K-netizens express surprise in response to Wendy and Yeri's departure from SM Entertainment

Wendy and Yeri will be parting ways with SM Entertainment but will remain with Red Velvet.

On April 4, SM Entertainment released a statement announcing that Wendy and Yeri have decided not to renew their contracts with the label. SM explained, "We would like to inform you that our contracts with Wendy and Yeri have ended. We sincerely support their new beginnings.” The company added that while the two artists are leaving the agency, they will continue to participate in Red Velvet’s group activities under SM.

Both Wendy and Yeri took to Bubble to personally share their message with fans to assure them they will remain with the group despite parting ways with SM Entertainment. While Yeri messaged fans before the announcement, Wendy took to Bubble after the news was released to the media.

Following SM's official statement, fans and Korean netizens expressed shock as the news came suddenly.

Korean netizens and fans commented:

"This is so unexpected."

"I'm so surprised."

"Anyway, even if they re-signed with the same agency, the gap between group activities would still be long. Given their years in the industry, it makes sense to focus more on individual activities."

"Wow, Red Velvet has already been around for over 10 years...  Well, it's understandable they'd do more solo activities... I really love Red Velvet’s performances and songs, so I hope they release an album someday."

"I really liked Wendy’s solo album from SM... It’s a shame, but still, wishing her the best."

"This was more sudden than I thought."

"OMG, I really love Red Velvet’s songs."

"I never expected Wendy to leave SM."

"I had a feeling this would happen when those two didn’t sing at the SMTOWN concert... It’s disappointing."

"As long as the group stays together, it's fine. Good luck with solo activities too! I love Red Velvet."

"I'm relieved that the group will continue its activities. I always listen to Red Velvet because their vocal blend is amazing."

"I wonder where they’ll go."

"I liked Wendy’s solo album. Since they’ve been in the industry for a while and will likely focus more on solo activities, it makes sense to sign with a company that supports that direction."

"Maybe they just want to experience a different agency."

"To be honest, even within SM, Red Velvet doesn’t seem to have a strong management team. It feels like they don’t handle them well."

"I’ll always support both of them. I just hope Red Velvet keeps going for a long time."

" I’m sure they made their decision after thinking it through."

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