Review: Rookie by Red Velvet

K-pop girl group Red Velvet strikes the right balance between saccharine and sophisticated on Rookie. Photo: SM Entertainment

Rookie girl group Red Velvet finally gets it right on its fourth mini album. Forged with the dual concept of “red” (vivid and upbeat) and ‘velvet” (chic and reserved); the young K-pop ensemble from SM has for the longest time, struggled with that sonic duality.

But Rookie sees the girls – Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri – striking a balance between saccharine and sophisticated. There’s a good mix of fun pop numbers and heartfelt ballads here, and they get better as the EP progresses.