Wendy of Red Velvet Becomes the 50,000th Member of the Korean Music Performers Association

Wendy, a member of Red Velvet, has set a historic record by becoming the 50,000th member of the Korean Music Performers Association. On the 1st, the association announced that its membership count had surpassed 50,000, with the global artist Wendy being the figure behind this milestone moment. At the commemorative event, Wendy received a celebration cake labeled “Welcome Wendy” along with a bouquet of flowers. Particularly, an event was held on site where Wendy broke a ball-shaped cake decorated with tiara ornaments using a hammer, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Wendy, who is actively working as a DJ for SBS Power FM’s “Wendy’s English Street,” is preparing for Red Velvet’s comeback with their third mini album, “Cerulean Verge.” On that day, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am thankful for the association’s efforts in protecting the rights and improving the welfare of music performers. I am happy to be part of this meaningful position as the 50,000th member of the association, and I will strive to grow as an artist who gets closer to the public.” Active cooperation and understanding from her agency played a crucial role in her membership process. The association noted that the agency’s forward-thinking attitude served as an important turning point in fostering a healthy music industry environment that respects the rights of performers. Following Wendy, Promise Nine from the same agency also joined as the 50,001st member, continuing this new record. The association hopes that this collaboration will serve as a model case, leading to a broader positive environment where more agencies respect artists’ direct membership and rights enforcement. Previously, the association’s membership milestones have attracted attention from both the industry and the public. The 10,000th member was Kim Sang-don of The Nutz, the 20,000th was actress Ha Hee-ra, the 30,000th was musical actor Choi Jung-won, and the 40,000th was the girl group Artbit. The benefits offered to members by the association are also drawing attention. There is no membership fee, and the association provides various welfare programs for members, including copyright fee collection and distribution, as well as support for weddings and funerals, senior welfare payments, condolence funds, and resort usage assistance. Creative activity support is also provided, which is expected to increase interest among performers who are not yet members. Lee Jung-hyun, president of the association, said, “We are working hard to create an environment where music performers, who have driven the quantitative and qualitative growth of Korea’s music industry, can create freely. We will do our best in our core role of collecting and distributing copyright fees, as well as providing activity support, to help more music performers join the association.” Established in 1988, the Korean Music Performers Association is the only organization in Korea dedicated to managing the neighboring rights of music performers. It is responsible for collecting and distributing copyright fees for singers, musicians, vocalists, conductors, and other music performers. Currently, over 50,000 musicians from pop, traditional Korean music, and classical music fields are members, and the association leads efforts in supporting creative activities and improving their status. Any music performer who has contributed to albums or music tracks can join, and they can receive copyright fees, various welfare benefits, and rights protection.