After celebrating their 9th debut anniversary in August, Red Velvet becomes the center of discussion due to disbandment speculations. Korean media outlets then emphasized 3 crucial points to be considered regarding the group's future.
Will the group stay intact or go their separate ways?
Red Velvet Irene To Reportedly Not Renew Contract With SM Entertainment
On September 13, the Korean media outlet Star News reported on the possible "disbandment" of Red Velvet after it hinted that Irene "is not renewing the contract with SM."
The outlet highlighted that in order to work as a group, all members must renew their contracts with SM.
While Seulgi already signed in with the company for the third time, it is hard to confirm that they can continue to work as a group if one member leaves.
"Of course, even if they leave SM, they can keep doing Red Velvet by adding a clause to maintain group activities, but this requires a strong loyalty that continues even without a beautiful breakup or renewal of contract with the original subsidiary."
Uncertainties With Red Velvet's 3rd Full Album Release
Another crucial point that should be looked into whether Red Velvet will push through as a group is the release of its third studio album in the second half of 2023.
In August, the quintet initially announced that they are preparing for the new album, but if Irene leaves SM, it is unclear whether the original plan will be carried out properly if the renewal coordination goes awry.
Agreement Between Red Velvet, Agency After Establishment of SM 3.0
Red Velvet's disbandment or contract renewal will depend if they will continue to keep their loyalty to SM Entertainment, regardless of the changes in the management.
In particular, when SM founder and former executive producer Lee Soo Man resigned, it broke his exclusive production system, and the era of "SM 3.0" was born under the new CEOs.
As a result, a number of artists, such as Kim Minjong, Super Junior Kyuhyun, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Girls' Generation Sunny, Shin Dong Yeop, and Lee Hye Sung, eventually left SM.
Amid regrets, some ReVeluvs (Red Velvet fandom) want the group to find a new nest after a series of protests over the mistreatment of the members.
In fact, in July, the fandom sent a protest truck in front of the company ahead of the group's 9th debut anniversary, questioning the lack of a full-length album, song release, promotional work, etc.
Currently, the group has been on hiatus for about 10 months since the release of their EP, "The ReVe Festival 2022 - Birthday."
However, even before the K-pop scene became immersed in the so-called "festival," it was over as soon as it started.
Read also: 'Red Velvet Deserves Better': ReVeluvs Demand Proper Treatment to Group With Protest Trucks
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