Red Velvet Members Yeri and Wendy Depart SM Entertainment but Remain Active in Group Activities

Wendy and Yeri of Red Velvet Opt Out of SM Entertainment Contracts

In a significant move that has stirred the K-pop community, Red Velvet members Wendy and Yeri have officially chosen not to renew their contracts with SM Entertainment. This announcement, made on Friday by the agency, clarified that both artists will maintain their involvement in group activities, despite declining to extend their exclusive contracts for solo endeavors with the company.

Backstory and Recent Developments

The announcement comes on the heels of Yeri’s emotional message to her fans, which she shared a day earlier. Through a subscription-based messaging platform, she hinted at possible unsettling news regarding her relationship with SM Entertainment. Yeri conveyed her desire to communicate directly with fans about the upcoming news, rather than having them hear it from external sources.

“Tomorrow morning, a piece of news concerning me and my agency will be released… I just wanted to tell you guys first rather than have you see it in an article and be surprised, so I came to you first! So, what I mean to say is, my love for you will not change!”Yeri wrote.

Contract Dynamics Within Red Velvet

This latest update about Wendy and Yeri’s contracts aligns with the staggered nature of contract renewals among Red Velvet members. Yeri, who joined the group later in 2015, is one of the few who have not yet committed to a new agreement, while fellow members Irene, Joy, and Seulgi have all successfully renewed their contracts in recent years.

Yeri’s Recent Discontent with the Agency

Yeri’s relationship with SM Entertainment has faced scrutiny, particularly following her public expressions of dissatisfaction during the promotion of Red Velvet’s “Cosmic”comeback in mid-2024. She highlighted issues such as delayed music video launches and insufficient communication from the agency.

Expanding Horizons: Solo Projects

Amidst her challenges with the agency, Yeri has been pursuing solo projects outside of music. Recently, she completed her first leading role in a horror feature film titled “Next, ”which is set to premiere later this year.

Wendy’s Flourishing Solo Career

Wendy, on the other hand, has been thriving as both a solo artist and a radio host. She has released critically acclaimed albums, including *Like Water* (2021) and *Wish You Hell* (2024), showcasing her versatility and talent beyond the group dynamic.

In conclusion, while Wendy and Yeri’s decision marks a pivotal moment for their careers, they remain dedicated to Red Velvet, ensuring that fans can still look forward to group activities in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_7Hu0Ly6HA

Yeri puts her English skills to good use (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_7Hu0Ly6HA)

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