What will happen next to Red Velvet after the leader and member Irene's attitude controversy?

On Sunday, Nov. 22, SM Entertainment's CEO, Lee Sung Soo, commented on the recent issue involving Red Velvet's Irene and mentioned the group's comeback soon at an event.  

In particular, the CEO attended a global startup festival, "COMEUP 2020", as a keynote speaker. He presented the future and concept of the currently active artists under the agency during his speech, including NCT, Aespa, and Red Velvet. 

Red Velvet's Irene's Attitude Controversy

CEO Lee Sung Soo indirectly commented on Irene, who was recently embroiled in a scandal. 

"There was some controversy, but we sincerely apologized for that," he said. 

In October, a Korean stylist surprised the fans and netizens after exposing an alleged female idol who disrespected her on a shoot. According to the stylist and editor, the unknown idol didn't greet him upon arrival, talked to him rudely, and even left without apologizing.

READ MORE HERE: Editor Shares Follow-Up Statements + Red Velvet Irene Apologizes Personally  

However, despite not mentioning any name, eagled-eyed netizens noticed the hints the stylist left on the post, pointing out the hashtags, #monster #pyscho. 

"Psycho" is one of the hit songs released by the female group in 2019, while 'Monster' is the title track of Seulgi & Irene's unit debut album. 

Fans were quick to guess that it could be Irene or Seulgi. Media outlets also released articles, noting that the two idols could be the person behind the stylist's cryptic post.

Shortly after the issue broke out, Irene took to her Instagram account, admitting her mistake, and conveyed her apology to the stylist and the fans who were hurt by the issue.  

SM Entertainment also released an official statement, revealing that Irene met up with the editor with their staff to apologize personally. 

Nevertheless, netizens' cold gaze still remained, and the scheduled group's schedules were canceled, leading to a hiatus. 

Red Velvet's Comeback, NCT's Expansion, and Aespa's Avatar Concept

SM Entertainment's CEO, during his speech, confirms Red Velvet's comeback soon as well. He said, "Red Velvet will be back soon with a more mature appearance."

Furthermore, Lee highlighted the theme of Neo Culture Technology or K-pop band NCT's theme, which will shine on the "New Normal" era. 

NCT is a 23-membered group, set to drop their latest album, "NCT Resonance Part 2," on this day.  

In Lee's speech, more members will join the group in the future, and the agency is also planning for NCT's expansion to Southeast Asian countries, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

Lastly, NCT's expansion will not stop there but will also venture on the creation of the IP stage, which is now happening through Aespa. 

Aespa, the rookie group introduced by SM Entertainment on Nov. 17, received praises from the CEO due to their development potential after debuting in a 'culture technology-based' era.  

ALSO READ: Aespa Announces Official Fandom Name + Shares Thoughts on Nearing Debut 

Aespa is a team where avatars in the virtual world and members of the real world communicate with each other, and all artists in SM as well as Aespa will be connected through a huge view of the world called "SM Culture Universe" and will showcase their music and content on a broader stage with dreams, virtual reality, space, and the real world, as per the CEO.   

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz