Red Velvet’s Wendy Joins ASCEND: What Her New Exclusive Contract Means for Her Career and K-pop Fans

Wendy’s Big Move: Leaving SM and Joining ASCEND

Did you know? On April 25, 2025, Wendy, the powerhouse vocalist of Red Velvet, officially signed an exclusive contract with ASCEND, a rising agency in the K-pop world. This move comes just weeks after Wendy and fellow member Yeri ended their contracts with SM Entertainment, the company that launched Red Velvet in 2014. While Irene, Seulgi, and Joy renewed their contracts with SM, Wendy and Yeri chose new paths for their solo careers. Fans were initially surprised and concerned about the future of Red Velvet, but both SM and Wendy reassured everyone that group activities would continue as usual, with Wendy remaining a core member.

Why ASCEND? Wendy’s New Agency and Its Promise

ASCEND, a relatively new label founded in January 2025, has quickly gained attention by signing notable talents like fromis_9. ASCEND’s official statement expressed their excitement: “We are delighted to work with Wendy, an artist who has proven her outstanding capabilities in many ways.” The agency promised to fully support Wendy’s solo activities while actively cooperating with her Red Velvet promotions. This dual focus is seen as a strategic move, offering Wendy creative freedom and new opportunities while keeping her connection to her group strong. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser video and stunning new photos, showing Wendy’s signature blue aesthetic-a nod to her Red Velvet persona.

Wendy’s Solo Achievements and Artistic Growth

Wendy has built a reputation as one of K-pop’s most versatile vocalists. Since her debut, she’s been the voice behind Red Velvet’s hits like “Red Flavor,” “Psycho,” and “Feel My Rhythm.” Her solo debut in 2021 with the mini-album ‘Like Water’ showcased her emotional depth and vocal range, followed by her 2024 EP ‘Wish You Hell.’ Beyond music, Wendy has been a beloved radio DJ, variety show panelist, and even made her musical theater debut in ‘Rebecca’ in 2023. Fans and critics alike see her move to ASCEND as a chance for her to further explore these talents, perhaps with more creative control and diverse projects.

Fan Reactions: Community Buzz and Emotional Messages

The news of Wendy’s contract with ASCEND sent shockwaves through fan communities worldwide. On social media, fans expressed a mix of excitement, relief, and curiosity. Many praised Wendy for her courage to seek new opportunities while remaining loyal to Red Velvet. Her heartfelt message to fans emphasized her gratitude for SM and her commitment to ReVeluvs (Red Velvet’s fandom). She wrote, “Red Velvet is and always will be the most precious part of my life. I will continue to promote as Wendy of Red Velvet and do my best to meet ReVeluvs in new ways.” Community reactions on platforms like Naver, Reddit, and Instagram were overwhelmingly positive, with fans trending hashtags like #WendyNewStart and flooding her new official X account with supportive messages.

Media and Industry Response: A New K-pop Trend

Korean entertainment media highlighted Wendy’s move as part of a growing trend: top idols seeking new agencies for solo work while maintaining group activities. This approach, seen previously with Girls’ Generation members, allows artists more creative freedom and diversified careers. ASCEND’s acquisition of Wendy is seen as a major win for the agency, positioning it as a hub for vocal powerhouses. Industry insiders speculate that Wendy’s signing could lead to collaborations with other ASCEND artists and more innovative solo projects, from music releases to variety shows and musicals.

Cultural Insight: The Significance for International Fans

For global K-pop fans, Wendy’s contract change is a key cultural moment. In Korea, loyalty to both group and agency is highly valued, but the industry is evolving. Artists now seek contracts that allow for personal growth without abandoning their group identity. Wendy’s move reassures fans that Red Velvet’s legacy will continue, while also promising fresh content and new artistic directions. Her journey reflects the broader changes in K-pop, where artists are empowered to shape their own careers.

Community Voices: Positive and Critical Perspectives

Fan communities on Naver, Nate Pann, Instiz, and international platforms have been abuzz. Positive comments dominate, with fans celebrating Wendy’s bravery and expressing excitement for her future. Some voiced concerns about how dual management might affect group schedules, but most trust Wendy’s judgment and ASCEND’s promises. Representative comments include: “Wendy deserves the world, and I’m so happy she’s taking this step!” and “As long as she stays with Red Velvet, I’ll support her solo journey too.” Negative voices were minimal, mostly expressing nostalgia for the SM era.

What’s Next for Wendy and Red Velvet?

With her new contract, Wendy is expected to launch more solo music, participate in diverse entertainment projects, and continue active promotions with Red Velvet. ASCEND’s support could open doors to international collaborations, OSTs, and even acting roles. Meanwhile, Red Velvet’s group activities remain intact, with their recent ‘Cosmic’ EP and 10th anniversary celebrations proving the group’s enduring popularity. For fans, this is a thrilling new chapter-one that promises both continuity and exciting reinvention for Wendy and Red Velvet.