Seulgi has become one of K-Pop’s most dynamic performers, known for her amazing dancing, powerful vocals, and unique artistic direction. From growing up in Ansan, South Korea, to spending years as a dedicated trainee, she has built a career that spans group hits with Red Velvet, sub-unit collaborations, and a bold solo journey. Fans around the world admire her versatility and stage presence, and her music continues to showcase both technical skill and genuine emotional expression.

Early Life and School

Seulgi’s journey in music and dance started when she was a kid in Ansan, South Korea. Her love for performing grew through years of training, and today she is known as one of K-Pop’s most versatile artists, both as part of Red Velvet and as a solo performer.

Becoming a Trainee

At 13, Seulgi auditioned for SM Entertainment after encouragement from her dad. She spent seven years as a trainee, one of the longest periods among Red Velvet members. The training was intense and sometimes challenging, but she balanced school and practice and kept her trainee status secret as SM asked her to.

Her first public appearance came in 2013 as part of SM Rookies. Even then, her dancing and stage presence stood out and drew attention from fans.

Pre-Debut Projects

Before officially debuting, Seulgi appeared in pre-debut clips and music videos. She did a dance cover of S.E.S.’s “Be Natural” with Irene and appeared in Henry Lau’s videos “Butterfly” and “Fantastic.” These projects showed her confidence on stage and her ability to adapt to different styles.

These early experiences set the stage for her work with Red Velvet, sub-units, and solo projects, showing her talent and commitment from a young age.

Making a Mark with Red Velvet

Seulgi has been a key part of Red Velvet since their debut in 2014. As the main dancer and lead vocalist, she helps define the group’s signature mix of playful pop songs and smooth R&B tracks. Their dual concept, called “Red” and “Velvet,” shows off this range.

The “Red” side is fun and energetic, full of bright, catchy pop songs like “Red Flavor” and “Power Up.”

The “Velvet” side leans into R&B and ballads, with smoother tracks like “Bad Boy” and “One Of These Nights.”

Seulgi’s voice and dance make both styles feel effortless.

Red Velvet has released three full-length albums, one reissued album, and 13 EPs. Seulgi’s ability to adapt to different genres is a big part of why their music feels fresh and unique. Songs like “Peek-A-Boo” blend quirky pop with darker themes, while “Psycho” combines complex harmonies and intense choreography. In live performances, Seulgi is often a standout, leading intricate dance routines while keeping her vocals strong.

Sub-Units and Collaborations

Seulgi’s collaborative work adds another layer to her career. She co-led Red Velvet’s first sub-unit, IRENE & SEULGI, releasing the Monster - The 1st Mini Album in 2020, and TILT - The 2nd Mini Album this year, in 2025. The songs and choreography showed a more mature side of both artists, combining edgy visuals with vocal and dance complexity.

Her solo stage “Uncover” during the La Rouge tour highlighted her ability to command a performance on her own, giving fans a taste of what she could do as a solo artist.

She has also worked with other artists, including Taeyong, BamBam, and rapper BE’O, showing she can adapt to different musical styles and settings. Being part of SM Entertainment’s supergroup GOT the Beat, alongside other top female artists from the company, gave her another platform to shine and expand her musical reach. These collaborations highlight her versatility and willingness to experiment with sound and performance.

Solo Career Achievements

Seulgi officially launched her solo career with the mini-album 28 Reasons in 2022. The album blends pop, R&B, disco, and EDM, and it gives her the chance to explore new creative directions. Tracks like “Dead Man Runnin’” and “Los Angeles” showcase her emotional depth and musical range. She also contributed as a lyricist and creative director for several songs, showing her growing influence on the creative side of K-Pop. “28 Reasons” lets her explore more personal and experimental themes, combining strong vocals with storytelling through both song and dance.

Seulgi has continued to expand her solo presence with another album released on March 10 of this year, Accidentally On Purpose - The 2nd Mini Album, OSTs for popular dramas, special performances, and her own YouTube content.

Seulgi Stands Out

Seulgi is known for combining strong, emotional vocals with sharp dance and storytelling. Her music often explores personal growth, emotions, and duality. Whether in Red Velvet or on her solo projects, she brings energy, emotion, and precision to every performance.

She continues to evolve, exploring solo projects and connecting with fans around the world. Seulgi is one of K-Pop’s most dynamic artists, balancing technical skill with creative expression, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Her career is a mix of discipline, talent, and a willingness to take risks, and her impact on the industry continues to grow.

Check Out These Tracks

“Praying”
“Better Dayz”
“Crown”
“TILT”
“Naughty”

From Red Velvet to Her Own Voice: Seulgi’s Story