SM Entertainment‘s prized quintet, Red Velvet, has recently sparked intrigue and awe with the teasers for their upcoming release, Chill Kill. The teaser images, mesmerizing yet eerie, have driven fans into a whirlwind of speculations, attempting to decode the narratives behind the visuals. Among a plethora of theories, three have notably caught the attention of the ReVeluvs (Red Velvet fans).
| @RVsmtown/Twitter
1. Sun & Moon siblings
Drawing inspiration from a Korean folktale, the “Sun & Moon Siblings” theory has emerged as a dominant narrative among fans. In this theory, the spotlight in one scene is believed to symbolize a hunt led by a tiger, akin to the tale where a tiger hunts the siblings. Fans speculate Joy and Irene embody the siblings, with Yeri portraying their late mother awaiting reincarnation amidst peaceful surroundings.
‘Chill Kill’ Mood Sampler #IRENE
【Red Velvet The 3rd Album ‘Chill Kill’】
➫ 2023.11.13 6PM KST
Pre-orderhttps://t.co/46V8XHDVQ4#RedVelvet #레드벨벳 #Chill_Kill #칠킬#RedVelvet_Chill_Kill pic.twitter.com/BedOSqCKKK
— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) October 24, 2023
The quandary remains on who among Wendy and Seulgi personifies the tiger. While some evidence points towards Wendy, a glaring clue leans towards Seulgi — a clear depiction of a tiger in her scene. The ticking clock and subsequent bell sound are thought to signify the tiger’s countdown, representing elements from the folktale.
‘Chill Kill’ Mood Sampler #SEULGI
【Red Velvet The 3rd Album ‘Chill Kill’】
➫ 2023.11.13 6PM KST
Pre-orderhttps://t.co/46V8XHDVQ4#RedVelvet #레드벨벳 #Chill_Kill #칠킬#RedVelvet_Chill_Kill pic.twitter.com/7KBsgMQLYo
— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) October 24, 2023
The theory is further bolstered by the similarity in the settings surrounding Seulgi, Joy, Irene, and Yeri, which reflect the lore settings of the folktale.
RV Chill Kill Fan Theory Translations ( theory cr: @Always_likeU43 )
It seems to be inspired from a Korean folktale, Sun & Moon siblings. The spotlight in the scene symbolizes a hunt that was done by the tiger who hunts for the siblings in the tale. Joy & Irene as the siblings. pic.twitter.com/xiDIF0PYyg
— 다녀가피 (π) (@passerpi314) October 25, 2023
2. Rebirth
The “Rebirth” theory, entrenched in Chinese and Korean symbolism, suggests a narrative of renewal. The white tiger of the west, known as Báihū in Chinese or Baekho in Korean, represents the autumn season, hinting at Red Velvet’s stronger comeback in November.
The tiger is included in multiple “Chill Kill” teasers, including this image with Joy. | @RVsmtown/Twitter
The pink lotus, symbolizing rebirth and beauty, is interpreted as an emblem of Red Velvet’s new journey after the group’s infamous “Reve Festival” album series. Fans excitedly tie these symbols to a cultural narrative hinting at a new beginning for the group.
the white tiger of the west; báihū is one of the 4 chinese constellations (also korea; baekho), it represent the west or an autumn, this could be a sign that red velvet come back stronger in autumn time which is november, dressed in full of shushu/tong from its fw23 collection pic.twitter.com/wE26WX2egJ
— khai ⋆ (@venusianruby) October 26, 2023
3. Murder Mystery Theory
The “Murder Mystery” theory takes a darker twist. Fans have dissected the teasers to unravel a murderous narrative where some members are suspected of a grim act. The spotlight in the teasers is thought to mimic a detective’s search for clues. The theory notably hints at Joy and Irene being the suspects, with some nuances in the visuals leading to such assumptions.
‘Chill Kill’ Mood Sampler #JOY
【Red Velvet The 3rd Album ‘Chill Kill’】
➫ 2023.11.13 6PM KST
Pre-orderhttps://t.co/46V8XHDVQ4#RedVelvet #레드벨벳 #Chill_Kill #칠킬#RedVelvet_Chill_Kill pic.twitter.com/UdDT4THPOD
— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) October 24, 2023
For instance, Joy’s proximity to a particular couch and the butterflies in the background, coupled with Irene’s suspicious demeanor, are believed to carry significant meaning.
‘Chill Kill’ Mood Sampler #WENDY
【Red Velvet The 3rd Album ‘Chill Kill’】
➫ 2023.11.13 6PM KST
Pre-orderhttps://t.co/46V8XHDVQ4#RedVelvet #레드벨벳 #Chill_Kill #칠킬#RedVelvet_Chill_Kill pic.twitter.com/jMwDKrmU6F
— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) October 25, 2023
The solitary release of Wendy’s teaser has further fueled speculations, driving a narrative where Wendy could either be a victim or a part of a sinister plot. Seulgi’s ambiguous role adds to the mystery, leaving fans on the edge for the full release.
