On April 4, 2025, big news hit the K-pop world: Wendy and Yeri, two beloved members of Red Velvet, chose not to renew their contracts with SM Entertainment. While they’re stepping away from the agency, they’ll still stay active with the group. This announcement left Korean netizens and fans reeling, with many calling it a total surprise. Here’s the full story behind their departure, the reactions, and what it means for Red Velvet’s future.
Fans got a heads-up from Yeri first. On April 3, she dropped a heavy message on Bubble, hinting at a big change. Then, after SM’s official statement on April 4, Wendy jumped on Bubble to calm everyone down, promising she’d keep shining as part of Red Velvet. SM made it clear in their release: the duo’s time with the agency is over, but their journey with the group isn’t. The company even cheered them on, saying they fully support whatever comes next for the two stars.
What’s got everyone buzzing? The news dropped out of nowhere, catching even die-hard fans off guard. Red Velvet’s been a powerhouse for over a decade, and losing two members from SM’s management felt like a curveball. Let’s break it all down.
Fans couldn’t believe their eyes when SM’s statement hit the web. It was a mix of shock, sadness, and hope rolling across online forums and social media. One netizen summed it up: “This is so unexpected.” Another chimed in, “I’m so surprised.” The suddenness hit hard, especially since Wendy and Yeri had been key players in Red Velvet’s story since day one.
Wendy joined the group back in August 2014, bringing her killer vocals to the original lineup alongside Irene, Seulgi, and Joy. Yeri hopped on board in March 2015, rounding out the five-member crew that fans have adored for years. Together, they’ve churned out hits like “Red Flavor,” “Psycho,” and “Feel My Rhythm,” building a legacy that’s tough to top. So, seeing two of them walk away from SM—Red Velvet’s home base—felt like a jolt.
Some fans saw clues, though. “I had a feeling this would happen when those two didn’t sing at the SMTOWN concert,” one netizen pointed out. Back in January 2025, Wendy skipped SMTOWN Live in Seoul for personal reasons, and Yeri only joined Red Velvet’s own set, missing a big group cover. It raised eyebrows then, and now it’s clicking for some as a sign of what was brewing.
What Wendy and Yeri Said to Fans
Both stars didn’t leave fans hanging—they spoke straight from the heart on Bubble. Yeri went first, posting on April 3 with a tone that had fans bracing for news. She didn’t spill details but thanked everyone for sticking by her, hinting she’d been mulling this over for a while.
Wendy followed up after SM’s announcement on April 4. She kept it real, saying:
“I have completed an exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, which has been together for a long time and made me who I am now, and I am ready for the challenge in a new environment. As Red Velvet, I sincerely thank SM family for allowing me to come out to the world and meet ReVeluv, and I think I was able to be here because of the support and consideration I have received.”
She doubled down on her love for the group, adding:
“Red Velvet remains the most precious thing to me. I will continue my activities as Red Velvet Wendy and do my best to meet Ruby with another Wendy’s new side.”
Her words hit fans hard—promising she’s not leaving Red Velvet behind, just shaking things up for her solo path.
Why They Left SM Entertainment
So, why walk away from SM after all these years? Netizens have some thoughts. Red Velvet’s been around for over a decade, hitting the 10-year mark in August 2024. For many K-pop idols, that’s when the focus shifts from group work to solo gigs. One fan put it plainly: “Given their years in the industry, it makes sense to focus more on individual activities.”
Wendy dropped her solo album Like Water in 2021, and fans loved it. She’s also hosted SBS’s Youngstreet radio show, showing she’s got chops beyond the group. Yeri, meanwhile, has dipped into acting and songwriting, flexing her creative side. SM’s known for pushing group projects, but some netizens feel it’s dropped the ball on Red Velvet lately. “Even within SM, Red Velvet doesn’t seem to have a strong management team. It feels like they don’t handle them well,” one commenter said.
Another take? “Maybe they just want to experience a different agency.” After a decade under SM, a fresh start could mean better support for their solo dreams. The remaining members—Irene, Seulgi, and Joy—all re-signed with SM recently (Seulgi in August 2023, Irene in February 2024, and Joy in January 2025), so the group’s still tied to the agency. But Wendy and Yeri might be hunting for a setup that fits their next steps.
Fans React: Shock, Support, and Relief
The reactions online are all over the place. Some fans are gutted. “I never expected Wendy to leave SM,” one wrote, while another sighed, “This was more sudden than I thought.” Wendy especially had a solid run with SM—her solo work and radio gig got plenty of love—so her exit stung extra hard.
Others are keeping the faith. “As long as the group stays together, it’s fine. Good luck with solo activities too! I love Red Velvet,” a fan cheered. The promise of Red Velvet sticking around eased a lot of worries. “I’m relieved that the group will continue its activities. I always listen to Red Velvet because their vocal blend is amazing,” another added.
There’s curiosity, too. “I wonder where they’ll go,” one netizen mused. Will they sign with a new agency? Go indie? Fans are already dreaming up the possibilities. And plenty are rooting for them: “I’ll always support both of them. I just hope Red Velvet keeps going for a long time.”
What’s Next for Red Velvet?
SM’s statement sealed the deal: Wendy and Yeri are out as solo artists under the agency, but they’re in for Red Velvet’s group work. The agency said:
“Wendy and Yeri will be working with us for their group activities, and we ask that you look forward to Red Velvet’s shining journey that will continue to unfold.”
That’s a relief for ReVeluvs—the fandom’s nickname—since disbandment rumors have haunted Red Velvet before. With Irene, Seulgi, and Joy locked in, and Wendy and Yeri still on board, the five-piece isn’t splitting up anytime soon.
Still, it’s a new setup. SM will keep running Red Velvet’s group projects—think albums, tours, and that 10th-anniversary fancon from 2024. But Wendy and Yeri will handle their solo stuff elsewhere. It’s a rare split in K-pop, where members usually stick with one agency for everything. Fans hope it means more music, not less, even if group comebacks might stay sporadic. “Anyway, even if they re-signed with the same agency, the gap between group activities would still be long,” one netizen shrugged.
The shock’s still fresh, but K-netizens and fans are warming up to this twist. Wendy and Yeri leaving SM Entertainment isn’t the end of Red Velvet—it’s a new chapter. Whether it’s solo albums, acting roles, or just a change of scenery, the duo’s got big plans, and ReVeluvs are ready to follow. “I’m sure they made their decision after thinking it through,” a fan noted. And with Red Velvet’s vocal magic still intact, the ride’s far from over.
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