Last time we spoke of Wendy’s solo outing, it was her debut, 2021’s Like Water. That title track remains memorable, especially as a snapshot of a tumultuous time in Red Velvet history. Of course, I’m glad they went in a different direction with this one, “Wish You Hell” being more pop-punk — a soft Paramore, let’s say. Though for Mother Wenresa, that marks a stylistic departure (and a really good song).
My perception of Wendy is that she’s a specific character in the greater Red Velvet schema: the lovable goofball. And so, we have the opening lyrics of “Wish You Hell”:
Forget that good girl
I tried, and at first, it wasn’t that bad
But now I’m done
Wearing dark, punk clothing, the singing Wendy closes the coffin on soft, bridal Wendy, and later there’s some bondage imagery I’m not really sure about; I’ve lost the plot at that point. But it’s a strange reification, like, oh, I didn’t realize she also saw herself as the loveable goofball. And that that needed to be remarked upon. Trained never to take Red Velvet music at face value, how literally am I to read this?
At the very least, I’m certain this song expresses a feeling of growing up. She’s just turned 30, which is, at least, the age when Americans today begin to shed their adolescence. Her next song could very well be a return to the more Velvet stylings of “Like Water,” making this not so much a mission statement as a flavor. But who knows?
It was with the behind-the-scenes of Red Velvet’s NYE performance that I felt this pang of, perhaps, things to come.
In the video, we first see Irene and Seulgi practice the choreography for their subunit hits “Monster” and “Naughty,” both of which are technically formidable. You really feel bad for Seulgi, who’s clearly exhausted and constantly trying to leave.
Then we see Wendy prepare for her part of the show, this New Year’s concert in the Philippines. A makeup artist is trying to touch her up but she keeps bobbing her head, eventually pantomiming a DJ while talking about how she does not go clubbing. Even if it’s keeping the makeup artist from doing her job, everyone loves Wendy’s goofiness. And when she takes to the stage, we hear her staff speak about her in awed voices, that she twerks backstage but turns it on in front of the audience.
Wendy performs, followed by Irene and Seulgi, and then we get to see them hanging out together, briefly.
Too brief, but man, this is my favorite. Red Velvet in their natural state. And there’s something else, too. It’s kind of an illusion, especially with their clashing outfits — Irene and Seulgi wear red and black, Wendy is in white — it’s almost less like they’re three members of Red Velvet and more so the famous duo Irene and Seulgi catching up with popstar Wendy.
I don’t know how much time Red Velvet has as a five-member group. I’ve been wondering if we’re seeing things change, where the seven-year rule doesn’t apply anymore because K-pop is so much bigger now than when the superstition first emerged. But if/when they end up fracturing, this is the future I want for them (but also, you know, with Joy and Yeri around).
Also, at the end of the video, Irene takes the camera during the fireworks and the aftermath, when everyone’s sort of running around, and she’s sitting at a table talking to the audience when the backup dancers walk by, shouting, “Irene! So pretty!” The look on her face is priceless.
This is something she’s heard so often from fans (and peers) that apparently, it’s become an inside joke.
In Other K-Pop News…
Wow, this one really takes me back. I’m sure you’ve noticed — despaired about, even — that updates here have been infrequent. In part, I’ve been shifting more focus to Martian Sun, but also, when it comes to entertainment, I’ve been prioritizing movies over K-content. There hasn’t been too much going on that’s excited me in hallyuworld, but this — THIS. Oh, man, it’s the Thing That I Want to See the Most.
So, what’s the over/under on it ever being localized? And my first thought was, “Wasn’t the 15th anniversary last year?” And, no, it wasn’t. It was in 2022.
Not that I’m complaining. It’s Kara Level Up Project!
With Eyes East 