In an industry such as the K-Pop one, a packed calendar is more than just a sign of popularity — it’s a badge of success. The life of an idol is inextricably linked to their visibility and activity. Constant appearances, performances, and promotions are not just part of the job — they are what keep an idol in the limelight.
Red Velvet’s Wendy was one of the idols with the most schedules in the first half of 2023. | SBS Inkigayo
This is why, in an industry where being busy equates to being successful, idols often yearn for a hectic schedule, even though sometimes it may get too much. It seems like even the most popular stars have to fight for their place in the spotlight these days.
Starship Entertainment has often been criticized for “overworking” IVE’s Wonyoung. | news1
Red Velvet‘s Wendy, a more than popular name among the third generation of K-Pop idols, recently opened up about her struggles in securing a packed schedule. Fans were taken aback when Wendy revealed on the fan communication platform Bubble how challenging it has been for her to get booked for events.
| @todayis_wendy/Instagram
Wendy candidly expressed her determination and persistence in securing more opportunities to perform.
As we got closer to the end of the year, I told my manager — well, actually, the company… that I’d like a ton of events on my schedule. LOL. Not just for the end of the year. I told them that I’d like to book anything and everything that would let me sing.
— Red Velvet’s Wendy
| @todayis_wendy/Instagram
Despite her immense talent and popularity, Wendy shared that her requests for more events and schedules often went unheeded by her management company.
I’ve asked before, too… but it was often fruitless. But [it’s different] now, maybe because I’ve been persistent in asking… Haha.
— Red Velvet’s Wendy
| @todayis_wendy/Instagram
The Red Velvet star even shared why she wanted such a packed schedule as well — with experience being a big reason behind it.
With each performance, I’ll get better. And as time progresses, I know that I’ll be able to see the improvements. It’s all about having a lot of experience.
— Red Velvet’s Wendy
| @todayis_wendy/Instagram
Wendy’s candid words have sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders alike. The idea that even a star of Wendy’s caliber needs to “beg” for schedules points to a larger issue within the company.
Wendy’s messages on Bubble. Wendy’s messages on Bubble.
According to fans, it’s a reminder of the necessary steps a company — especially one as big as SM Entertainment — has to take in order to be worthy of managing these artists.
Remember when ppl said Wendy should be more assertive with her career? And now she has confirmed that she did ask for schedules in the past but SM straight up refused. SM is only giving the green light now maybe because it’s almost time for contract renewal.
— T (@greenfoxgoddess) December 16, 2023
And is this why no promotions from sm for wendy’s schedules because she’s really got her schedules because of herself
— ‘s rain stops (@soloistsw) December 16, 2023
Artist has to ask their own company for more schedules. Wth is SM as their company manager??!! I am glad that Wendy has schedules because of her talent recognition in the industry https://t.co/GBtopugYbK
— justforwryna Taylor Version (@justfor_wendy) December 16, 2023
Red Velvet’s fans, known as ReVeluvs, have long expressed frustration with SM Entertainment’s management of the group. They argue that for a group as successful and talented as Red Velvet, the promotions during comebacks and other events are surprisingly sparse and disappointing. This summer, fans went as far as sending protest trucks to the company, demanding better management and more visibility for the group.
Day 4 of our Red Velvet Trucks parking in front of SM.
TREAT RED VELVET BETTER#10년찬데_잘좀해줘_러비소원#RedVelvetTrucksD4@RVsmtown @SMTOWNGLOBAL#RedVelvet pic.twitter.com/3E5AvwwUnC
— ReVeluv Union | Chill Kill (@reveluvunion) July 20, 2023
As the industry continues to evolve, fans hope that companies will recognize the importance of supporting their artists’ desires to engage more with their fans and showcase their talents.
