The Hidden Story Behind Red Velvet's "Umpah Umpah": What Fans Never Knew

"Umpah Umpah" stands as one of Red Velvet's most remarkable achievements,topping four major Korean realtime chartsand clinching the prestigious Song of the Year award at the 4th Asia Artist Awards in 2019. Released on August 20, 2019, as the lead single from their EP "The ReVe Festival: Day 2," this uptempo dance track with disco house rhythms quickly became a summer sensation.

The song's success extends far beyond its chart performance. Notably, it extended Red Velvet's impressive streak on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart to 15 consecutive top-ten hits. Furthermore, the track showcases clever references to the group's previous hits, including "Happiness," "Ice Cream Cake," "Dumb Dumb," and "Red Flavor," creating a nostalgic connection for longtime fans.

The Origins and Evolution of 'Umpah Umpah' Concept

The creative genesis of "Umpah Umpah" draws from a uniquely Korean cultural element. The phrase "umpah umpah" serves as a fundamental breathing pattern taught to Korean children learning to swim. This distinctive concept forms the backbone of both the song's lyrics and its metaphorical depth.

Initial inspiration behind the swimming theme

The swimming theme emerged from the Korean practice of teaching breath control through the "um" (inhale) and "pah" (exhale) pattern. SM Entertainment crafted this concept into an uptempo dance track with disco house rhythms. The songwriting cleverly weaves swimming motifs throughout, creating a metaphorical journey about falling in love.

Connection to Red Velvet's summer releases

"Umpah Umpah" marks a significant addition to Red Velvet's summer discography. Released as part of 'The ReVe Festival: Day 2,' the track follows the group's established pattern of bright, seasonal releases. The song's fresh approach builds upon their previous summer successes, specifically incorporating references to earlier hits:

"Happiness" (2014)
"Ice Cream Cake" (2015)
"Dumb Dumb" (2015)
"Red Flavor" (2017)

How the concept was developed

SM Entertainment developed "Umpah Umpah" as a "sparkling summer song". The production team focused on blending the swimming metaphor with infectious melodies and glistening instrumentation. The concept extended beyond the music, manifesting in a vibrant music video featuring a cartoonish beach house setting and playful choreography that complemented the song's energetic nature.

Decoding the Hidden Meanings in 'Umpah Umpah' Lyrics

Beneath the catchy melody of "Umpah Umpah" lies a sophisticated network of metaphors and hidden meanings. The title itself carries cultural significance, representing the breathing pattern taught to Korean children learning to swim - "um" for inhale and "pah" for exhale.

Swimming metaphors and their significance

The song's lyrics masterfully weave swimming metaphors into a story about falling in love. The opening verses warn listeners about the depths of love: "Be careful, it might be deep" and "My eyes can't see how deep it is". These metaphors compare the uncertainty of new love to the experience of entering deep water. The chorus encourages listeners to "feel the rhythm" and breathe naturally, suggesting that both swimming and love become easier with proper guidance.

References to previous Red Velvet songs

The rap section particularly stands out for its clever integration of the group's previous hits. In a seamless sequence, the lyrics reference:

"Happiness" (2014)
"Ice Cream Cake" (2015)
"Dumb Dumb" (2015)
"Red Flavor" (2017)

Fan theories and interpretations

Interestingly, fans have developed intriguing theories about the song's darker undertones. Some interpret the incomplete breathing pattern in Yeri's rap as a subtle hint at drowning. Another compelling theory connects the song to Greek mythology, suggesting the members represent sirens luring listeners with their enchanting voices. These interpretations add layers of complexity to what initially appears as a bright summer song.

The lyrics also contain a dual meaning where "stifling and suffocating" feelings represent both the challenges of underwater breathing and the overwhelming nature of falling in love. This clever wordplay demonstrates the songwriters' ability to craft multi-layered meanings within seemingly simple pop lyrics.

Behind the Scenes of Music Video Production

The visual production of "Umpah Umpah" deliberately embraces an artificial aesthetic, filmed entirely on a sound stage with distinctive stylistic choices.

Beach house setting symbolism

The cartoonish beach house serves as the primary setting, where Red Velvet members seek shelter from an incoming thunderstorm. Rather than aiming for realism, the production team intentionally used cardboard cut-outs of city buildings and fabric backdrops for skylines. Even the ocean waves were created using blue plastic, emphasizing the whimsical nature of the setting.

Creative decisions in visual storytelling

The production team transformed seemingly mundane scenarios into magical moments. When the roof leaks, the members create an impromptu fort, subsequently turning a technical difficulty into a playful scene. Simultaneously, the loss of television reception prompts Seulgi's adventure to the rooftop in classic rain gear, adding to the video's charm.

Easter eggs fans might have missed

The music video contains several carefully placed references that connect to Red Velvet's broader universe:

The members' initial appearance as "city slicking cowgirls" pays homage to their diverse concept history
The magical board games scene incorporates elements from previous Red Velvet themes
The final scene, where members choose to stay indoors despite clearing weather, symbolizes finding joy in unexpected situations

The production's artificial elements and stylistic choices primarily reinforce the song's message about imagination and finding happiness in imperfect circumstances. This approach creates a unique visual experience that complements the track's upbeat nature while maintaining Red Velvet's signature quirkiness.

The Song's Impact on Red Velvet's Career

Upon release, "Umpah Umpah" marked a significant milestone in Red Velvet's musical journey, debuting at number 18 on the Gaon Digital Chart. The song's success extended beyond domestic borders, reaching number nine on the US World Digital Song Sales chart.

Chart performance and achievements

The track dominated Korean music platforms, securing the top position on four major realtime charts - Genie, Bugs, Naver, and Soribada. Moreover, the song achieved remarkable success on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, maintaining the number one position for two consecutive weeks. This accomplishment made it Red Velvet's second chart-topper, following "Power Up".

Critical reception and reviews

Music critics praised "Umpah Umpah" for its refreshing approach. Kirsten Spruch of Billboard magazine highlighted the song's "explosive chorus combined with glistening instrumentation and infectious melodies". The Korea Times acknowledged it as "a bright, energizing disco number laced with electric sound rhythms".

Role in establishing their summer queen image

The song reinforced Red Velvet's reputation as summer music specialists. Consequently, the group earned the nickname "Summer Queen" through their consistent delivery of seasonal hits. "Umpah Umpah" joined their collection of memorable summer anthems, characterized by catchy hooks and vibrant energy. Overall, the track's success contributed to Red Velvet's impressive streak of 15 consecutive top-ten hits on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

FAQS

Fans often ask intriguing questions about "Umpah Umpah." Here are the most common queries and their answers:

What does "Umpah Umpah" mean in Korean? "Umpah Umpah" (음파 음파) represents a breathing pattern taught to Korean children learning to swim. The word breaks down into "um" for inhaling and "pah" for exhaling, creating a rhythmic breathing exercise.

What's the deeper meaning behind the lyrics? Essentially, the song uses swimming as a metaphor for falling in love. The lyrics discuss overcoming fears, similar to learning how to swim. The pre-chorus describes feelings of being "stifling and suffocating," drawing parallels between the nervousness of new love and underwater breathing.

How does the song connect to breathing techniques? The chorus encourages listeners to "feel the rhythm your body remembers well". This reference connects to the natural breathing pattern needed both for swimming and navigating through love's challenges.

What makes the song's message unique? Firstly, the lyrics acknowledge reasons not to fall in love, such as uncertainty and past disappointments. Nevertheless, the song's message turns positive, encouraging listeners to trust their hearts despite these fears.

Why do fans find the bridge section significant? The bridge section captures an "unforgettable moment" of gazing at someone special. This part emphasizes how shared experiences make challenging situations more manageable, whether in swimming or romance.