Red Velvet's Seulgi Heads to Vietnam for Fashion Shoot
On April 22, 2025, Red Velvet member Seulgi was spotted at Incheon International Airport, heading to Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Her destination isn’t a concert venue or award ceremony—but a scenic island for a magazine photo shoot. The picturesque trip is part of her ongoing solo schedule, including the recent release of her second solo album.
While fans are excited to see Seulgi's fashion-forward looks and unique charm take center stage, her solo activities have also reignited conversations about the balance between individual work and group dynamics in K-pop. This spotlight on a single member prompts questions that echo across the industry: How much solo is too solo?
Solo Success: Expressing Identity Beyond Red Velvet
Seulgi has long been admired for her graceful dancing and soulful voice within Red Velvet. But outside of the group, she’s slowly been building her own brand. Her second solo album, Baby, Not Baby, resonated with fans who appreciated a more introspective and personal musical direction. This photo shoot in Vietnam allows her to showcase another side—her fashion sense and visual storytelling.
For K-pop idols, branching out can be both liberating and strategic. It can demonstrate versatility, expand fanbases, and solidify one's career post-group era. In Seulgi’s case, her involvement in choreography, visual direction, and artistic concepts adds depth to her public persona, turning her from idol to artist.
The Flip Side: Concerns About Group Commitment
However, not every fan is completely on board. As Seulgi’s solo activities ramp up, some followers have quietly expressed concerns: Does this mean fewer group comebacks? Could the focus on individual careers dilute Red Velvet’s synergy?
These questions aren’t new in the idol world. From Girls’ Generation to BLACKPINK, K-pop groups often grapple with the challenge of maintaining group identity while supporting individual ambitions. In worst-case scenarios, solo ventures become unofficial segues into disbandment. Fans, having seen that pattern before, can’t help but feel nervous even if they support Seulgi’s endeavors.
Finding a Middle Ground
For solo activities to enhance rather than compete with group work, coordination is critical. Agency planning, member communication, and clear messaging to fans go a long way in maintaining reassurance. Seulgi’s solo fame doesn't have to signal a break from Red Velvet—it can, ideally, feed back into the group by widening its creative vision.
And perhaps, this is where Seulgi shines. Her quiet but consistent openness with fans, whether through interviews, vlogs, or personal messages, conveys sincerity. For now, fans seem to trust in her ability to balance the two worlds—a powerhouse group and a blossoming individual path.
What Her Trip Means for the Future
Seulgi’s presence in Phu Quoc may just be for a photo shoot, but the broader implications are worth noting. In a time when K-pop idols face pressure to ‘do it all,’ from brand endorsements to acting to music to fashion, Seulgi is navigating that tightrope with grace. Her trip speaks to a career evolution that doesn’t abandon group identity but builds on it.
Solo activities, when done right, offer a chance for personal growth and a fresh way to connect with audiences. As long as SM Entertainment and Seulgi prioritize transparency and teamwork, there’s no reason why her success apart from Red Velvet can’t coexist with success within it.
In the ever-adapting landscape of K-pop, maybe the future isn’t about choosing between solo and group, but learning how to do both well. Seulgi seems to be on that path—one stylish photo shoot at a time.
