“A subtle way of saying goodbye”— Internet reacts as Red Velvet’s Wendy and Yeri officially leave SM Entertainment

Red Velvet's Wendy and Yeri have officially ended their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment. The announcement was made on April 4, 2025, through the company's official social media channels. It confirmed that while the duo is leaving the agency, they will remain active members of Red Velvet.

Red Velvet is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2014. The group debuted with four members: Wendy, Irene, Seulgi, and Joy. Yeri joined in 2015 and rounded out the five-member lineup.

It should be noted that Wendy and Yeri have already carved out paths as beloved solo artists.

Per All Kpop, SM Entertainment issued an official press release to address the matter, stating:

"Hello, this is SM Entertainment. We would like to inform you that our exclusive contracts with Wendy and Yeri have come to an end. Since their debut with Red Velvet, Wendy and Yeri have actively promoted not only as members of the group but also as solo artists in various fields. The time we have spent together with Wendy and Yeri has been a great source of happiness for us."

It continues:

"We will cherish every moment we have shared so far and sincerely support Wendy and Yeri in their new beginnings. Additionally, Wendy and Yeri will continue to participate in Red Velvet’s group activities with us. We kindly ask for your continued interest in Red Velvet’s brilliant journey ahead."

It also added,

"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and support you have shown Wendy and Yeri, and we hope you will warmly watch over and support them as they embark on new challenges in their respective paths. Thank you."

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Fans react to Red Velvet's Wendy and Yeri parting ways with SM Entertainment

Kpop Charts took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to share:

"Red Velvet's Yeri and Wendy have not renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment and will part ways with the company. Both will continue their activities as members of Red Velvet."

Netizens were quick to weigh in on the comment section of the post as they shared their thoughts regarding the issue. Below are what some of them had to comment:

"Hoping this isn't a subtle way of saying goodbye," penned an X user.

"I don't know whether to be sad or happy," expressed another.

"SM was a huge part of their journey, and seeing them move on is emotional. Grateful for everything they gave us there," stated a third.

"I WILL DESTROY THE NEW AGENCY IF THEY DON'T TREAT MY 2 FAVORITE IDOLS BETTER," commented a fourth.

"Love that it is the year of idols leaving their toxic company as soloists. Manifesting that bear BTS member to leave Hybe next," opined a fifth.

Reports suggest that in 2023, SM initiated talks with Red Velvet members regarding contract extensions. Seulgi was the first to re-sign in August 2023, followed by Irene in February 2024 and Joy in January 2025.

Wendy and Yeri opted not to renew. The group now exists in a hybrid model—a growing trend in K-pop where members remain in a group while being individually managed by separate agencies.