Red Velvet Wendy And Yeri’s Absence From Group Activities Raises Concerns

1 month ago 15

In particular, fans are speculating heavily about Wendy.

Koreaboo

1 hour ago

Just months after Red Velvet became one of the few K-Pop groups to pass their 10th anniversary without disbandment, Wendy and Yeri’s absence from future schedules is calling the group’s future into question.

From venue choices to ticket prices, SM Entertainment’s ongoing SMTOWN Live concert tour has been riddled with criticism from the beginning — including around Red Velvet’s presence. Initially, the lineup for SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary concert in Seoul on January 11 and 12 this year included all five Red Velvet members. However, less than one week before the shows, the agency unexpectedly announced that they would not perform as a full group.

In their statement, SM Entertainment revealed that Wendy would be absent from the event due to “personal reasons.” Around the same time, Yeri also revealed to fans that she would only be participating in the group’s own performances, missing out on their highly anticipated cover of Girls’ Generation’s “Run Devil Run” due to scheduling conflicts.

Yeri is currently in the midst of multiple acting projects, including the second season of her popular K-Drama Bitch X Rich. Wendy’s absence, however, drew attention not just for its timing, but also due to her own candid remarks. Through the fan-artist chat platform Bubble, Wendy revealed she had informed SM Entertainment of her decision over one month prior to the company’s statement.

You may or may not have already seen the announcement… I actually discussed this with the company over a month ago, but the notice was only posted today… I’m sure there were a lot of ReVeluvs who were looking forward to seeing Red Velvet perform as a full group of five, and I’m really sorry about that.

— Wendy

While fans presumed that both Wendy and Yeri would only be missing for a one-off occasion, the lineups for SMTOWN Live’s upcoming world tour dates have proven otherwise. The concert is set to hit Mexico City and Los Angeles in early May, along with London at the end of June. For all three lineups, promoters have explicitly stated that Wendy and Yeri will not be appearing.

the announcement regarding wendy and yeri attendance being in big bold letters. it’s like a warning sign for luvies. https://t.co/IxpX8A77gn

— ellehcim (@vlvtmxre) February 15, 2025

Unsurprisingly, the situation has caused fans of Red Velvet to question whether either or both members could be leaving SM Entertainment in the near future. The speculation comes just weeks after Joy confirmed her contract renewal, following media reports in September 2024 that she may not renew. Irene previously renewed her contract with SM Entertainment in early 2024, while Seulgi confirmed she’d be staying in late 2023.

In particular, fans are focused on Wendy, whose history with the company is adding fuel to the resignation rumors. Prior to the release of Wendy’s first solo comeback, Wish You Hell, the singer told a fan on a video call that the genre of her album had already been fixed despite the fact that she had not yet begun preparing. According to the fan, Wendy added that she had “some thoughts and will try to fight [for them]” — in contrast to Seulgi and Irene, who both expressed having been given creative freedom with their solo work.

Guys there's no repackage for RV3. Sooyoung said the schedule for December is still up in the air. Seungwannie mentioned she hasn't started Wolo2. I suggested R&B, but she said the genre of the album is somewhat fixed. She has some thoughts and will try to fight for it tho

— Taek (@Taek0321) November 24, 2023

In another video call fansign following the release of the album, Wendy bluntly discouraged a fan from aspiring to work at SM Entertainment, emphatically telling them “no” and “don’t.”

Fan told Wendy that her dream company to work at is SM

Wendy’s reaction: pic.twitter.com/izKEvhjg0Y

— Wish You Hell (@oaoswendy) March 28, 2024

On top of this, while Yeri did participate in the recording for “Run Devil Run” despite not joining the performance, Wendy’s vocals were noticeably missing from the official release. It appears that Wendy now has no confirmed schedules under SM Entertainment, following her performance at the SM CLASSICS Live concert in Seoul earlier this week.

Naturally, ReVeluvs have mixed opinions on the thought of Wendy and Yeri’s future under the company. While many fiercely want the group to stay together, others are prioritizing hopes that the members can sign with agencies that can offer better promotion and opportunities.

Not gonna lie, I’m getting scared by the minute. As an OT5 reveluv I want the best for each member and I’ll always respect their choices but I just wish it wasn’t so difficult for them to release music as a group if they end up on different companies…

— 🌸 (@95alis12) February 14, 2025

SM Entertainment is yet to make any comments on their absence from SMTOWN Live.