Red Velvet’s ‘Cosmic’ MV: Mixed Reactions to ‘Midsommar’ Aesthetic

On the 24th, SM Entertainment’s official YouTube channel premiered the music video for Red Velvet’s latest song ‘Cosmic’. Prior to its release, fans had speculated that the video’s concept drew inspiration from the film ‘Midsommar’, based on teaser photos and comeback schedules.

‘Midsommar’, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ari Aster, is known for blending unsettling themes with a bright and cheerful visual palette, a departure from conventional horror cinema. Some online users even compiled comparisons between scenes from ‘Midsommar’ and segments of the Red Velvet music video, sharing their observations with fellow fans.

However, reactions to the ‘Cosmic’ music video have been mixed among netizens. Criticism centered around what some perceived as a lack of originality from Red Velvet, noting concerns about the clarity of the connection between the song’s lyrics, the album artwork, and the overall video concept.

Conversely, there were voices of support and excitement for the fresh approach taken by Red Velvet. Positive feedback highlighted the unique and enchanting vibe characteristic of the group, with comments praising their transformation into forest-like fairies and embracing a novel concept.

Red Velvet’s previous music videos have often integrated references to iconic artworks and films, showcasing their penchant for artistic homage. Examples include ‘Psycho’ (2019), inspired by ‘Black Swan’, and ‘Feel My Rhythm’ (2022), which incorporated references to paintings such as ‘The Finding of Ophelia’ and ‘The Swing’, alongside a sample of Bach’s ‘Air on the G String’. These creative interpretations have generally been well-received, reinforcing Red Velvet’s distinct musical and visual identity.

‘Cosmic’, released on the 24th, is a collaborative effort between renowned composer KENZIE and the Swedish songwriting team Moonshine. The song’s fairy-tale lyrics depict a love that spans the cosmos, describing a meeting with a traveler who unexpectedly lands on a solitary star.