In the early hours of Friday, the 4th of April, it was announced that Yeri and Wendy would not be renewing their contracts with the entertainment company SM Entertainment.

Fellow members of Red Velvet, Seulgi, Irene and Joy have all renewed their contracts and will remain with the company. 

Although the news had left fans shocked, the company had assured fans that Wendy and Yeri would continue to fulfil group activities under the Red Velvet name. 

Fans had been speculating the news as Wendy and Yeri were confirmed to not be attending the various SMTown performances this summer before their contract news had been released. 

Paired with messages Yeri shared with fans, ReVeluv knew her fate was sealed, but the announcement of Wendy’s departure was unexpected.

This was the translated statement SM shared with fans:

“Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

“We would like to inform you that our exclusive contracts with Wendy and Yeri have ended.

Since debuting with Red Velvet, Wendy and Yeri have brought us great joy through their group activities and also through their diverse work as solo artists. The time we spent with them was a great happiness for us as well.

“We will cherish all the moments we have shared up to now and sincerely support the new beginnings of Wendy and Yeri.

“Furthermore, Wendy and Yeri will continue their activities as members of Red Velvet, and we ask for your continued support and anticipation for Red Velvet’s journey as it continues to unfold.

“We deeply thank you for the unwavering love you have given to Wendy and Yeri, and we ask that you continue to send warm interest and support for the happiness of these two members as they begin new challenges in their respective paths.

“Thank you.”

What does this mean for Red Velvet?

Although SM has shared that the girls will continue activities, it’s been witnessed with other groups that comebacks will decrease until they are few and far between. SHINee fans have taken to social media to express their condolences to Red Velvet fans.

We wish the Red Velvet girls nothing but the best.