Red Velvet’s latest song, “Surfin’ Boy,” may look like a bright and refreshing summer music video at first glance, but many viewers believe there’s a much darker story hidden beneath its colorful visuals.
Since the MV was released, fans have shared countless theories online, with many suggesting that the video reimagines classic fairy tales as a dark fantasy.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular fan interpretations of the mysterious world behind “Surfin’ Boy.”
Is “Surfin’ Boy” Inspired by The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince?
One of the biggest talking points among fans is the mermaid-like atmosphere throughout the music video.
In the classic story of The Little Mermaid, a mermaid dreams of becoming human after falling in love with a prince. However, many viewers believe “Surfin’ Boy” completely twists that familiar fairy tale into something much darker.
Another fairy tale that fans have noticed is The Frog Prince.
At the beginning of the MV, a man carrying a surfboard appears. Some viewers pointed out that his reflection in the water resembles a frog, leading to theories that he may actually be a magical being trapped under a curse.
While The Frog Prince ends with the curse being broken and the prince returning to his human form, “Surfin’ Boy”seems to take the story in a far more unsettling direction.
The Forbidden Plan to Become Human
Perhaps the most discussed fan theory is that the mermaids are trying to obtain human legs by targeting the mysterious “Frog Man.”
One memorable scene shows Irene casually approaching a man, while Yeri secretly aims a crossbow from a distance.
Many fans interpret this sequence as each member playing a different role in a carefully planned mission:
- Irene acts as the decoy who lures the target.
- Yeri is responsible for attacking him.
- Joy appears to oversee the operation.
- Wendy and Seulgi support the mission as fellow members of the group.
After the Frog Man is defeated, another mysterious clue appears—a glass bottle filled with a strange liquid.
According to one popular theory, the bottle contains a magical potion created from the Frog Man’s special power. By drinking it, the mermaids are finally able to grow human legs and live on land.
Although this interpretation has never been confirmed officially, many fans believe it fits the dark fantasy atmosphere of the music video surprisingly well.
What Does the All-Female Party Represent?
Toward the end of the MV, the members are shown enjoying an elegant cocktail party attended only by women.
Some fans believe this scene symbolizes a celebration after successfully achieving their goal of becoming human.
Others interpret it as proof that the mysterious potion has allowed them to leave the ocean behind and begin living normal human lives.
Meanwhile, Wendy’s subtle smile has sparked another theory—that the story may not be over, and the group could already be searching for their next target.
Looking at the ending this way completely changes the feeling of the music video, revealing a hidden story beneath its bright summer aesthetic.
Red Velvet Once Again Blends Beauty with Horror
Red Velvet has built a reputation for creating music videos that mix beautiful visuals with eerie, mysterious storytelling.
Many fans believe “Surfin’ Boy” continues that tradition by reimagining fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince as a stylish dark fantasy unique to Red Velvet.
Of course, none of these interpretations have been confirmed by the group or their agency. They are simply fan theories inspired by the symbolism and mysterious details throughout the MV.
Still, that’s exactly what makes “Surfin’ Boy” so fascinating. Every viewer may discover a completely different story hidden beneath its sunny, colorful surface, making it one of Red Velvet’s most intriguing music videos yet.