by Nush Sikdar
Red Velvet and Blackpink are two of the largest girl groups in Kpop, amassing tens of millions of adoring fans internationally. These groups have one particular thing in common that is critical to their success: their dual concept.
Top left: Red Velvet in "Dumb Dumb". Top right: Red Velvet in "Peek-A-Boo". Bottom left: Blackpink in "As If It’s Your Last". Bottom right: Blackpink in "How You Like That".
What is this “dual concept”? Red Velvet can be separated into “Red” and “Velvet” concepts, and Blackpink can be separated into “Black” and “Pink” concepts. The “Red” and “Pink” concepts tend to be brighter and more lighthearted, while the “Velvet” and “Black” concepts are darker and more mature. This simple definition just skims the surface of what these groups have put out over the years, so let's take a deeper dive into the specifics of the “dual concept.”.
Let’s start with Blackpink. Debuting in 2016, the girls had a handful of comebacks in the months after their debut, then didn’t release any new songs for about a year—that is, only releasing Japanese versions of their originally Korean songs. They finally began releasing new songs again after a year had passed, and since then have been releasing albums consistently. Over time, it seems more of their songs fall into the Black concept rather than the Pink concept, especially in their recent comebacks.
The Black concept shows a more confident, independent, in-your-face side of the members. The visuals themselves aren’t necessarily darker, but they are more mature compared to Pink comebacks. The songs usually deal with topics like heartbreak, which add to the independence and sadder or angrier feelings of the comeback. Songs like “Playing with Fire,” “Ddu-ddu Ddu-du,” and “Kill This Love” are great examples of the Black concept.
The Pink concept is much more fun and bright compared to the darker Black concept. Blackpink works under YG entertainment, an agency that maintains a cool and edgy image, so these Pink comebacks aren’t the stereotypical cute and childish girl group comebacks that most people think of. Instead, they’re upbeat, feisty, and colorful, while still maintaining the brashness and powerfulness that is standard for Blackpink. Like previously mentioned, their more recent comebacks generally evoke the Black concept, so you won’t find too many Pink concept comebacks. Songs like “Boombayah,” “As If It’s Your Last,” and “Ice Cream (featuring Selena Gomez)” fall into the Pink concept.
Now, let’s talk about Red Velvet. Unlike Blackpink, whose Black and Pink concepts can easily meld together and represent the general vibe of their songs, Red Velvet has two distinct concepts that are near polar opposites of each other. Debuting in 2014 under SM Entertainment, the group has consistently released both singles, mini albums, and full length albums for the past few years. Their last album, “The ReVe Festival: Finale,” was released on December 23,2019. Since then, they have not released any new comebacks as a group, as the members are now focusing on releasing solo projects and subunit projects. The group has released a balance of Red and Velvet comebacks, with their debut being a Red concept album.
The Red concept is characterized by bright colors and nonsensical imagery. Specific themes of Red comebacks in the past include fruit, desserts, and carnivals, though there are many others that are so random and strange they couldn’t possibly be given a name. CGI is often used to create detailed backgrounds in the music videos that appear as though they’ve been taken straight out of a Dr. Seuss book, with striped trees, multi-colored rolling hills, and buildings with so many twists and turns that one can only imagine how they stay standing. Despite the fun, bubbly nature of these songs, the music videos tend to include dark overtones, usually of sabotage and murder. Red concept songs often use strange sounding instrumentals, so these releases are generally hit or-miss with fans. Examples of Red concept title tracks include “Zimzalabim,” “Dumb Dumb,” “Red Flavor,” and “Russian Roulette.”
The Velvet concept is the darker counterpart to the aforementioned Red concept. At first, Velvet concept releases were characterized as softer and more passionate, typically being RnB ballads. As time went on, the Velvet concept evolved into an entirely unique experience that few other groups have undertaken. The concept takes the previously subtle and glossed-over terrifying elements in the Red concept and shoves them to center stage. Motifs of monsters and murder are rampant in Velvet concept music videos, and in contrast to the strange and seemingly random nature of Red concept music videos, these tell a clearer story, though they are often so fantastical that it’s still difficult to truly understand what’s happening. Examples of Velvet concept title tracks include “Be Natural,” “Peek-A-Boo,” “Bad Boy,” and “Psycho.”
Now, the argument can be made that Blackpink doesn’t really have two separate concepts. The Pink concept isn’t too different from the Black concept, and the general sound of Blackpink doesn’t completely change. With the exception of their few softer songs, their sound is generally loud and bouncy. Their visuals deviate slightly depending on the concept, but many argue it’s not to the extent that you could consider Blackpink a “dual concept group.”
Red Velvet debuted years before Blackpink, and has pioneered the idea of a dual concept, no questions asked. It’s very likely that fans of Blackpink simply reached for the “dual concept” label because they were jealous of Red Velvet’s comparative success. After all, Blackpink has always released tracks with the “girl crush” concept, and it’s easy to group their releases under a “Black” and “Pink” concept when you’re really looking to impose a “dual concept” label . Whether you agree or disagree that Blackpink has a dual concept like Red Velvet is up to you, but there is one thing that can’t be denied: both groups are talented and are dominating the industry with their powerful discography, visuals, and performances.