Kim Ye-rim, a South Korean singer born in 1999 who debuted with the girl group Red Velvet in 2015, has officially transitioned into acting. On May 1, 2025, after 10 years of activity, she signed with Blitzway Entertainment under her real name, Kim Ye-rim. This marks a significant milestone and a major shift in Yeri’s acting career.
Yeri joined Red Velvet on March 10, 2015, during the promotion of the EP Ice Cream Cake, becoming the group’s fifth member at just 16 years old. Her addition to an already established lineup made her the “most controversial member” in Red Velvet’s history. As a sub-vocalist and sub-rapper, she often received few singing parts, which limited her opportunities to showcase her skills and subjected her to heavy criticism from the public.
Nevertheless, Yeri gradually proved her versatility through activities beyond singing: hosting (Show! Music Core, The Viewable SM), participating in SM Station projects, and even trying her hand at songwriting with Story (2017). In 2019, she released Dear Diary—her first solo project, which she wrote herself—marking a significant milestone in her individual career.
In 2020, she launched her own YouTube program Yeri’s Room, where she showcased her communication and hosting abilities. In 2021, she returned with Red Velvet through Queendom after a long hiatus, presenting a more confident and mature image. That same year, Yeri made her acting debut in Mint Condition and Blue Birthday. In 2023, she gained recognition with Bitch X Rich, further establishing her name as actress Kim Ye-rim.
In April 2025, Yeri amicably parted ways with SM Entertainment, closing a 10-year chapter. Under her real name Kim Ye-rim, she continues to be active with Red Velvet while focusing more on acting. Her upcoming projects include The Ghost Game (premiering on August 22, 2025), Bitch X Rich Season 2, and Inside Men.
On May 1, 2025, Yeri officially joined Blitzway Entertainment—home to renowned actors such as Ju Ji-hoon, Woo Do-hwan, and Chun Woo-hee. Shortly after, she unveiled a new profile photoshoot, portraying a mature, elegant, and captivating image that reflects her determination to establish herself as a professional actress.
Blitzway Entertainment announced that Kim Ye-rim will receive full support for her career. CEO Hong Min Ki stated: “Her global stage experience will serve as a foundation for her acting journey. We expect Kim Ye-rim to shine in upcoming film and television projects.”
The profile picture of actress Kim Yerim was posted by Blitzway.
FAQ
Has Yeri left Red Velvet?
She remains an active member of Red Velvet but will be focusing more on her acting career.
What dramas has Kim Ye-rim starred in?
Mint Condition, Blue Birthday, Bitch X Rich, The Ghost Game.
Why did Yeri start using her real name, Kim Ye-rim?
To build a new image and establish herself in her acting career.
