Red Velvet confirm August 2026 comeback and fan-con, first full group release in 2 years

Red Velvet are coming back as a full five-member group in August 2026. SM Entertainment confirmed the new album on June 15.

The release lands roughly 2 years and 2 months after Cosmic, their June 2024 mini album. Cosmic hit No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums charts in 41 regions worldwide and was named one of Billboard's Best K-pop Songs of 2024. August also marks the group's 12th debut anniversary—they debuted under SM Entertainment in August 2014.

The comeback arrives after a notable lineup shift. Wendy and Yeri both ended their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment in 2025, with Wendy moving to Ascend and Yeri to Blitzway Entertainment. Both confirmed they would continue activities with Red Velvet. All five members—Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri—are returning.

Each member stayed active during the gap. Irene released her first full-length album Biggest Fan in March 2026 and is currently on her solo concert tour I-WILL. Wendy released mini album Cerulean Verge last year and held her first solo world tour W:EALIVE, 11 years after debut. Joy put out mini album From JOY, with Love last year and is currently appearing on variety shows including I Live Alone and TV Animal Farm. Seulgi released the Irene & Seulgi mini album TILT last year. Yeri starred in the drama series Cheongdam International High School and took the lead role in Azure Spring in May 2026.

The group will hold 2026 Red Velvet FAN-CON: A Day in Red & Velvet on August 1 at 6 PM and August 2 at 4 PM at Korea University Hwajung Gymnasium in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. (August 1 is their actual debut anniversary date.) A fan-con poster dropped on the group's official community and SNS accounts on June 15.

Tickets go on sale via Melon Ticket. Domestic fan club pre-sale opens June 18 at 8 PM. Global pre-sale starts June 22 at 8 PM. General sale begins June 23 at 8 PM.