Red Velvet's Wendy Expresses Gratitude To Fans And What They Mean To Her, Teases New Music Coming This Spring, And More

Red Velvet’s Wendy has shared tons of love for her fans in a new Singles magazine feature!

As the interview and pictorial took place last month, the first topic of discussion was GOT the beat’s comeback with “Stamp On It.” Wendy shared, “Finally, GOT the beat’s first mini album has been released. Last time, it was a shame we only released one song ‘Step Back,’ but we plan to clearly showcase GOT the beat’s identity through this album.”

In addition to title track “Stamp On It,” the album’s b-sides speak about trusting yourself and being accountable. For Wendy, she explained that her fans and staff members always help her self-esteem with their endless praise and support. On how she holds herself responsible as a result, Wendy shared, “My desire to do better for fans who fill up my self-esteem. This year, we’ve already rung in the 10th year since our debut. I often think, ‘How can they trust in us and like us all the same for this long?’ but I especially thought about and felt this a lot during our ‘Birthday‘ promotions last year. Every time our fans would say ‘Let’s be together for a long time in the future,’ it was a year where I repeatedly promised to work even harder.”

She elaborated on this, saying that Seulgi, who is the same age as Wendy, often has this same thought. Wendy continued, “Even while cool and talented junior artists continue to debut and show good images, we feel surprised and thankful that [fans] trust in and support us all the same.”

Every night, Wendy hosts her radio show “Young Street” and is pictured running towards fans to greet them before going into the studio, regardless of the weather. When asked why she makes it a priority to run towards fans like this, Wendy explained, “The fans there wait endlessly from at least 30 minutes to an hour for me to appear. When I arrive, I can go to fans only after taking press photos and doing this and that, but I feel bad that they waited for so long so I’m only thinking about getting there a little bit faster. Since the only time I can give them is barely five minutes, every second is precious.”

Wendy continued to express her love for fans by describing what they mean to her. She commented, “In the past, I often said that they were ‘like friends, like family, and like my companion.’ However, I’m trying not to say that now. Because it feels like I’m giving them homework asking them to continue staying by my side. What I’ve often been saying to fans these days is ‘Always put yourself first, and leave us at around fourth or fifth.'”

Wendy elaborated, “When you’re exhausted or having a hard time, it’s okay if you leave our side for a moment because I want you to put your own hearts first. But when you need comfort, or are happy and want to be happier, if you seek us out we will always welcome you with open arms. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve liked Red Velvet or how much you like us. It’s enough to give us even the smallest amount of love. Because thanks to that, Red Velvet and Wendy can exist.”

After Wendy joked that the new year really starts in February because everyone is busy adjusting in January, she shared her own outlook on 2023. “As I welcomed 2023, the first digit of my age changed [by Korean reckoning],” Wendy shared. “I didn’t think anything major would change once I turned 30 but I do also think that I’ve had a subtle change of heart. I don’t know whether it’s the effect of age or whether I turned 30 when I started feeling this way.”

Wendy reflected on 2022 being a year of learning for her, especially as a radio DJ where she encountered and was inspired by many different artists. She explained that this year, rather than hoping to become a super cool Wendy, she wants to become smarter and more mature. Wendy added, “Also, I occasionally hear that I suit spring well, so in this approaching spring, I’m preparing to meet fans with my warm and bright voice, just like the season.”

As Wendy touched on earlier, Red Velvet is now in their 10th year of promotions. Wendy shared that rather than feeling entirely satisfied, she still feels that they need to work even more diligently. When asked how she thinks she will respond when asked to look back on the past decade 10 years from now, Wendy first hesitated at the difficult and thought-provoking question. She then answered, “When I watch performances of seniors who have been active for many years and are still actively promoting now, I’m always amazed. And I also think of questions. ‘When I get to their level of seniority later, will I be cool all the same like this senior?'”

Wendy continued, “Just like I learn and feel inspired by my seniors, there would be nothing better than for junior artists to look at me and have these same thoughts 10 years from now. It’s not that I hope for major change from now. I hope that I can stay the same like the flow of water, which is also my lifelong dream.”

The full feature with Red Velvet’s Wendy is available in Singles magazine’s February issue!

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