Review: R to V at Wembley Arena, June 2023

Red Velvet’s first tour in Europe has arrived in London.

In 2023, London-based K-Pop fans can at last enjoy a range of concerts. Groups like Ateez, G-Idle and Twice have visited the capital, many for the first time, such as Twice and Aespa.

This was not Red Velvet’s first time in the UK. They performed here last summer at the Made In Korea festival. This time, however, they had the venue to themselves.

The girl group, consisting of five members, are highly regarded in the K-Pop industry, following fan favourites like ‘Ice Cream Cake’, ‘Bad Boy’, and ‘Psycho’.

The group’s unique concept consists of their ‘Red’ side (fluffier, more upbeat), and their ‘Velvet’ side (more mature, and somewhat sinister).

The setlist started off with the ‘Red’, as they opened with tracks from their 2022 EP ‘Feel My Rhythm’ and ‘BAMBOLEO’. One member, Joy, has missed most of the tour so far due to health reasons, the other four members appeared on stage in pink ballerina outfits. The props were arranged to give the illusion of a rose garden, which is a substantial change in scenery for the borough of Brent.

Vocally pitch perfect, Irene, Wendy, Seulgi and Yeri walked up and down the stage to greet fans for the first time. Wendy’s vocals and presence on stage stood out in particular, as she tried to make every nearby fan feel seen. Video footage of missing member Joy was also played during her verses.

After a few more songs, including the iconic ‘Ice Cream Cake’ complete with choreography, the group left the stage as supplementary videos suggested a change in concept. The girls return transformed from their pastel dresses to black and white outfits. In this half, they performed ‘Psycho’ with an added dance-break in the middle of the song, much to the fans’ delight.

They executed the choreography well, as their lead dancer Seulgi practised sharp and precise moves. Their on-stage chemistry created a cohesive dance performance overall.

Strongest English speakers Wendy and Yeri had fun attempting British accents as part of a tradition at K-Pop concerts in the UK. The group was highly amused by their attempts, and quite embarrassed as well.

The group’s performance was very highly thought-of by the crowd, which managed to get two encores from the girls. The encore was surely the highlight of the concert; comfier outfits, less strict choreo and more fan favourites.

The most memorable song was ‘Zimzalabim’, a rowdy track with numerous bass-drops. Wendy’s vocals in this performance were exceptional, as fans jumped and screamed the lyrics. Despite the song being quite divisive due to its experimental sound, the crowd’s energy was at its highest, as if they were brought together by this performance.

Overall, R to V in London was an impressive show of Red Velvet’s capabilities as performers. I, for one, hope that they will come back with all members present soon.