Taeyeon and Wendy Call Out SM: Was Neglect Behind Their 30th Anniversary Concert Absence?

Taeyeon and Wendy Publicly Call Out SM Entertainment.

Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation and Wendy of Red Velvet have spoken up about their absence from SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary concert.

On January 6, Taeyeon addressed fans on the platform Bubble, saying, "I really wanted to put on a great performance. I told the company that I was eager to perform two or three songs and waited."

SM Entertainment previously announced that Taeyeon would not participate in 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in SEOUL.' Initially, the company had included her in the lineup and featured her on the main poster, but later notified fans of her absence.

SM explained, "We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the change in the lineup. Ticket cancellations and refunds due to this change can be processed without a cancellation fee through the ticketing service center."

Taeyeon clarified, "It’s absolutely not because I lack motivation or didn’t want to do it. I care deeply about performing and want to give my best on stage, but I wasn’t given the necessary support. This is something I’m seriously reflecting on."

She explained, "I’m sharing this because I don’t want fans to have even the slightest misunderstanding about me." She implied that her absence was due to the agency’s failure to prepare well for her performance.

Wendy also spoke up about her sudden withdrawal from the event, which was announced just five days before the concert. On January 6, ticket vendor Melon Ticket posted on its website, "Wendy of Red Velvet will not be performing at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in SEOUL due to personal reasons." Wendy expressed her disappointment, stating, "I discussed this with the company over a month ago, but the announcement was only made today."

Fans reacted with frustration, commenting, "It’s the 30th anniversary, yet they sidelined Taeyeon and Wendy and included 25 trainees who haven’t even debuted," and "SM without Taeyeon is unimaginable—she’s the foundation of the company." Others criticized SM’s handling of the situation, saying, "How poorly must they have treated her for Taeyeon to speak out herself?"

'SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in SEOUL' will be held on January 11-12 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The concert will feature performances from SM artists including Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Hyoyeon, SHINee’s Key and Minho, EXO’s Suho and Chanyeol, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, aespa, and RIIZE.