Red Velvet has been the subject of disbanding rumors as of late. One year after their lengthy hiatus, Joy, Yeri, Irene, Seulgi, and Wendy are back with a full-length album, Chill Kill, rumored to be their last release before they officially part ways. Add to that the group has changed its Instagram bio to “Happy Ending,” the claims just got pretty intense. However, SM Entertainment, the label behind the band, denies the allegations and reveals the reason behind the change.
SM Entertainment Breaks Silence Over Red Velvet Disbanding Rumors
Red Velvet is currently busy promoting its upcoming album, Chill Kill. They have been dropping concept photos, sneak peeks, and trailers to hype up their major return. And as part of this activity, they have their Instagram bio changed, to the surprise of many. Their highlight videos have also been removed, heightening the disbanding rumors more. But is there any truth to it?
So, to finally clear the issue. SM Entertainment officially released a statement and claimed the bio was changed to fit the new album’s concept.” However, the label doesn’t give any further details about it. And by the looks of it, the change is just part of the group’s cryptic concept as they prepare for their next musical era.
SM Entertainment denies rumors of Red Velvet disbanding following a change on the groups social media to ‘Happy Ending.’
“It was changed to fit the new albums concept.” pic.twitter.com/j6EOGi3bXI
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 8, 2023
Red Velvet’s much anticipated new album will be released this month. After rumors about it started to swirl in September, SM Entertainment later confirmed the claim in a statement to Soompi. “Red Velvet is preparing a full-length studio album with the goal of [releasing the album in] November,” the company announced.
This would be the first time the girls would be actively promoting again after releasing their mini-album, The ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday, in November 2022. Chill Kill will also be their second full-length album after 2017’s Perfect Velvet.
Red Velvet 3rd Full Album “Chill Kill” track list: pic.twitter.com/M8EmqnAkAP
— ʙɪᴇ 🐅 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒦𝒾𝓁𝓁 (@pinkredbie) November 8, 2023
Debuting in 2014, Red Velvet is behind some of the greatest K-pop hits, like Ice Cream Cake, Dumb Dumb, Russian Roulette, and Feel My Rhythm, among others.
Fans’ Reaction to Red Velvet’s Disbanding Rumors
As expected, a lot of fans can’t help but share their reaction toward the disbanding rumors surrounding Red Velvet.
User @ymmfsl said on X (formerly Twitter) that disbanding Red Velvet but letting Super Junior celebrate their anniversary is a “crime against humanity.” @zozyjh then shares a meme of a crying woman, which is probably what they will do if the group calls it quits.
ACCOUNT RULES:
1. Do not speak about Irene possibly leaving Red Velvet
2. Do not speak about Red Velvet possibly disbanding
3. Do not bring up Irene
4. Do not bring up Red Velvet⚠️If you do not comply with these rules I will hard block and report⚠️
— suzy ☆ (@khiawings) September 14, 2023
“Red velvet is not disbanding y’all. I do not accept this, sorry,” another one said.
However, @veivetkang stressed that the girls have been rumored to be disbanding since time immemorial but have remained standing until today. “Red Velvet disbanding for the 6th time congrats,” they wrote.
red velvet disbanding for the 6th time congrats ❤️ https://t.co/AVNqvBZ6ZX
— moti 🇵🇸 (@veivetkang) November 7, 2023
So, these negative claims will remain mere rumors unless SM Entertainment or the band themselves announce they’re disbanding.
The Start of Red Velvet Disbanding Rumors
Since their debut in 2014, Red Velvet has become one of the most favorite K-pop girl groups. They quickly conquered the world and the music scene by releasing their first single, Happiness.
The disbanding rumors may have stemmed from their lengthy hiatus and the reports that its leader, Irene, will not be renewing her contract with SM Entertainment. The company reportedly finds it hard to confirm future activities, like new albums, performances, and events.
According to Naver, for the group to continue their activities without any problem, all members must renew their contracts with the label.
“Chill Kill” MV Teaser will be released tonight.#RedVelvet #레드벨벳 @RVsmtown pic.twitter.com/pCFk2Rygk8
— Red Velvet Krave (@RedVelvetKrave) November 8, 2023
But with the coming of their third album and the recent promotions they have been doing today, everything is evidently going smoothly for the group. Who knows, these rumors are probably made to hype up their return and sell their new album even more. And if this claim is true, it’s proven effective. However, with the Red Velvet’s success, this kind of negative promotion isn’t needed at all. Chill Kill will officially be released on November 13.
