Red Velvet members Wendy and Yeri have officially parted ways with SM Entertainment, their agency of over a decade. However, fans do not have to worry as they have not left the group and will continue with their musical activities.
Previously, SM Entertainment renewed its contract with Joy in January and Irene last year.
On April 4, the label released an official statement to announce their departure, stating
“Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We are informing you that the exclusive contracts between our company and Wendy and Yeri have come to an end.
The time we spent with Wendy and Yeri, who debuted as Red Velvet and have been active in various fields as solo artists, has been a great happiness for our company.
We will cherish all the moments we’ve built together and sincerely support Wendy and Yeri’s new beginnings.
Additionally, Wendy and Yeri will continue their group activities as members of Red Velvet with our company, so please look forward to Red Velvet’s dazzling journey that will unfold.
We deeply thank you for the unwavering love you’ve shown Wendy and Yeri, and we ask that you send warm interest to the two members as they start new challenges in their respective career.
Thank you.”
SM Entertainment, April 4, 2024
A day before the announcement, Yeri left a message for fans, hinting at a big announcement. She shared, “Tomorrow morning, there”ll be some news about my company that will be published, but… I wanted to tell you this before the article, so don’t be surprised, so I came early. That’s why my heart is~ I always love you, it won’t change-!”
Previously, Wendy was not part of the lineup for SM’s 30th-anniversary celebrations SMTOWN LIVE 2025.
This suggests a conflict between the idol and their agency. Almost all members of Red Velvet have shown disagreement with their agency and criticized it at some point.
The big question on every Red Velvet fan’s mind is which agency Yeri and Wendy will sign with next.
