Red Velvet YERI & WENDY Have Officially Left SM Entertainment

Change is in the air for Red Velvet, but the group’s future as a five-member act remains intact. SM Entertainment has confirmed that Wendy and Yeri have officially parted ways with the agency, choosing not to renew their exclusive contracts.

However, the company emphasized that this decision will not affect Red Velvet’s group activities moving forward.

A Split in Management, Not in the Group

According to SM’s statement, Irene, Seulgi, and Joy have renewed their contracts and will continue under the company’s management. Wendy and Yeri, meanwhile, have decided to explore new directions with different agencies. While the logistics of this split in representation may bring some changes behind the scenes, the agency reassured fans that Red Velvet will continue to promote together as a group.

“Wendy and Yeri will continue to participate in group activities as part of Red Velvet,” the company confirmed, adding that they will collaborate with the members’ new management to ensure smooth coordination.

What This Means for the Future

This isn’t an uncommon path in the K-pop industry. Several long-running groups, such as Girls’ Generation and GOT7, have had members sign with different companies while continuing to promote together. Though it requires more coordination, it’s a model that allows artists to pursue solo goals while preserving the identity of the group.

Red Velvet recently celebrated their 10th debut anniversary, making this transition feel like the start of a new chapter rather than the end of one.

Solo Paths Ahead for Wendy and Yeri

Though their next steps haven’t been officially revealed, both Wendy and Yeri are well-positioned to pursue solo ventures. Wendy, known for her powerful vocals and emotional delivery, has already released solo music and could continue building on that success. Yeri, meanwhile, has shown interest in songwriting and acting, making her next move one to watch.

Fans can likely expect announcements about their future projects in the coming months as the two artists settle into new agencies and begin shaping their individual careers.

Fans React With Support and Hope

While contract changes always bring a mix of emotions, ReVeluvs have responded with overwhelming support from all five members. Many are expressing bittersweet feelings, grateful for what the group has achieved so far and hopeful for what lies ahead.

The reassuring part? Despite the shift in management, Red Velvet isn’t going anywhere. The members are still committed to the group and each other, and SM’s statement reflects a shared intention to continue group promotions together.

A New Chapter for a Veteran Group

With a decade of music, performances, and milestones behind them, Red Velvet is no longer just a rookie girl group, they’re a respected, established act in K-pop. This transition shows that longevity in the industry can take many forms. Whether under the same agency or not, the members seem determined to move forward together.

Fans now look ahead to what Red Velvet’s next era will bring, both as a group and as individual artists with stories still unfolding.

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