What's the Meaning of Red Velvet's 'Chill Kill' MV? Group, Luvies Share Haunting Interpretation

By Riely Miller Nov 13, 2023

Red Velvet's MV for "Chill Kill" has sparked various interpretations across social media.

Delving Into the Macabre: Luvies Share Their Interpretation for Red Velvet's 'Chill Kill' MV

On November 13, at 6 p.m. KST, Red Velvet finally came back with their third full-length album "Chill Kill" and its title track of the same name.

While Red Velvet is known for showcasing "Red," their bright side, and "Velvet," the darker and classy side, this comeback seemed to fuse both elements as evident by the gloomy verses and upbeat chorus. This is one of Red Velvet's specialties since they can show versatility in sound.

Before the music video for "Chill Kill" was released, the ReVeluv community had already set their minds on interpreting the teasers. However, more theories and analyses were brought out across the internet, sparking discussions online.

[Content Warning: Mentions of murder, abuse]

Five Abducted Sisters Escape From Kidnapper

On YouTube, one fan commented under K-pop content creator Kaia: The Safe Cave's "Chill Kill" reaction video.

According to the fan, the story was about five sisters abducted by their father in the basement and how they eventually escaped from their prison.

The fan shared:

"Five sisters are held captive by their father in the basement. The MV opens with the girls setting up a performance, which is usually a common thing for them. On the 13th of November, which is the birthday of Yeri's character, they celebrate with a cake, but they need to be quiet.

However, they weren't quiet enough, so the kidnapper shoots the door. This was the perfect chance for Wendy's plan to kill their father. As she tells the girls to keep quiet, she leaves the basement and murders their abuser with a rock to the head."

The fan also shared how the five sisters went through the horrific experience and how they moved on by setting fire to the house where disturbing memories lie.

"Each girl played a different role when processing the murder. Irene becomes mother-like or the oldest sister figure, Yeri returns to the basement and drowns it out by watching TV, Joy takes the murder weapon and leaves, Seulgi argues with Joy, while Wendy is shaken by her actions.

Now free, they get to go off and live their own lives. The shot of the calendar before the cutscene makes me think they agreed to return on the same day in the future. This could also be why Yeri was wearing a veil in the last scene because it's her birthday."

"In the future, they light the house that once kept them captive on fire and run away. However, they were still caught and while initially concerned for the consequences, they eventually realize that all they need is each other, finding comfort in their bond."

Moving on From Past Misdeeds & Living Life to the Fullest

On a Reddit forum, one Luvie shared a more personal take on the MV, saying how the five sisters represented different aspects of one's self. The fan added how the "father" also represented one's inner demons or traumatic experiences.

Here's the fan's interpretation:

"The girls represent different aspects of your 'self,' but they are being oppressed by the 'dad' who could be representing one's inner demons or one's traumatic past that's holding a person back from living to their full potential.

The sisters kill the demon/past and burn the house down to free themselves, which enables them to start fresh (running with their suitcases.) It's about learning that it isn't easy leaving your old life and ways, and your past mistakes can catch up (cops showing up).

But in the end, the sisters are at peace as oneself (dancing and joining hands at the end)."

Duplicity: The Line Between Tragedy & Hope

While fans were more than happy to share their take, the Red Velvet members themselves joined as well. In an exclusive interview, members shared that the term "Chill Kill" refers to a figure or situation that disrupts the calmness.

They also revealed that the message included moving on from past tragedies and looking forward to a future with hope.

Wendy: "The key word of this release is duplicity, which shows both tragedy and hope."

Joy: "The term 'Chill Kill' refers to a situation or a person that disrupts the calmness. While it tells the story of how a calm life becomes filled with misfortune, it's about craving for hope."

Joy: "It's about five sisters who are trapped in a tragedy. It also focuses on how the sisters overcome their tragedy and grow individually through the process."