ReviewIrene & Seulgi's first solo concert proves Red Velvet's legacy transcends lineup
K-pop girl group Red Velvet's subunit Irene & Seulgi performs during the duo's first concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Red Velvet's iconic duo, Irene & Seulgi, proved over the weekend that the group's signature elegance and performance power remain unshaken, even as its members move forward on different paths.
The two held their first standalone unit concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall over the weekend, marking the opening of the duo's Asia tour and their first full concert since debuting as a Red Velvet subunit five years ago.
The event came on the heels of April's bittersweet announcement that only Irene, Joy and Seulgi had renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment, while Wendy and Yeri had joined other agencies.
Though SM emphasized that Red Velvet was not disbanding, the news left many fans grieving the uncertain future of the group. On social media, some even described the group's most recent track, "Cosmic" — with its emotional lyrics, delicate bridge and soaring climax — as the most perfect "disbandment song."
But the Irene & Seulgi concert sent a different message: that Red Velvet's artistry would persist, regardless of its current form.
Red Velvet's subunit Irene & Seulgi performs during the duo's first solo concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
The 4,000-seat Olympic Hall, though smaller than the KSPO Dome where Red Velvet has previously performed, was packed with Reveluvs, the group's official fandom, their cheers rivaling any stadium crowd.
In response to the enthusiasm, the show opened with much impact Sunday afternoon, the final performance of the two-day show.
Red lasers shot across the stage as Irene and Seulgi emerged atop a descending staircase, their silhouettes framed by bursts of fireworks. As they stepped down in sync, the venue erupted in ear-splitting screams.
The two wasted no time as they launched into their latest title track, "TILT," kicking off the concert with precision and power. Though some critics panned the song upon its late May release, the duo's choice to lead with it felt defiant — as if saying the performance speaks louder than any review.
Red Velvet's subunit Irene & Seulgi performs during the duo's first concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Wowing the crowd with their symmetry-focused choreography, the duo followed up with tracks "Feel Good" and "Trampoline," maintaining the momentum before pausing to greet fans.
"This is our first concert in five years after debuting as Irene & Seulgi," Irene said. "We performed yesterday too, but I'm still shaking today."
Seulgi added, "Maybe it's because we want to do even better. But seeing you all, that nervousness simply turns into excitement."
The pair also explained the concert's title, "BALANCE."
"I think we're all a little unbalanced as people. But by pulling and pushing each other, we create perfect harmony. That's what we wanted to capture in this title," Irene said.
"We hope that balance comes through to all of you."
Irene of K-pop girl group Red Velvet performs during the duo's first concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
From that point on, the concert's concept came alive through its visuals. The duo used mirrored and contrasting formations to emphasize balance, while red lighting, lasers and stage costumes with crimson accents highlighted the sensual identity that defines Red Velvet.
Each member also shined in solo stages.
Seulgi took the stage first, delivering a fiery rendition of "Dead Man Runnin'," singing with such passion that her lipstick began to smudge. In "Better Dayz," a hidden gem from her second EP, she demonstrated why she's dubbed one of K-pop's strongest performers — from her intricate moves to her effortless command of the stage.
Irene also displayed her promise as a solo artist beyond her well-known visuals. Her upbeat performance of "Ka-Ching," in particular, brought a lighter, cheekier tone to a show otherwise drenched in sleek, sultry moods.
Seulgi of K-pop girl group Red Velvet performs during the duo's first concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
One of the most emotional highlights came with "Be Natural," which the pair performed for the first time in 11 years. Originally introduced when Irene and Seulgi were SM trainees as part of a rookie unit, the stage paid tribute to their long history and enduring bond.
The duo also performed Red Velvet songs for an emotional encore. Belting out the group's beloved hits, "Red Flavor" and "Zimzalabim," the two promised that the name Red Velvet would live on — even in duo form.
Adding to the night's warmth, fellow Red Velvet members Joy and Wendy were spotted in the audience, cheering on Irene and Seulgi to reaffirm the unbreakable friendship between the members.
Beyond Seoul, Irene & Seulgi will take their "BALANCE" tour across Asia in the coming months, with stops in Singapore on July 4, Macau on July 12, Bangkok on July 19, Taipei on Aug. 3, Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 13 and Tokyo on Sept. 24-25.
Red Velvet's subunit Irene & Seulgi performs during the duo's first concert, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour 'BALANCE,'" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment