Newly debuted Red Velvet gave everyone a surprise by adding a new member to the foursome. Born in 1999, YERI is the maknae of the group, replacing JOY who held the position before.
Her addition caused KPOP fans to lose it, with #yeri trending worldwide on Twitter at number 10 (source) & #3 in Korea (source).
Fans of the original 4-membered group were shocked by this news. The reaction of both Korean and international fans was one of confusion and uncertainty. Most people wondered "what the hell are SM doing?".
Korean netizens left comments such as (source):
- "[+1,854, -42] Red Velvet has no public popularity that I'm sure having a new member join will still make them look like a rookie group"
- "[+1,198, - 23] So the rumours were true!!"
- "[1,096, -303] Will they become SM's first fail group?"
- "[+957, -19] Wow I can't believe they're really getting a new member"
Senior SM groups, EXO & GIRLS' GENERATION, had recent line up changes which could have fuelled the confusion.
Rumours have begun spreading that YERI is only one of the girls who are going to join Red Velvet, who is now rumoured to have up to 7-12 members in total.
Whether this is a successful strategy, time will only tell.
RED VELVET will come back with 'ICE CREAM CAKE' to be released on March 18.
