SM Entertainment Takes Drastic Action After Red Velvet IRENE & SEULGI Teaser Sparks Backlash

Red Velvet’s unit IRENE & SEULGI is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback with their new release, TILT.

| SM Entertainment

On May 16, fans were treated to a series of teaser images that highlighted the duo’s strong chemistry and striking visuals. While most of the photos were well-received both domestically and internationally, one particular image has sparked unexpected controversy.

| SM Entertainment

The teaser in question features an oyster filled with pearls — a concept that some netizens quickly criticized for being suggestive. Oysters and pearls have often been associated with female genitalia, and many online felt that the image crossed a line.

A post about the teaser on popular Korean community site TheQoo quickly went viral, gaining over 80,000 views and hundreds of comments. The majority of commenters expressed discomfort and disapproval, with some calling the image inappropriate and unnecessary.

“Disgusting” — Red Velvet IRENE & SEULGI’s Comeback Concept Sparks Heavy Backlash

Following the backlash, SM Entertainment swiftly took action and quietly removed the oyster teaser from all their official social media platforms. No statement was made, but fans were quick to notice the sudden removal.

Red Velvet official account has deleted all the oyster post in every single Red Velvet channel

— RiS | TILT 🍒 🦪 05.26 (@renesthetics) May 17, 2025

However, not everyone agreed with the negative reaction. Many fans of the subunit took to social media to defend the teaser, arguing that it was being misinterpreted. Some pointed out that there was nothing inherently vulgar about the image and criticized the overreaction. Others went further, claiming that calling the symbolism offensive only contributes to a culture that polices women’s expression and bodies.

they removed the oyster from the teasers

pic.twitter.com/nWplVCExbk

— caprisun 🦪 (@wenrisdrop) May 17, 2025

you guys talking about wanting to bring back matura concepts in kpop but can’t handle a picture of an oyster pic.twitter.com/IR5HwV1u58

— mer like a flower (@yermrene) May 17, 2025

one for the diva 🦪 pic.twitter.com/SnlHNjDUHr

— 𝙣 🦪 (@guesswholikesrv) May 17, 2025

its been 3hrs without the oyster teaser im not okay 💔 #freeaseuloyster pic.twitter.com/LIpxzlFQG5

— 呀 (@chuusrene) May 17, 2025

SM Entertainment has not addressed the issue publicly so far. IRENE & SEULGI’s comeback with TILT remains on schedule, and anticipation for the music continues to grow, even as the teaser debate continues to divide opinion online.

Red Velvet