Red Velvet’s Joy is officially staying with SM Entertainment! On January 14, SM Entertainment made the exciting announcement, saying, "Based on the long-standing trust we've built with Joy, we have completed her contract renewal." They added, "With full support, she will continue her diverse activities with us."

The agency expressed their joy, stating, "We are happy to continue our beautiful journey with Joy, following Seulgi and Irene. We will do our best to help her showcase her infinite talents, not only in Red Velvet’s group activities but also as a solo artist and actress Park Soo Young."

Joy herself also shared her excitement, saying, "Based on the trust and belief we’ve shared for 10 years, I had deep conversations with the people I’ve worked with, and I felt that I want to continue moving forward together in a good direction. I will do my best to show my fans various sides of myself through positive synergy with SM."

Red Velvet, who debuted in 2014, has now surpassed the famous "seven-year curse" and celebrated their 10th anniversary last year. This milestone sparked both excitement and concern about the group’s future.

Earlier, Seulgi kicked off the contract renewal process by announcing her renewal in August 2023, followed by Irene’s renewal in February 2024. Fans were eagerly waiting to see what the remaining members, including Joy, would decide.

Now, Joy is the third member to choose to stay with the agency, leaving only Wendy and Yeri’s decisions still up in the air.

Recently, Wendy made headlines after announcing her absence from the '2025 SM Town Live,' expressing some dissatisfaction with the agency. Fans are now wondering what Wendy and Yeri’s next steps will be.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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