After a decade of success, accolades, and global influence, Red Velvet is entering a new and uncertain chapter. On April 2025, it was officially confirmed that members Wendy and Yeri have not renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment. Though they remain part of the group “in name,” their departure from the agency marks a significant turning point, perhaps even the closing of an era.
A Glorious 10-Year Reign
Debuting in 2014, Red Velvet became the third-generation girl group representing SM Entertainment, following the monumental success of Girls’ Generation and f(x). Originally a four-member team, the group expanded to five with Yeri’s addition during the promotion of “Ice Cream Cake” in 2015. Known for their genre-bending music, high-concept visuals, and dual concepts (“Red” for bright pop and “Velvet” for sultry R&B), Red Velvet established themselves as K-pop’s concept queens.
Their debut song “Happiness” was released just nine days after their introduction, marking one of the fastest debut turnarounds in K-pop history. From “Dumb Dumb” to “Psycho,” their discography has consistently pushed artistic boundaries and garnered both critical and commercial acclaim.
Red Velvet also made history as one of the few K-pop groups to perform in North Korea, representing Korean pop culture at a diplomatic concert in 2018. In the same year, they received a national commendation alongside BTS at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
Signs of Trouble in the SM System
Despite their legacy, fans have increasingly voiced frustration with SM’s handling of Red Velvet’s recent projects. The promotional efforts behind their latest albums, “Chill Kill” and “Cosmic,” have been labeled lackluster. The delayed release of the “Cosmic” MV in June 2024, which was meant to commemorate their 10th anniversary, became the final straw for many fans.
Joy and Yeri both expressed dissatisfaction on social media, openly criticizing SM’s lack of communication and disregard for the members’ input. The controversy sparked fears that Red Velvet would follow the path of f(x), another SM girl group that gradually faded without official disbandment.
The Contract Renewals, and Departures
As anticipated by fans, the 10-year mark became a crossroads. Irene, Seulgi, and Joy chose to renew their contracts, while Wendy and Yeri opted to part ways with the company. Wendy, known for her powerful vocals and distinct solo artistry, surprised fans by ending her exclusive contract after releasing her 2024 solo EP “Wish You Hell.” Yeri, meanwhile, is pivoting toward acting, a path she has shown growing interest in over the years.
While Red Velvet has not officially disbanded, the departure of two members from the agency is bound to impact group activities significantly. SM has already begun promoting solo and unit projects: Irene recently debuted with her solo album “Like a Flower,” Seulgi continues to develop her individual artistry with the mini album “Accidentally On Purpose,” and Joy is expected to return to acting.
A Future of Fragmented Activities?
With only three members under SM, future Red Velvet comebacks are likely to be sporadic and limited in scope, if not halted altogether. Fans are bracing for a long hiatus or a shift toward unit-based and solo promotions, reminiscent of Girls’ Generation, which took five years to fully reunite after some members left the company.
Red Velvet joins the growing list of SM groups like EXO and f(x) that experienced post-contract turbulence. While BTS, SEVENTEEN, and TWICE have managed to maintain group unity post-renewal, Red Velvet’s path appears more uncertain.
Though the outcome was anticipated, it remains a painful moment for longtime fans. Red Velvet’s impact on K-pop, from musical innovation to cultural diplomacy, cannot be overstated. Each member now embarks on a personal journey, and while the name “Red Velvet” may live on, its essence may never be the same.
For many Reveluvs, it’s not goodbye, but rather, thank you for the decade of brilliance.
