Red Velvet’s Wendy, Yeri terminate solo contracts with SM Entertainment

By Ian Gabriel Trinidad

Wendy and Yeri from the popular K-pop girl group Red Velvet have parted ways with their record label SM Entertainment. In a statement posted on the group’s social media pages on Friday, SM Entertainment said their exclusive contracts with Wendy and Yeri have come to an end.

However, the label confirmed that the two will still be part of Red Velvet and continue working with SM Entertainment for group activities.

“We will cherish all the moments we have spent together with them until now, and we will sincerely root for Wendy and Yeri as they make a new start,” SM Entertainment’s translated message reads.

“We sincerely thank you for the unsparing love you have given Wendy and Yeri up until now, and we hope you will give your warm interest to the two members as they embark on new challenges in their respective paths.”

Wendy eyes new challenge

After the announcement, Wendy confirmed on the Lysn app’s Bubble service that she had concluded her contract with SM Entertainment, saying she is “preparing for a challenge in a new environment.”

“I sincerely thank the SM family who allowed me to come out into the world as Red Velvet and meet the Luvies (fans), and I believe that I am where I am today thanks to the support and consideration I have received so far,” her post reads.

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She also thanked the Reveluvs “who have always watched over me with warm support and love.”

Before SM Entertainment’s confirmation, fans speculated that Yeri would not renew her contract with her label after she hinted on Bubble about “some news” that will be published soon.

“I wanted to tell you this before the article, so don’t be surprised I came early. That’s why my heart is. I always love you, it won’t change!” she wrote.

Successful soloists

Wendy debuted as a member of Red Velvet in August 2014, while Yeri became the girl group’s newest member in March 2015. Both artists have a successful solo music career under SM Entertainment.

Before her solo debut, Wendy had been recording soundtracks for K-dramas like “Who Are You: School 2015, “Hwarang”, “Start-Up” and “Yumi’s Cells, among others.

She launched her solo career on April 5 2021, with the release of her EP “Like Water,” becoming the first Red Velvet member to debut as a soloist. She released her second solo EP “Wish You Hell” on March 12, 2024.

Meanwhile, Yeri debuted as a soloist in 2019 with the track “Dear Diary.”

Red Velvet released their latest EP “Cosmic” on June 24, 2024.

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