Red Velvet understands the power of a great concept. Since their debut, the veteran K-pop group has never faltered in delivering as such, constantly building narrative worlds for each of their album releases that give fans plenty of material to unearth lore from. It stands to reason then, that for the K-pop quintet’s first full-length album in six years since Perfect Velvet, Irene, Seulgi, Joy, Wendy and Yeri have banded together again to put out something well worth the wait.
Enter Chill Kill. For the group’s third studio album, we’re looking at ravishing teaser images leading up to the album release—each one amping up on the horror-drama of this particular comeback—10 entire tracks to press play on, and of course, the unfailing K-pop staple: an enthralling music video for the album’s eponymous title track. Whilst the initial teasers loomed with a darkness from within (think ominous cultural references that point to something amiss), the ‘Chill Kill’ MV carried with it an unexpected kookiness too, as if to bolster the killer mystery of it all.
Driven to the brink of madness, the quintet is captured attempting escape together in the video—all of them displaying a sense of wayward whimsy imbued into the on-screen personas they play. Whilst the song itself is a juxtaposition of haunting synths against the surprising entrance of a brighter poppy chorus, it is undeniably the terrifyingly magnetic aesthetics that crank up on the drama. They’ve definitely got the beauty department to thank for that, as a great deal of under eye blush, frizzed up tresses and hacked-up manicures ruled the roost this time around. And of course, we made sure to take note of them all.
Below, see the best beauty moments from the ‘Chill Kill’ MV to take inspiration from. (Not that you should ever need to commit a bit of murder and arson.)
1 / 6
Her inner doll
Nothing quite like the doll-like contrast to really double down on the foreboding. Right at the start of the video, the girls take a ‘family portrait’ together, and it’s Seulgi’s sunset-lined peepers mired by her hastily braided pigtails that really seal the deal of what’s to come.
2 / 6
Rebellious teenager alert
As the sibling dynamic play out between RV’s leader Irene and maknae Yeri, the latter’s heavy dose of sunburnt blush and freckled-up mien—paired with a glossy pout no less—conveys the bleary-eyed situation the pair find themselves in.
3 / 6
Wayward dreamer
As if to mirror her inner psyche, Joy’s usually straight jet-black tresses are wet and texturised—unbothered amid their escape. Peeking out from underneath a heart-shaped eye patch, a speckled nose bridge embellishment continues down her left cheek line.
4 / 6
Power to the people
First to commit the deed and free them all, Wendy’s choreography and vocals are as powerful as can be. Her visuals certainly follow, as she wears a sharp flick of liner, a lilting undereye blush and some matching claws for effect.
5 / 6
Soft grunge
Seulgi encapsulates rocker grunge chic best: her dishevelled tresses an undeniable match with her patchy black nails and slightly darkened lids.
6 / 6
Fallen angel
Dressed like an angel, but walks like the devil. Irene’s final shot is one that is guaranteed to give goosebumps to all those bewitched—but not before she enchants you first with her glitter-stained eyes and graduated mauve lips.
