Park Soo-young (Joy) is no stranger to K-pop fans. From being the sweet-voiced member of Red Velvet to stepping into the acting world with lead roles, she has continuously expanded her career. But has this journey been smooth, or are there still gaps to be filled?
🎤 Joy in Music: A Standout, But Not a Game-Changer
Joy possesses a clear, sweet voice that suits bright and mellow songs. However, in terms of vocal technique and stability, she is not the dominant force in Red Velvet, as Wendy and Seulgi often handle the more challenging parts.
As a soloist, her 2021 album Hello embraced a retro style that matched her voice but didn’t make a major impact. Compared to other third-gen idols like Jennie or Nayeon, who have had highly successful solo projects, Joy has yet to establish a strong individual musical identity.
Joy’s Acting Career: Potential but Controversial
Joy ventured into acting with The Liar and His Lover (2017), but her performance was criticized for lacking naturalness. Tempted (2018) brought her more recognition, yet the reviews remained mixed—while she conveyed emotions well, her delivery and line execution were not as polished as her co-stars.
Since then, she has not taken on a role that truly solidified her status as an actress. While figures like IU and Suzy have carved out strong acting careers, Joy is still in the phase of untapped potential. The question remains: is acting just an experiment for her, or will she pursue it seriously?
Image and Commercial Activities: Promising but Underutilized
Joy has a versatile visual appeal, fitting both cute and mature concepts. However, compared to her peers, her presence in high-profile endorsements remains limited.
Quick comparison:
✅ Jennie, Jisoo (BLACKPINK) – Global ambassadors for Chanel & Dior.
✅ Karina, Winter (aespa) – Strongly backed by Givenchy & Ralph Lauren.
⚠️ Joy – Has brand deals but lacks a powerful high-end fashion sponsorship.
Despite having the potential to be a fashion icon, Joy hasn’t fully capitalized on this opportunity. Her natural charisma and warm personality make her a favorite among fans and industry professionals alike—”Joy and friendships” are often mentioned when describing her presence in the entertainment world. Yet, SM Entertainment’s strategy seems to prioritize group branding over individual promotions, except for standout cases like Taeyeon or Karina. If given the right opportunities, Joy could easily establish herself as a stronger force in the fashion and commercial scene.
Where Does Red Velvet Stand in K-Pop? Is Joy Missing Out on Opportunities?
Red Velvet remains one of the leading third-generation girl groups, but it’s evident that they are no longer SM’s top priority. While BLACKPINK embarks on global tours and TWICE consistently releases new albums, Red Velvet’s comeback schedule is irregular, and their solo projects lack the momentum needed to make a lasting impact.
As a member of the group, Joy is also affected by this. If SM invested more in her solo activities—both musically and in acting—she could potentially reach greater heights in her career.
A Multi-Talented Artist Yet to Maximize Her Potential
Joy has all the qualities for success—distinctive vocals, captivating visuals, acting potential, and natural charm. However, she has yet to create a truly defining moment in any of these fields.
Questions to consider:
1️⃣ Should Joy fully commit to acting for a more sustainable career, or continue treating it as a side project?
2️⃣ Is SM Entertainment holding her back by not providing enough support for her individual growth?
3️⃣ With a clearer strategy, could Joy rise to the level of other successful idols-turned-actresses?
What’s your take? Let’s discuss!
