Red Velvet pushes ahead with new plans amid contractual changes

Despite some members of K-pop girl group Red Velvet parting ways with SM Entertainment, the group — especially through the subunit Irene & Seulgi — is pressing ahead with fresh activities amid the changes. SM said Monday that Red Velvet's duo unit, Irene & Seulgi, will release a new mini-album in May. The duo will also embark on an Asia tour, "2025 IRENE & SEULGI Concert Tour [BALANCE] in ASIA," visiting seven cities. The tour kicks off with a two-day show at Olympic Hall in Seoul's Olympic Park, Songpa District, on June 14 and 15. From there it continues across Asia, with stops in Singapore, Macau and Bangkok in July, Taipei in August and Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo in September. Launched in July 2020, Irene & Seulgi is a subunit featuring Red Velvet's leader, Irene, and main dancer, Seulgi. The pair debuted with their first mini-album "Monster," promoting both the title track and the tutting-infused B-side, "Naughty." Meanwhile, SM confirmed on April 4 that it ended exclusive contracts with members Wendy and Yeri. "We will always cherish the memories we've built together and sincerely sup