A recent interaction between Red Velvet‘s Joy and a fan at a fan signing event has sparked intense reactions online.
The fan gave Joy a heartfelt confession, which led to the Red Velvet star breaking down in tears. The conversation has since divided opinions among the group’s fandom.
At the fan signing event, the fan emotionally expressed their deep love for Red Velvet and even claimed they feared what their life would look like without the group. Considering Red Velvet have just reached their 10th anniversary, this is a touchy subject for many fans and even the members.
Fan: Everyone knows me as a Red Velvet fan ever since I was — years old in school. Even now, when I’m — years old, too. I feel like I’ve been with you for a very long time. Sometimes, when I imagine my life without Red Velvet, I… I just can’t imagine it. So… I know it’s hard to talk about eternity, but…
Joy: Oh, gosh (tears up)
Fan: But if it would be possible for Red Velvet to stay together until I can come to terms with the fact [that nothing is forever]… Oh, please don’t cry. Are you OK?
Joy: Yes…
Fan: Aw, don’t cry. I meant to say that I’d love it if Red Velvet could stay together until I’m a bit older and more mature enough to understand [things come to an end]. You did great with this comeback, and I love you so much. Don’t cry!
Joy: Okay!
Fan: See you again next time.
Joy: Okay T-T That was so sweet.
👤: sometimes, when i magine my life without red velvet, i just can’t imagine it. i know it’s hard to talk about forever, but until i can accept it,
💚: (cries)
👤: are u okay? don’t cry… until i become a little more adult, please be red velvet…pic.twitter.com/o4g2pUbaHV— t (@joyisthetics) July 8, 2024
While some fans found the exchange to be a touching moment between Joy and the fan, many others were upset, believing the fan’s words pressured Joy into an emotional response. Joy’s solo fans argued that bringing up the uncertainty of Red Velvet’s future during a time of potential contract renewals was insensitive and guilt-inducing.
idk man this is very…??? trying to guilt trip her into “staying red velvet” and not leaving during contract renewals is certainly very weird!! https://t.co/CqW773nBwx
— maza (@givingmejoy) July 8, 2024
when you love a group so much you guilt trip a member into crying so she won’t leave 😍😍😍 https://t.co/WYrsZ8LNWM
— sage (@xcliburs) July 8, 2024
bruh this is so??? thankful for the support, but does this mean that if ever she indeed not renew y’all will get mad at her cuz y’all ain’t adult enough to accept it?? y’all want them to be rv forever? sm barely give them something as a group and soloists. cmon now… https://t.co/UqCvc0QiiU pic.twitter.com/qe7IMQtUNi
— madi 🍉 (@MadzLopezz) July 8, 2024
Online reactions were swift and varied. Some fans felt that the fan’s comments were an attempt to manipulate Joy emotionally, especially given the current pressure she faces regarding her career decisions. They argued that it was unfair to burden Joy with such sentiments, especially considering the ongoing issues between Joy and SM Entertainment.
what happened to “i love the group so much but i will be happy on whatever decision you will make” instead of straight up pressuring her when yous are also aware that she is also being pressured by her company right now 🥴 https://t.co/HD40fjhLDn
— jayoung attorney (@joysDNI) July 8, 2024
idc saying this during renewal period isn’t it. its selfish. if you think this will help her, then no. i’d rather have her outside of sm than be mistreated in there. all of the members deserve to leave guilt free. sm(and kluvies) wont do shit for them. they deserve better. https://t.co/gpmCTTBK3E
— jace (@mintykke) July 8, 2024
We all know how much joy loves red velvet and how soft her heart is , so why putting pressure on her ? Know your boundaries , it’s her 10th year with red velvet…, and with all these mistreatment this era you want her to stay like that and again get treated like that ? https://t.co/FcTVRZIojg
— Ana •ᴗ• (@tonefairy) July 8, 2024
Joy’s fans pointed out that the idol has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s handling of her promotions and overall treatment of Red Velvet.
these kfans are good for nothing istg they couldn’t even give rv a mushow win for their 10th yr anniv, and they still want them to stay as a grp when even sm dgaf abt them anymore? this is not something you say to someone you genuinely love and care during contract renewal period https://t.co/Tm5nAxjZNE
— m🍒 (@loeykjh) July 8, 2024
As Joy and SM Entertainment navigate their currently complex relationship — with the idol publicly criticizing the company’s efforts multiple times — the fandom remains divided on how best to support her. While some argue for understanding and unconditional support, others feel that expressions of love should be more considerate of the emotional toll they may take on the idols.
