Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and Red Velvet’s Wendy have shared personal messages with fans, explaining their absence from SM Entertainment’s highly anticipated 30th anniversary concert.

Taeyeon took to the fan communication platform Bubble to personally communicate to fans about why she decided not to participate in the upcoming SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in SEOUL on January 11 and 12, which also marks SM Entertainment's 30th-anniversary celebration. She explained, "I wanted to put on an amazing performance and was eager to prepare two or even three songs, so I told the company and waited... But to put it simply, they didn’t make the preparations, so I ended up not being able to perform at all." 

She continued, "It’s absolutely not because I lack motivation or don’t want to do it... I’m just sincere when it comes to performing, and I want to put my heart into it and do my best. That’s all I want. But because I wasn’t properly supported, I’m seriously wondering—what is really going on here? I’m sharing this with you SONEs because I’m worried you might misunderstand me, even just a little."

Taeyeon also expressed her frustration when one fan asked, "The company must've had its own circumstances, right? I'm sure it's a difficult situation for them as well." Taeyeon responded, "Their circumstance was that they forgot so I guess it would be a difficult situation for them..."

On the same day, Wendy also communicated with fans on Bubble and clarified her position regarding the latest announcement about her absence from the concert. Wendy explained to fans, "You may have already seen the announcement, or maybe you haven’t yet... but the discussions with the company happened over a month ago, and the official notice only went up today." She added, "I’m sure many ReVeluvs were looking forward to a 5-member Red Velvet stage, and I’m really sorry about that. Since it’s the 30th anniversary, there will be a variety of stages prepared. I hope you have a great time. Thank you always, and I’m sorry."

Fans were baffled and criticized SM Entertainment for its poor communication with both the artists and the fans. The fan who posted the artists' messages pointed out, "What kind of company operates like that...? It's not just a lack of communication—it’s like the communication has completely cut off."

They commented:

"It seems like Taeyeon held back before speaking up, but the clueless company is just trying to avoid taking the blame. Tsk tsk."

"An artist as established and successful as Taeyeon even spoke up about wanting to perform, and yet the company responded like this? This feels like grounds for contract termination... Why aren't they doing their job?"

"SM acts like a big company in name only—it’s run like a corner shop. They really think they’re top-tier, but no real major company operates like this. They don’t take care of someone like Taeyeon, yet they protect people who cause scandal after scandal. How does that make any sense?"

"Treating Taeyeon like this?"

"What’s wrong with them? This company is seriously insane."

"'They forgot'? Is this real life?"

"By the way, what’s the situation with Wendy? I’m genuinely curious—definitely not blaming Wendy!"

"Every time I see things like this, it makes me so angry. No matter how much an idol achieves great results, if they’re not in the company’s favor, they get treated like this. Honestly, for Taeyeon to speak out like this, it’s clearly because she feels wronged and doesn’t want to be misunderstood. These so-called 'major entertainment companies' are seriously pathetic."

"Taeyeon should really leave SM."

"If they can’t even give her two or three songs for the stage, what’s the point of holding an SM concert?"

"I used to like that she stayed with SM because I thought she could focus solely on music without worrying about other things, but if things keep going downhill like this... seriously."

"What is this? The company is such a mess."

"Wow... this feels like SM is blatantly showing that they’re not supporting their artists. Are they crazy?"

"I mean, it’s Taeyeon we’re talking about!"

"They’ve lost it—mistreating both Taeyeon and Wendy?"

"I really hope they leave SM."

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