1. Key Takeaways

Red Velvet holds a significant position in the K-pop industry. This report confirms and analyzes the key fact that Red Velvet members Wendy and Yeri recently concluded their individual exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment but will continue group activities. Wendy expressed her desire for new challenges in a wider world as the reason for her contract termination, while Yeri's specific official reason has not been clearly stated. This report comprehensively analyzes and presents information on the background of their contract terminations, official announcements, and future plans for individual and group activities.

Key Takeaways:

• Three Red Velvet members renewed with SM; Wendy and Yeri ended individual contracts.
• Wendy cited seeking "new challenges" as her reason for leaving.
• Yeri's official reason is unstated, though past dissatisfaction was observed.
• Red Velvet is expected to continue as a full group.
• Wendy likely to focus on solo music; Yeri likely on acting.

2. Confirmation of Contract Termination

The news became official on April 4, 2025. SM Entertainment released an official statement confirming the end of their exclusive contracts with Wendy and Yeri. This announcement was widely reported across numerous media outlets, solidifying the information. Adding personal confirmation, Wendy addressed fans directly via the Bubble communication platform. She shared that her contract had indeed ended and that she was preparing for new challenges, expressing heartfelt gratitude to her SM family and the fans who supported her journey.

Interestingly, Yeri gave fans a heads-up the day before the official news broke, hinting at company-related updates and offering reassurance. This preemptive communication highlights her consideration for fans and a desire for direct interaction. The combination of SM's official statement, widespread media coverage, and direct confirmations from the members themselves leaves no doubt about the factual termination of Wendy and Yeri's individual contracts with the agency. The coordinated timing suggests a planned communication strategy by SM Entertainment.

Contract Termination Confirmation Sources

3. Reasons Behind the Decisions

Wendy clearly articulated her reason for ending her exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, stating it stemmed from a "desire to try new challenges in a wider world." She emphasized that this decision came after long deliberation and expressed sincere gratitude towards her fellow Red Velvet members for supporting her choice. Importantly, she reaffirmed her commitment to continuing activities as Red Velvet's Wendy.

In contrast, an official reason for Yeri's contract termination hasn't been specified. However, speculation arose partly because news of their renewals remained unconfirmed while other members' renewals were announced. Furthermore, reports noted instances where Yeri might have indirectly expressed dissatisfaction with the company through cryptic messages on fan platforms. Contextually, Wendy had also previously voiced discontent regarding late notice about her absence from an SMTOWN concert in January 2025. These past events suggest factors beyond simple personal choice might have played a role. For Wendy, the desire for new challenges combined with potential communication issues could have influenced her decision. For Yeri, while unconfirmed, past expressions of discontent might hint at concerns regarding her agency relationship or desired activity direction.

Factors Influencing the Decisions:

• Wendy (Stated): Desire for "new challenges in a wider world."
• Wendy (Potential Context): Past expression of dissatisfaction regarding communication (SMTOWN concert notice).
• Yeri (Official): Reason not officially stated by SM or Yeri.
• Yeri (Speculated Context): Renewal status remained unconfirmed longer than others; past indirect expressions of discontent on fan platforms.
• Both: Decision made after long deliberation, supported by fellow members.
• Contrast: Other members (Irene, Seulgi, Joy) renewed their contracts, highlighting individual choices.

4. Red Velvet Group Activities: The Future

Crucially, despite the individual contract terminations, all parties – SM Entertainment, Wendy, and Yeri – have firmly stated that Red Velvet group activities will continue with all five members. SM Entertainment's official statement included the assurance, "Wendy and Yeri will continue their group activities as Red Velvet members with us, and we ask for much anticipation for Red Velvet's brilliant journey ahead." Wendy echoed this sentiment, stating, "To me, Red Velvet remains the most precious entity. I will continue activities as Red Velvet's Wendy."

This model, where members pursue individual activities under different agencies while maintaining group activities, has precedents in the K-pop industry (e.g., Girls' Generation, GOT7). It allows members to explore diverse opportunities and develop individual capabilities while preserving the group's identity and dedicated fandom. However, coordinating schedules between individual and group commitments can present logistical challenges. Nonetheless, Wendy and Yeri's commitment to the group signals the strong bond between the members and their affection for Red Velvet, potentially presenting a new model for K-pop groups balancing individual growth and group longevity.

5. Prospects for Individual Activities

Wendy has already carved out a path as a successful solo singer, releasing her first album 'Like Water' in 2021 and the mini-album 'Wish You Hell' in March 2024. Leaving SM Entertainment could allow her to explore even more diverse musical avenues, potentially through a new agency focused on soloists or even by establishing her own independent label. Her stated desire for "new challenges" strongly suggests a continued focus on developing her unique musical color.

Yeri, on the other hand, has been building her acting career since 2021, appearing in web dramas like 'Blue Birthday' and the series 'Bitch X Rich' (Cheongdam International High School). While SM has an actor management division, Yeri might seek representation from a specialized acting agency or pursue independent activities to further broaden her opportunities and roles in the acting field. As of the announcement, neither Wendy nor Yeri had confirmed signing with new agencies, indicating a careful consideration of their next steps. There's currently no confirmed information about potential duet or collaboration activities between them; it's expected they will focus on their respective fields of music and acting.

Individual Contract Status (Departing Members)

6. Other Members' Status & Group Dynamics

While Wendy and Yeri pursue new individual paths, the remaining three members of Red Velvet – Irene, Seulgi, and Joy – have chosen to continue their individual activities under SM Entertainment, having renewed their contracts. Seulgi was the first to confirm her renewal in August 2023, followed by Irene in February 2024, and Joy most recently in January 2025.

This divergence in individual contract situations, while ensuring the continuation of group activities, presents an interesting dynamic. It showcases a potentially evolving model in K-pop where group identity can be maintained even as members explore different management structures for their solo careers. This requires significant coordination and commitment from both the members and the agencies involved but ultimately allows for greater individual flexibility while preserving the beloved group entity for fans. The success of this model for Red Velvet will be closely watched within the industry.

Members Renewed with SM Entertainment:

• Irene: Contract renewed (Confirmed Feb 2024).
• Seulgi: Contract renewed (Confirmed Aug 2023).
• Joy: Contract renewed (Confirmed Jan 2025).