One of the latest hot topics in a popular Korean online community centers around Red Velvet members' solo releases.
Recently, fans have gathered in the popular forum, Instiz, debating whether SM Entertainment has fully supported the members as solo artists. One fan explained, "It seems SM has zero intention of making Red Velvet successful as solo artists." The fan continued to express frustration and wrote, "At least Irene’s solo album had decent musicality, but it got buried, and Seulgi, Wendy, and Joy only got titles that make you sigh… At this point, it feels like they’re deliberately setting them up to fail. Seriously, what are they doing?"
Others joined the community to share their two cents. Many argued that by now, the members should have significant input on their solo projects, and speculated that the concept, track selection, and overall album structure largely reflect the members’ tastes and efforts.
They commented:
"At this point in their careers, the members’ opinions must count, right?"
"I also didn't like their solo albums."
"They’re not rookies; maybe it’s just their personal taste… At this stage in their careers, it’s fine for them to make the music they want as solo artists."
"Red Velvet isn’t at the stage where they only do what they’re told…"
"I actually like Joy’s latest song… And I don’t think SM would do that… Solo releases surely include their own tastes; it’s not a group project."
"At this point, I think it’s just their own taste, honestly."
"Huh…? Seulgi’s song wasn’t my taste either, but you could clearly see the effort she put in."
"People blame SM for things that failed; maybe fans can’t blame the members."
"Honestly, after 10+ years, it’s just the members’ preferences… Especially SM."
"Criticizing just because it’s not your taste is really dumb."
"Solo albums really reflect the member’s abilities. Whether they’re senior or junior to Red Velvet, members involved in solo releases usually have input on the album’s title tracks, concept, and overall structure."
"Solo albums mostly reflect the members’ tastes."
"These albums are made with the members' input, so posting this is basically blaming the artist."
"Irene’s musicality? That was the worst, honestly. Music is subjective after all…"
"I thought Seulgi’s album was the best; lots of songs were like Red Velvet’s, so I listened to the whole thing."
"What is the original poster even saying?"
"I think all their solo albums' concepts were good. The B-side tracks were all good quality. It was the title tracks that were a bit disappointing."
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