Red Velvet, the renowned South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment, is undergoing significant changes in April 2025. Members Wendy and Yeri have decided not to renew their exclusive contracts with the agency, but they remain committed to the group’s activities. Despite their departure from SM Entertainment, they will continue to participate in Red Velvet’s future projects and performances.
On April 4, 2025, SM Entertainment officially announced that Wendy and Yeri’s exclusive contracts had expired. The agency expressed deep gratitude for their contributions to Red Velvet’s success, both as part of the group and in their solo endeavors. SM Entertainment stated, “Since debuting with Red Velvet, Wendy and Yeri have excelled in both group and solo activities. The time spent with them has been a great joy for us.” They further confirmed that Wendy and Yeri will continue working with SM Entertainment for Red Velvet’s group activities, and the company will continue to support the group’s future.
The departures of Wendy and Yeri follow a series of contract renewals among Red Velvet’s members. Joy renewed her contract in January 2025, and Seulgi and Irene had done so in 2023 and 2024, respectively. With Wendy and Yeri’s contracts expiring, they are the only two members whose contractual relationships with SM Entertainment have ended.
Earlier this year, both Wendy and Yeri were notably absent from SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary concert, “SMTown Live 2025 in Seoul,” citing “personal reasons.” Their absence led to speculation about their future with the agency, which was finally clarified with the official announcement of their departures.
Since their debut in August 2014, Red Velvet has risen to become one of the most prominent names in the K-pop industry. The group celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2024 with the release of Cosmic, an EP that achieved significant success. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 145 and topped iTunes charts in over 50 regions. Their continued success proves their lasting influence in the global music scene.
Despite Wendy and Yeri’s contract changes, their ongoing involvement in Red Velvet ensures that the group will continue to thrive. Fans can expect new projects, performances, and albums as the group navigates this next phase of their career.
As Wendy and Yeri embark on new challenges and opportunities, both within and outside of SM Entertainment, the future remains bright for Red Velvet. Fans worldwide are eager to see how the remaining members — Joy, Seulgi, and Irene — will continue to shape the group’s legacy.
Official Statement from SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment issued a statement on April 4, 2025, expressing their gratitude toward Wendy and Yeri:
“Hello. This is SM Entertainment.
We are informing you that our exclusive contracts with Wendy and Yeri have come to an end.
The time we spent together with Wendy and Yeri, who—after debuting as Red Velvet—were not only active in group promotions but also as solo artists in various fields, was a great joy for us as well.
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.
Additionally, as members of Red Velvet, 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.
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.
Thank you.”
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet’s journey is far from over. With Wendy and Yeri staying on as active members, the group’s legacy will continue to evolve. Fans can look forward to Red Velvet’s future endeavors, whether in group projects or solo pursuits, as the five members work together to navigate new chapters in their careers.
