Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Red Velvet's journey in 2026 has taken an unexpected turn, and the reality for each member after their contract decisions is more challenging than anyone imagined. After Wendy and Yeri chose not to renew with SM Entertainment in April 2025, while Irene, Seulgi, and Joy stayed, the group's future has become increasingly uncertain.
Wendy's solo career with ASND has faced shocking obstacles - her album sales dropped from 68,000 copies to just 30,000, her US tour saw multiple shows with empty seats and even a cancellation in Atlanta, and most concerning of all, she's revealed that extreme weight loss has affected her voice and health. Fans are deeply worried as she's admitted to forcing herself to eat despite having no appetite.
Joy has been dealing with intense backlash on multiple fronts - her dramatic weight loss in late 2025 shocked fans, and her recent McDonald's endorsement sparked massive controversy due to the ongoing boycott related to Gaza, with SM Entertainment taking the brunt of criticism for putting her in that position.
Yeri fractured her neck during a pilates session in late January 2026 and has been undergoing physical therapy and steroid injections, though she's staying positive about her recovery. She's shifted her focus entirely to acting with Blitzway Entertainment but plans to release her first solo album later in 2026.
Meanwhile, Irene and Seulgi returned as a subunit with "Tilt" in May 2025 but haven't released solo music since, leaving fans wondering about their next moves.
With members scattered across different agencies and facing individual struggles, the question remains: will Red Velvet ever return as a full group? The heartbreaking reality of where each member stands in 2026 reveals just how much has changed since their contract negotiations began.
What do you think about Red Velvet's future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
#kpop #kpopnews #KOOKIELIT
Red Velvet's journey in 2026 has taken an unexpected turn, and the reality for each member after their contract decisions is more challenging than anyone imagined. After Wendy and Yeri chose not to renew with SM Entertainment in April 2025, while Irene, Seulgi, and Joy stayed, the group's future has become increasingly uncertain.
Wendy's solo career with ASND has faced shocking obstacles - her album sales dropped from 68,000 copies to just 30,000, her US tour saw multiple shows with empty seats and even a cancellation in Atlanta, and most concerning of all, she's revealed that extreme weight loss has affected her voice and health. Fans are deeply worried as she's admitted to forcing herself to eat despite having no appetite.
Joy has been dealing with intense backlash on multiple fronts - her dramatic weight loss in late 2025 shocked fans, and her recent McDonald's endorsement sparked massive controversy due to the ongoing boycott related to Gaza, with SM Entertainment taking the brunt of criticism for putting her in that position.
Yeri fractured her neck during a pilates session in late January 2026 and has been undergoing physical therapy and steroid injections, though she's staying positive about her recovery. She's shifted her focus entirely to acting with Blitzway Entertainment but plans to release her first solo album later in 2026.
Meanwhile, Irene and Seulgi returned as a subunit with "Tilt" in May 2025 but haven't released solo music since, leaving fans wondering about their next moves.
With members scattered across different agencies and facing individual struggles, the question remains: will Red Velvet ever return as a full group? The heartbreaking reality of where each member stands in 2026 reveals just how much has changed since their contract negotiations began.
What do you think about Red Velvet's future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
#kpop #kpopnews #KOOKIELIT
