WELCOMING the new year has always been exciting as people look forward to new beginnings and endless possibilities. It’s also a special moment for many Filipinos because it allows them to be with their loved ones.
For Filipino Reveluvs, December 31, 2023, was exceptional as they ushered in the new year with their idols: K-pop girl group Red Velvet.
Red Velvet is a five-member group composed of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri. They were formed by SM Entertainment, which also handles popular K-pop groups like Super Junior, Shinee, EXO, NCT, and Aespa.
Red Velvet’s “unnie line” Irene, Seulgi and Wendy returned to the Philippines as they headlined the New Year’s countdown “NYE at the 5th: New Year’s Countdown” in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
This countdown event in the country was the first for the K-pop idols, explained vocalist Wendy. She shared this during her ment just before performing “Why Can’t You Love Me?”, as seen on a video uploaded by a fan on X (formerly Twitter). Wendy was in an all-white slit dress.
Wendy said she felt “really happy” to be back in the country following their last visit for the Manila leg of the “R to V” tour in May at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m happy to be back to celebrate the last day of 2023 with you guys,” she said.
She added, “And also especially, it’s our first time doing the countdown in different countries, and [it’s] in the Philippines.”
Wendy Ment – LED View 😭💙🫶🏼😭💙🫶🏼😭🫶🏼#BGCTaguig2024NYE pic.twitter.com/eXZofZwyBR
— eri (@jwheesswan) December 31, 2023
Aside from “Why Can’t You Love Me?” Wendy also stunned the Filipino crowd with her mesmerizing vocals for “Like Water.” Both songs are part of her five-track debut extended play of the same title.
Meanwhile, Aseul subunit–Irene and Seulgi–made their fans in awe of their tutting skills for their “Naughty” stage. This was special for the Filo Reveluvs as this was the first time they witnessed a live performance of “Naughty” since the duo last promoted it in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that put live shows on pause.
this is irene & seulgi's first time performing their song naughty with a crowd look at how happy irene is 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qa3wARJEmF
— Elle ☾𖤓 (@chobomseulrene) December 31, 2023
“It’s been three years since we had an Aseul performance,” said Irene through a translator.
Aseul Ment#2024EverWithSeulgi #seulgi #슬기#Shining2024WithIRENE #irene #아이린#BGCTaguigNYE2024 pic.twitter.com/BHv2zocGUn
— BabyreVe (@VeBabyre) December 31, 2023
Irene and Seulgi ended their stage performance with “Monster,” the title track in their debut album of the same name that they also released in 2020.
The trio and Filo Reveluvs officially welcomed the new year as they all sang and grooved to “Red Flavor.”
Ended a year with Red Velvet and starting a year with Red Velvet and Red Flavor 🥰🥰🥰 Indeed one of the best year end eveeeeeeer!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE 🥳🥳🥳#BGCTaguig2024NYE pic.twitter.com/Kvcg2AevPZ
— 🐰 (@zimzalafckinbim) December 31, 2023
The quintet made a comeback in the K-pop scene in November 2023 with the release of their third studio album “Chill Kill.”
The album has 10 tracks: “Chill Kill,” “Knock Knock (Who’s There?)” “Underwater,” “Will I Ever See You Again?,” “Nightmare,” “Iced Coffee,” “One Kiss,” “Bulldozer,” “Wings” and “Scenery.”
Pinoy acts
At the countdown event, the trio was joined by Filipino artists like Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, singer-songwriters Adie and Zack Tabudlo, and OPM icon Ely Buendia.
Tandingan capped off 2023 with powerful performances of her song “Labo” and renditions of “Water” by South African singer Tyla and “Rolling in the Deep” by British singer-songwriter Adele.
The countdown event became a kilig-filled night when Adie serenaded the crowd with “Mahika,” “Tahanan” and “Paraluman.”
The audience rode a rollercoaster of emotions when Tabdulo entered the stage and performed his heart-fluttering song “Akin Ka” and heartbreaking track “Pano.”
Meanwhile, a wave of nostalgia swept over attendees when Buendia performed “Alapaap” by Pinoy rock band Eraserheads.
