On April 8, 2023, South Korean media outlet OSEN broke the news about Red Velvet’s Yeri reportedly engaging in discussions to sign an exclusive contract with Blitzway Studio. This development occurred shortly after it was confirmed that both Yeri and Wendy had parted ways with their previous agency, SM Entertainment, following the conclusion of their contracts.
Blitzway Studio is emerging as a strong contender for Yeri’s next agency, raising excitement among fans who speculate that this new partnership could pave the way for her acting career. Known for representing a roster of talented actors and actresses in South Korea’s entertainment sector, including notable figures like Joo Ji-hoon and Chun Woo-hee, the studio seems like a fitting environment for someone with Yeri’s aspirations.
While many fans are thrilled at the prospect of Yeri venturing into acting, concerns have been voiced regarding how this shift might impact her solo music career. Here are a few fan reactions capturing this mixed sentiment:
“Y’all think Yeri gonna catch actress disease?”
“Yeri catching actress disease just like her idol Ariana Grande,”commented a fan on X.
“I’m crying. We’re never getting the solo, are we? Happy for actress Yeri stan, losing as idol Yeri stan,”added another user.
“I’m worried she is, I hope she at least gives us some OSTs,”expressed a netizen.
Conversely, a significant number of fans have expressed support for Yeri’s pivot to acting, emphasizing her talents and potential:
“Yeri won two Daesangs and a Best Actress award without any support from her last company; it was all due to her talent. Now imagine what she will achieve with a company that actually appreciates and promotes her skills,”wrote another fan.
“Yeri’s going to focus on acting, and I’m sure she’s going to be amazing at it. I’m so proud of her, but I’ll never forgive SM for not giving her more opportunities while she was in that company,”commented one netizen.
“Yeri is actually a great actress. Best in the group, so if she catches the acting bug, I’ll be there to watch,”added a fan.
“Whatever makes her happy and successful, I’m fully supportive,”commented another user.
Departure from SM Entertainment: A New Chapter Begins
On April 4, 2023, SM Entertainment publicly announced the expiration of Yeri and Wendy’s contracts. The news was accompanied by a statement that highlighted the positive experiences shared between the artists and the agency throughout their collaboration.
Following the termination of their contracts, SM Entertainment clarified that individual activities for Yeri and Wendy would no longer receive agency support. As part of their statement, they expressed gratitude for the time spent with both artists:
“We are informing you that our exclusive contracts with Wendy and Yeri have come to an end. The time we spent together with Wendy and Yeri, who—after debuting as Red Velvet—were not only active in group promotions but also as solo artists in various fields, was a great joy for us.”
Furthermore, the agency reassured fans that Red Velvet’s group activities would continue to be managed by SM, indicating a commitment to the group’s legacy:
“We will cherish all the moments we have spent together with them until now, and we will sincerely root for Wendy and Yeri as they make a new start. Additionally, as members of Red Velvet, Wendy and Yeri will be working with us for their group activities, and we ask that you look forward to Red Velvet’s shining journey that will continue to unfold.”
In response to these developments, fans and netizens have taken to social media to offer their best wishes to Yeri and Wendy as they embark on this new chapter in their careers.