Red Velvet‘s Yeri has sparked intense controversy after revealing that SM Entertainment sent her and other trainees to spinal clinics to help them grow taller during their trainee period. The shocking disclosure, made on Lee Hyeri’s YouTube show “Hyeri’s Club” on August 9, 2025, has netizens calling the practice “illegal” and raising serious concerns about K-pop industry standards.
Table of Contents
Red Velvet Yeri’s Controversial Revelation: Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Revelation Date | August 9, 2025 |
| Platform | Lee Hyeri’s “Hyeri’s Club” YouTube show |
| Practice Revealed | SM sent trainees to spinal clinics for height growth |
| Yeri’s Current Health | Suffers from 2 herniated discs |
| Diet Control | Strict monitoring of trainee food intake |
| Other Affected | Multiple trainees underwent same treatment |
| Current Status | Left SM in April 2025, signed with Blitzway Entertainment |
| Group Activities | Continues with Red Velvet for group projects |
The Shocking Trainee Experience
During her appearance on the popular YouTube talk show, Yeri candidly shared disturbing details about SM Entertainment’s approach to trainee management. “To help us get taller, they’d send us to places like spine clinics,” she revealed, explaining that she wasn’t the only trainee subjected to this treatment.
Beyond Height: Food Restrictions and Surveillance
The revelations didn’t stop at medical interventions. Yeri described how the agency closely monitored trainees’ diets, stating: “One time, I ordered pizza with the other trainees there. I still don’t know how we got caught, but we did. I was always getting in trouble over food.”
This level of control over basic human needs has shocked fans worldwide, highlighting the extreme measures K-pop agencies take to mold their future stars according to industry beauty standards.
Netizens React: “This Should Be Illegal”
The internet exploded with outrage following Yeri’s revelation. Fans and netizens expressed serious concerns about the safety and ethics of such practices:
“This should be illegal” – echoed by multiple users across social media platforms
“What would have happened if something went wrong during the process? Who would pay for the damages? Crazy” – questioning the medical risks involved
“Most of trainees are minors too” – highlighting the vulnerability of young trainees
Health Concerns Link to Current Issues
The controversy is heightened by the fact that Yeri currently suffers from herniated discs and ongoing back pain, with fans connecting her current health issues to the practices she experienced as a trainee. This connection has intensified calls for accountability within the industry.
For more K-pop industry analysis and controversial revelations, check out our comprehensive entertainment coverage at TechnoSports Entertainment.
Yeri’s Journey: From SM Trainee to Independent Artist
Career Timeline and Recent Developments
Yeri debuted with Red Velvet in 2015 under SM Entertainment, becoming the group’s youngest member. Her journey has been marked by various achievements, from hosting music shows to launching her acting career.
Recent Major Changes:
- April 4, 2025: Left SM Entertainment after contract expiration
- May 1, 2025: Signed with Blitzway Entertainment for acting career
- Continues group activities with Red Velvet
Solo Ventures and Acting Career
Beyond Red Velvet, Yeri has established herself as a multi-talented artist. She launched her reality show “Yeri’s Room” through her YouTube channel and has appeared in various dramas including “Blue Birthday” and “B*tch X Rich.”
Industry Impact and Broader Implications
This revelation sheds light on the dark side of K-pop trainee culture, where agencies prioritize physical appearance over trainee wellbeing. The practice raises several critical questions:
- Medical Ethics: Should entertainment companies have the authority to subject minors to medical procedures?
- Long-term Health: What are the lasting effects of such interventions?
- Industry Standards: How common are these practices across different agencies?
Calls for Reform
The controversy has reignited discussions about reforming the K-pop industry’s trainee system, with advocates calling for stronger regulations to protect young aspiring artists.
Stay updated on K-pop industry developments and artist welfare discussions at TechnoSports.
Red Velvet’s Current Status
Despite the controversy surrounding past practices, Red Velvet continues their musical journey. The group recently celebrated their 10th debut anniversary with a new version of their EP “Cosmic,” featuring the fan song “Sweet Dreams” released on August 1, 2025.
Follow Red Velvet on their official Instagram and Yeri’s personal Instagram. Stay updated on K-pop industry news through Soompi and AllKPop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What exactly did Red Velvet’s Yeri reveal about SM Entertainment’s trainee practices?
A: Yeri revealed on Lee Hyeri’s YouTube show that SM Entertainment sent her and other trainees to spinal clinics to help them grow taller during their trainee period. She also disclosed that the agency strictly monitored what trainees ate, often getting them in trouble for ordering food like pizza without permission.
Q2: Are there concerns about Yeri’s current health related to these past practices?
A: Yes, there are significant concerns. Yeri currently suffers from two herniated discs and ongoing back pain. Fans and medical experts have connected her current spinal health issues to the spinal clinic treatments she underwent as a trainee, raising serious questions about the long-term effects of SM Entertainment’s practices.
