Popular Idols’ “Lesbian BDSM” Concept Goes Wildly Viral

One of the favorite parts of K-Pop for many fans is how much thought and effort usually goes into promoting an album. When artists announce they are returning with new music, fans typically call it a new “era”  because of this.

VIXX are known as concept kings | JellyFish Entertainment

Recently, a set of popular idols’ concept images have gone wildly viral.

Through the years since their debut, Red Velvet have gone for many different concepts. Many have praised their ability to take on any image and make it work be it “red” releases or “velvet” ones.

Red Velvet | SM Entertainment

| SM Entertainment

This also applies with the groups individual and subunit acts, like Irene & Seulgi. This duo’s debut leaned into the darker concepts the group are sometimes known for in “Monster” while still serving gorgeous visuals.

Seulgi (left) and Irene (right). | SM Entertainment

Earlier this month, it was announced that the pair would return with “Tilt,” nearly five years after their debut.

Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI 'TILT' Brand Film

Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI
The 2nd Mini Album 【TILT】
➫ 2025.05.26 6PM (KST)#RedVelvet_IRENE_SEULGI#레드벨벳_아이린_슬기#IRENE #아이린 #SEULGI #슬기#TILT #RedVelvet_IRENE_SEULGI_TILT pic.twitter.com/B6ohV2euYc

— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) May 6, 2025

While all of their concept images and teasers have gained attention, one set so far has had the most responses.

The images show Irene standing above Seulgi, using her hand to move her.

| SM Entertainment

| SM Entertainment

The tweet featuring these images has over 5.1 million views, with subsequent repostings also having millions of views.

Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI 'TILT' Image #2-1

Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI
The 2nd Mini Album 【TILT】
➫ 2025.05.26 6PM (KST)

💿 Pre-orderhttps://t.co/a8S1cXCzQc#RedVelvet_IRENE_SEULGI#레드벨벳_아이린_슬기#IRENE #아이린 #SEULGI #슬기#TILT #RedVelvet_IRENE_SEULGI_TILT pic.twitter.com/XfsyOhVqXJ

— Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) May 13, 2025

These, along with others, including one where Seulgi appears to be standing on Irene…

| SM Entertainment

…have sparked reactions from netizens online. Several users have referred to the concept as “lesbian BDSM,” with a search for that phrase showing Seulgi and Irene as the top response.

we deadass got a lesbian bdsm concept… https://t.co/dLKeYBz9CJ

— 🍎 (@stonedreveluv) May 13, 2025

Nothing could prepare me for this one https://t.co/tFPK0PlT1T pic.twitter.com/oZi0vxht4u

— skee (@seulziqzip) May 13, 2025

OH https://t.co/ZK2npp3W5m pic.twitter.com/yuEK5AkDMK

— 〰 (@SaraOT5) May 13, 2025

Red Velvet