Drama is brewing ahead of SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary concert as two of its biggest stars have publicly expressed their frustration with the company’s handling of their participation—or lack thereof.
The entertainment giant is set to hold “SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in SEOUL” on January 11th and 12th at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome. However, the company has been making waves with consecutive announcements of artist absences, first stating “Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon will not be performing,” followed by another notice that “Red Velvet’s Wendy will not participate due to personal reasons.”
The absence of these powerhouse vocalists has particularly disappointed fans, given their iconic status within the agency. Taeyeon and Wendy are both main vocalists of their respective groups and have established successful solo careers, representing different generations of K-pop’s evolution.
Wendy cleared the air herself, calling out the company’s delayed announcement. “You may or may not have seen the notice, but I discussed this with the company over a month ago, and the announcement only went up today,” Wendy shared on her fan communication platform. “I’m sorry to the ReVeluv who were looking forward to seeing Red Velvet’s five-member performance.”
Taeyeon went even further in her criticism, revealing to fans, “I wanted to give a great performance and was eagerly preparing to do two or three songs. I told the company and was waiting, but to cut to the conclusion, they didn’t prepare anything so I couldn’t participate at all. This absolutely isn’t because I lack enthusiasm or don’t want to do it.”
She emphasized, “I just want to give my all on stage with sincerity and affection—that’s all. But they’re not helping with that, so I’m giving this some serious thoughts.” When a fan suggested the company might have its reasons, Taeyeon pointedly responded, “They say their ‘reason’ is that they ‘forgot’ to communicate.”
The anniversary concert will feature a star-studded lineup including Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, SHINee’s Key and Minho, EXO’s Suho and Chanyeol, Red Velvet (Irene, Seulgi, Joy, Yeri), NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, RIIZE, NCT WISH, nævis, and Raiden.
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