Wendy

Wendy of Red Velvet: The Powerhouse Vocalist Who Sings in Four Languages

Wendy, born Son Seung-wan on February 21, 1994, in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, is the main vocalist of Red Velvet, one of SM Entertainment’s most celebrated girl groups. If you’re looking for the member behind those soaring, note-perfect high notes, look no further – Wendy is widely regarded as one of the strongest live vocalists of her generation.

Wendy’s path to K-pop was anything but typical. She moved to Canada as a child, later studying in Minnesota and Ontario, where she became fluent in English and picked up French and Spanish along the way. She never even planned to audition for SM Entertainment – she simply tagged along when a friend tried out at the SM Global Audition in Canada in 2012, and ended up getting cast herself. She trained for less than two years before debuting with Red Velvet on August 1, 2014.

Overcoming Adversity

In February 2019, Wendy suffered serious injuries after a stage accident during rehearsals, which sidelined her from group activities for over a year. Her recovery and eventual return became one of the most inspiring chapters in Red Velvet’s history, and she came back stronger – both vocally and as a performer.

Solo Debut and Beyond

Wendy made history in April 2021 as the first member of Red Velvet to go solo, releasing her debut EP Like Water. She’s since built out a career as a radio DJ (hosting Wendy’s Youngstreet for years), a musical actress (starring in Rebecca), and a member of SM’s rotating supergroup GOT the Beat. In 2025, after her contract with SM Entertainment ended, she signed with ASND and released her third EP, Cerulean Verge, followed by her first world tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wendy

From overcoming injury to topping charts as a soloist, Wendy’s journey is a testament to resilience and vocal talent. Whether she’s hosting a late-night radio show or belting out a ballad on stage, she continues to prove why she’s one of K-pop’s most respected voices.