Red Velvet’s debut as a three-member unit at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Mexico made waves this week, drawing an overwhelming response from the crowd.

Despite online chatter just a week before the concert urging its cancellation due to seemingly low ticket sales, the thunderous cheers that erupted as soon as Red Velvet stepped onto the stage proved the venue was anything but empty. The trio’s electrifying entrance marked their first official group performance as three—featuring Irene, Seulgi, and Joy—following the departure of Wendy and Yeri from SM Entertainment earlier this year. While the trio had previously teamed up for a special cover stage during SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul, this concert marked the beginning of a new chapter for Red Velvet’s international performances.

Although SM Entertainment confirmed that Wendy and Yeri would still participate in group activities, they have been absent from the overseas segments of the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 world tour. As such, many fans attending the Mexico City show expected solo or unit performances from the remaining trio. Instead, they delivered a powerful set as a unified group, performing “Bad Boy” and “Red Flavor” together—two of Red Velvet’s most iconic tracks. Their delivery not only preserved the group’s signature harmony but also spotlighted each member’s individual vocal prowess.

The audience’s reaction during the trio’s opening performance of “Bad Boy” was particularly remarkable. Despite being released over seven years ago, the track continues to resonate with fans, reaffirming its status as a timeless hit within SM Entertainment’s legacy.

Now in their eleventh year since debut, Red Velvet stood out as one of the most senior acts on the Mexico lineup, performing alongside ten junior artists. Nonetheless, chants for the third-generation legends echoed throughout the stadium even before they appeared on stage, a testament to their lasting popularity and influence.

While Red Velvet has previously toured North America during their REDMARE tour and touched down in Europe with R to V, their presence across continents has remained limited. Until now, the group had yet to include more than two continents in a single tour or host a standalone concert in Mexico. Their last appearance in Mexico City was back in 2017 at KCON, making this return even more meaningful for fans.