Red Velvet continues to shine on the global stage as their track Cosmic receives critical acclaim from prominent international media outlets. British music magazine NME recently included Cosmic in its 25 Best K-pop Songs of 2024 list, calling it a celebration of the group’s decade-long career as “one of K-pop’s brightest stars.”

The magazine described Cosmic as a song infused with Red Velvet’s signature mystique, adding, “It captures a tender longing to preserve fleeting love forever.” NME further praised the song’s production, highlighting the bridge as a moment where the members’ outstanding vocal abilities deliver a sensation akin to space travel.

British publication Dazed also recognized Cosmic, listing it among The 50 Best K-pop Tracks of 2024. The outlet described it as “a song that feels like a blessing with every moment,” commending the seamless harmony of poignant lyrics, disco-inspired strings, and a captivating chorus.

The accolades didn’t stop there. The track was also featured in Billboard’s The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2024: Staff Picks. Billboard lauded the synergy of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri, stating, “Their celestial harmonies are mesmerizing and impossible to resist,” solidifying Red Velvet’s appeal among global listeners.

Cosmic has achieved significant commercial success as well. The song topped the iTunes Top Album chart in 50 regions worldwide and ranked first on Tencent Music’s integrated K-pop chart across five platforms in China. It also claimed the No. 1 spot on QQ Music and Kugou Music’s digital album sales charts, as well as Japan’s AWA real-time rising chart.

The track marked a meaningful milestone in Red Velvet’s 10th anniversary celebrations. The group embarked on an Asia fan concert tour, which concluded in September with a sold-out performance in Macau.

In addition to group activities, the members showcased their artistry. Irene and Wendy released solo albums, while Seulgi and Joy collaborated on new music, demonstrating their growth as musicians. Yeri also pursued an active acting career, further expanding the group’s reach.

Their agency emphasized the group’s continuous evolution, stating, “Through diverse content, musical releases, and acting projects, Red Velvet has proven their unparalleled influence in the industry.” The agency credited the members’ efforts for solidifying their reputation as one of K-pop’s most powerful acts.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com