The recent announcement regarding the departure of Red Velvet members Wendy and Yeri from SM Entertainment has ignited a fierce debate among fans, creating a rift within the beloved K-pop group’s dedicated following.

In 2023, negotiations for contract renewals were a hot topic among Red Velvet members. Seulgi took the lead by renewing her contract in August, followed by Irene, who made her decision public in February 2024. Joy is expected to renew her contract in January 2025. However, Wendy and Yeri decided to chart their own paths, opting not to renew their contracts with SM. While the entertainment company has assured fans that both members will still participate in group activities, they will undertake their solo endeavors independently.

The Fallout from Wendy and Yeri’s Decision

The response from the fandom has been anything but unified. Some supporters of Wendy have faced backlash from their peers, who accuse them of belittling the remaining members—Seulgi, Irene, and Joy—by framing Wendy’s departure as an escape from a subpar situation, suggesting that she is destined for greater success outside of SM. As one fan articulated, "Right after the contract renewal fell through, people started acting like the members who did renew were idiots, going on about 'our girl is leaving for the music' and 'SM isn’t good enough to contain her superior artistry.' How does that reflect on the others?"

Such sentiments highlight the friction in the fandom, where loyalty to one member can sometimes come at the expense of others. Posts mocking Wendy’s fans have surfaced as tensions continue to mount, with one fan sarcastically stating, "Okay, since Wendy’s fans are acting all loud and proud, let’s see just how impressive her new agency really is. For real, lol."

The discord among different factions of the fandom isn’t limited to domestic audiences. International fans have been vocal in their defense of the remaining members, condemning the behavior of some Korean fans who seem to disregard Wendy’s decision to pursue a solo career while still being part of the group.

As the situation unfolds, it’s unclear if the discord will simmer down. Red Velvet has several activities planned for the future, and how this division within the fandom influences both the group's dynamics and their upcoming performances remains to be seen. For now, the path ahead is murky as fans grapple with their differing loyalties amid ongoing changes within the group.

In other news, this incident has sparked discussions about the pressures K-pop idols face regarding their contracts and artistic freedom. Fans worldwide are increasingly calling for a more respectful dialogue surrounding the choices these artists make, urging unity rather than division. With the K-pop landscape constantly evolving, many wonder what the future holds not just for Red Velvet, but for the industry as a whole.