Red Velvet’s Joy is officially returning as a soloist with her first original mini album, From JOY, with Love, scheduled for release next month. The announcement came via a teaser released on July 28 through SM Entertainment’s official channels. This marks her first new solo material in four years.
Joy will drop her debut original album, From JOY, With Love on August 18 at 6 PM KST.
This project follows her 2021 special remake album Hello, and will be her first mini-album featuring all original tracks.
Joy made her solo debut in 2021 with Hello, an album composed entirely of remakes of classic Korean hits from the 1990s and 2000s. It featured six tracks, including the title track Hello, and the pre-release single Je T’aime.
Despite being remake-based, the album achieved commercial and critical success, hitting No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums in 26 countries and entering the Top 5 on the U.S. iTunes chart.
Since then, fans have been anticipating original solo work from the Red Velvet member, and From JOY, with Love answers that call.
The album was first mentioned in SM Entertainment’s Q3 2025 investor report, where the 28-year-old K-pop star was listed among key artists with upcoming solo projects.
The agency plans to promote both Red Velvet group activities and individual projects in the second half of 2025. However, the group’s last comeback was in June 2025. With Wendy and Yeri’s departure from SM, it is not yet confirmed when they will make a comeback together.
Joy is one of three Red Velvet members, alongside Irene and Seulgi, who renewed contracts with SM Entertainment earlier this year.
Lately, Red Velvet members are focusing on solo endeavors with Seulgi’s comeback earlier this year and Irene and Seulgi’s unit debut this month. On the other hand, member Wendy is scheduled to make a comeback in September.
From JOY, with Love is expected to highlight Joy’s vocal growth, musical identity, and artistic image. Fans are also speculating on possible collaborations. Joy has a history of successful features, including If Only with Paul Kim and Mayday with Crush.
As this is her first album featuring original material, there’s a strong chance it will include top producers or duet partners.
Since her debut in 2014 with Red Velvet, Joy has proven her talent beyond the group. In addition to her solo music, she has taken lead roles in K-dramas like The One and Only and Once Upon a Small Town.
SM Entertainment is expected to begin the full-scale promotion campaign in early August, starting with concept photos, highlight medley videos, and pre-order links.
Given the August 18 release date, teaser content is likely to be released in phases across Red Velvet’s and Joy’s official social accounts.
