Red Velvet’s Seulgi Addresses Manager Power Abuse Controversy

On July 13th, Seulgi explained that she had developed blisters and wounds on her feet while practicing. She admitted to being careless for not bringing spare sneakers, as she had originally thought that the heels she wore to the airport were not too high.

Seulgi noted that as she was walking, her feet started to ache, so she agreed to her manager’s proposal of exchanging shoes.

Seulgi expressed remorse, stating, “In that situation, I was unable to come up with another solution and made a hasty decision. I deeply apologize to anyone who may have been disappointed, including my manager, whose feelings may have been affected by this incident.”She also mentioned that she has personally apologized to her manager.

Red Velvet left Incheon Airport on July 12th to travel to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for their attendance at the “K-MEGA CONCERT IN KAOHSIUNG”.

Seulgi donned a sponsored ensemble, complete with a bag and shoes, and posed for the press at the airport.

Upon entering the airport, Seulgi and the rest of the Red Velvet members were immediately noticed, causing an issue.

Photos and videos shared online depicted Seulgi’s female manager sporting Seulgi’s high heels. The manager, laden with numerous bags, trailed behind the members in the high heels. Seulgi herself was spotted wearing the manager’s sneakers.

As the news spread, internet users became involved in passionate discussions.

Netizens expressed their dismay over the manager’s uncomfortable shoes and the burden of carrying bags, stating that it was unfair for them to be treated like a servant. They also criticized the abuse of power, questioning whether the manager would have agreed to the shoe swap willingly. Some added that if the shoes were going to be swapped, Seulgi should have at least helped carry the bags. It was also pointed out that even friends would not swap ill-fitting shoes, and suggested that the manager could have simply bought a new pair if she did not have another one with her, as she had the financial means to do so.

Despite the criticism, some came to Seulgi’s defense. They suggested that the manager may have offered to exchange shoes because Seulgi had a performance the following day. They argued that this was a better solution than having to deal with fans crowding around while shopping for slippers. They also pointed out that people were assuming that Seulgi had forcefully taken the shoes, when in reality, she may have simply volunteered to swap shoes to help out a friend in pain. They urged others to gather all the facts before passing judgment.

Meanwhile, in celebration of their 10th debut anniversary, Red Velvet will embark on the “2024 Red Velvet FANCON TOUR ‘HAPPINESS: My Dear, ReVe1uv’”which will kick off in Seoul at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium on August 3rd~4th, and will also include stops in Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, and Macau.