velvet's "lost year"

  • In 2015 it felt like sky was the limit for Red Velvet but then the entire game changed when Twice became NGG. In 2016 RV came back with OOTN and Russian Roulette. It was also their the airing of their first reality "Level Up", Joy's first acting role (which got record low ratings), and also Irene's first web drama. The public wasn't as interested in The Velvet, and RR album didn't get as much hype from fans as The Red or later RV albums. It also felt like RV was on "decline" that year even though they were still one of the top (probably 2nd) after Twice.


    Then 2017 came and Red Flavor took RV's popularity to another level, so their history in 2016 was forgotten. 2020 would also be considered another "lost year" but because corona happened it was the case for everyone at different degrees.

  • You're right about 2016 slowed down RV's momentum. SM always makes most stupid decisions like OOTN as a comeback and a whole ballad album when previous velvet songs like be natural and automatic weren't successful at all in charts. When they had a fire b-side song like huff n puff with great choreography; i don't know why they didn't make it the next title track. Just listen to this song and watch their amazing performance:

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    Although in 2021 it's hard to say even if their comeback is successful they are 7 years old gg now so SM won't be interested to give 2 comebaciks a year. Also Yeri is busy with her own acting projects and Joy also got offer so she will be busy too. Probably Wendy and Seulgi will release solo albums hopefully SM will give them 2 comebacks a year and fans will support them.

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