Red Velvet Brings Back Their 2016 Classic 'Russian Roulette'

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There’s something undeniably powerful about a song that can transport you back in time. For millions of K-pop fans around the world, Red Velvet’s “Russian Roulette” is exactly that kind of track — a vibrant, infectious hit that defined an era and continues to resonate nearly a decade after its release. Now, the beloved girl group is leaning into that nostalgia in the most delightful way possible.

On Feb. 3, Red Velvet posted a TikTok video featuring three of its members — Irene, Seulgi, and Joy — dancing to their 2016 smash hit “Russian Roulette.” The caption playfully acknowledged the passage of time: “#2016 Russian Roulette but it’s 2026.” The simple yet effective video quickly captured the hearts of longtime fans and newer listeners alike, serving as a reminder of why this third-generation K-pop group has maintained such a devoted following over the years.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

“Russian Roulette” was originally released on September 16, 2016, during what many consider to be a golden era for K-pop. The song became one of Red Velvet’s most recognizable hits, known for its catchy melody and distinctive choreography. The dance routine, in particular, has become iconic in its own right, featuring a combination of cute hand gestures and playful robotic arm movements that fans have replicated countless times over the years.

The track has continued to gain traction on TikTok as the platform has become the go-to destination for dance challenges and nostalgic throwbacks. The choreography’s accessible yet memorable nature makes it perfect for social media, where users often recreate iconic K-pop dances to connect with the music they love.

For fans who have followed Red Velvet since their early days, seeing the members perform this beloved routine again was an emotional experience. The comments section of the TikTok post quickly filled with heartfelt messages from devoted supporters who have been waiting patiently for more content from the group.

“2016: red velvet comeback 2026: red velvet come back,” one fan wrote in the comments, cleverly playing on words to express their longing for new music. Another simply posted: “I missed yall so bad.”

These sentiments reflect a broader feeling among the fan community, known as ReVeluv, who remain deeply connected to the group despite long periods between releases.

The Current State of Red Velvet

Red Velvet consists of five talented members: Irene, Seulgi, Joy, Wendy and Yeri. The group first debuted in 2014 with their single “Happiness,” quickly establishing themselves as one of the most distinctive acts in the K-pop industry. Their unique concept, which blends the “Red” side of bright, energetic pop with the “Velvet” side of smooth R&B, has set them apart from their contemporaries throughout their career.

While the group remains active, fans have noticed that releases have become less frequent in recent years. The group’s most recent album, Cosmic, was released in August 2024, and supporters have been eagerly anticipating what comes next.

The group’s situation became more complex in April 2025 when members Wendy and Yeri departed from SM Entertainment, the powerhouse label that has managed Red Velvet since their debut. However, both artists confirmed they would continue participating in group promotions, meaning Red Velvet as a five-member unit is not disbanding.

SM Entertainment addressed the departures with a gracious statement that emphasized the positive nature of the transition. “The time we spent together with Wendy and Yeri […] was a great joy for us,” SM Entertainment said in their statement, as translated by Soompi. “We will cherish all the moments we have spent together with them until now, and we will sincerely root for Wendy and Yeri as they make a new start.”

The label further reassured fans about the group’s future, adding that “as members of Red Velvet,” the two K-pop idols will still be “working with us for their group activities, and we ask that you look forward to Red Velvet’s shining journey that will continue to unfold.”

Where Are the Members Now?

The remaining three members of Red Velvet — Seulgi, Irene, and Joy — have all renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment, demonstrating their commitment to the group’s continued activities. According to NME, Seulgi renewed her contract in August 2023, Irene followed in February 2024, and Joy signed her renewal in January 2025.

Meanwhile, Wendy and Yeri have been pursuing exciting individual opportunities. Wendy signed an exclusive contract with Asnd, where she released her third mini album, Cerulean Verge, in September 2025. The release allowed her to further explore her artistic identity as a solo vocalist while maintaining her connection to Red Velvet. Yeri took a different path, signing a contract with Blitzway Entertainment to pursue work as an actress, expanding her creative horizons beyond music.

This arrangement — where members pursue solo activities while remaining committed to group work — has become increasingly common in the K-pop industry. It allows artists to grow individually while preserving the group dynamic that fans cherish. However, it does mean that comebacks might be less frequent due to members focusing on solo careers, requiring coordination across multiple schedules and companies.

For fans who discovered K-pop in 2016, this throwback is a chance to relive formative memories. For newer fans, it’s an opportunity to discover a classic track and understand the group’s rich history. Either way, Red Velvet has once again proven their ability to bring people together through music and nostalgia — and that’s exactly what great pop music is supposed to do.