Shon Seung-wan[1][2] (Korean: 손승완; born February 21, 1994), known professionally asWendy (웬디), is a South Korean singer. She is a member of the South Korean girl groupRed Velvet. In 2021, she made her solo debut with the EPLike Water. In 2022, she became a member ofSM Entertainment's supergroupGot the Beat.
Apart from her music career, Wendy has made various television appearances, including as a panelist on the reality showWe Got Married (2015–2016),Trick & True (2016–2017), being cast on comedy showSaturday Night Live Korea (2021), and hostingMysterious Record Shop (2021). From 2021 to 2023, Wendy hosted the radio programWendy's Youngstreet. She made her theatrical debut in the musicalRebecca in 2023[3] and in 2025, started the web showToday is Wendy.[4]
Wendy was born on February 21, 1994, inSeongbuk-dong, a neighborhood inSeongbuk District inSeoul, South Korea.[5][6] Coming from a family of music lovers, Wendy showed interest in becoming a singer when she was only six years old.[7] Besides her passion for singing, she is also able to play several instruments, including thepiano,guitar,flute, andsaxophone.[8]
She lived with her family inJecheon until her fifth year of elementary school, when she moved to Canada with her older sister, Shon Seung-hee,[9] to study abroad.[10][11] She lived inBrockville,Ontario[12] before moving to the United States to attendShattuck-Saint Mary's inFaribault, Minnesota, where she was an honor student and athlete, and earned various awards for academics and music-related activities. There, she started using her English name 'Wendy Shon'.[1][2][13] Returning to Canada, she later studied atRichmond Hill High School inRichmond Hill, Ontario, where she participated in the school's show choir called Vocal Fusion.[14] While living in both countries, she became fluent in English.[15]
Her parents were initially against her pursuing a career in music and wanted her to focus on her studies, but while she was still in high school, they eventually allowed her to audition to become a singer in South Korea.[7]
In 2010, she submitted an online audition for Koreaboo's Global Auditions in 2011 withCube Entertainment.[citation needed] Though she was not the final winner, she was one of fifteen finalists personally picked by Korean singerG.NA and Koreaboo from over 5,000 videos to continue to the final round inVancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and open for G.NA's first solo showcase.[16][unreliable source?][17] In 2018,YG Entertainment founderYang Hyun-suk revealed Wendy once auditioned for the company but was not accepted.[18]
Wendy originally did not intend to audition forSM Entertainment, but was cast by the company when she accompanied a friend to the SM Global Audition in Canada in 2012.[citation needed] She recalled singingKim Gun-mo's "Moon of Seoul" and passed.[19] She trained for less than two years before she was introduced as a member of S.M. Entertainment's predebut groupSM Rookies on March 14, 2014.[20] As part of SM Rookies, Wendy released the song "Because I Love You" for the soundtrack of theMnet dramaMimi and appeared in the song's music video.[20][21][22]
2014–2019: Debut with Red Velvet and solo activities
In January 2016, Wendy became a long-term panelist onWe Got Married and participated inKing of Mask Singer as a contestant under the alias "Space Beauty Maetel".[28][29] In March 2016, she collaborated withEric Nam on a duet titled "Spring Love", as part of SM Entertainment'sSM Station project.[30] The song peaked at number 7 on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart. In July 2016, Wendy and her Red Velvet bandmateSeulgi released an original soundtrack titled "Don't Push Me" for the TV drama seriesUncontrollably Fond. In October 2016, she became a fixed panelist for the KBS showTrick & True together with her bandmateIrene.[31] In December 2016, Wendy participated in two other singles for the SM Station project, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", featuring pianist Moon Jung-jae and violinist Nile Lee, and "Sound of Your Heart", a collaboration with several SM Entertainment artists.[32][33] In the same month, she was featured in the English version of Latin pop starRicky Martin's single "Vente Pa' Ca".[34]
Wendy in 2017
Wendy released the song "I Can Only See You" withSeulgi in January 2017 for the OST of theKBS2 TV series,Hwarang.[35] In February, she sang the Korean version of "My Time", part ofDisney Channel'sElena of Avalor's official soundtrack.[36] In the same month, she became the host of theKBS World showK-Rush.[37] On October 27, she, along withKangta and Seulgi, released a remake of the 2001 song "인형 (Doll)" byShinhwa'sShin Hye-sung andLee Ji-hoon as part of the second season of the SM Station project. Its music video used footage from their live performance of the song at theSM Town Live Tour V in Japan and was released on the same day.[38] She released a duet withBaek A-yeon on December 2, called "The Little Match Girl".[39] In February 2018, Wendy was chosen as the interactiveholographic avatar ofSK Telecom's new voice assistant speaker, 'Holobox'.[40]
In June 2018, Wendy was featured with Seulgi forBattle Trip's special episode themed 'The Country I Want to Live in', in which the pair visited Austria.[41][42]In July 2018, Wendy collaborated withYang Da-il for the single "One Summer" which was released on July 2.[43] In October, it was announced that Wendy was set to release an English duet with American singerJohn Legend entitled "Written in the Stars" as part of the third season ofSM Station,Station x 0.[44][45] The music video for the duet was released on October 19, 2018, onYouTube.[46] In November 2018, Wendy released the song "Goodbye" for the soundtrack ofJTBC dramaThe Beauty Inside.[47]
On February 22, 2019, Wendy released the solo soundtrack, "What If Love", for tvN's dramaTouch Your Heart.[48] In October, Wendy participated once again inKing of Mask Singer, under the alias "Green Witch".[49]
On December 25, 2019, Wendy was involved in a stage accident during her solo rehearsal at the 2019SBS Gayo Daejeon. Due to an alleged lack of common safety measures by the show's crew members in the stage design, in addition to the lift stairs not being in place for the performance, she fell approximately 2.5 metres (8.2 ft). Her injuries included apelvic fracture, a broken wrist and severalfacial injuries including a cracked cheekbone, with all injuries on the right side of her body.[50][51] The accident and subsequent hospitalization led to cancellation of all her planned activities.[52] In February 2020, Wendy was discharged from the hospital after spending two months recovering, and began outpatient treatment.[53]
2020–2023: Solo debut withLike Water, Wendy's Youngstreet, and Got the Beat
In March 2020, Wendy had her first public appearance since her accident, with an appearance onMBC Standard FM'sListen To Books.[54] In the same month, Wendy was confirmed to take part as main voice actress for the Korean release ofDreamWorks animated filmTrolls: World Tour. It was released in April.[55] In May, she collaborated withZico for the OST ofThe King: Eternal Monarch titled "My Day Is Full Of You".[56]
In November 2020, aside from Red Velvet's OST "Future" for the dramaStart-Up, Wendy also had a solo OST named "Two Words".[57] In the same month, Wendy featured in labelmateTaemin's "Be Your Enemy", which was in included in his studio albumNever Gonna Dance Again.[58]
Wendy made her return to live performances on January 1, 2021, atSM Town Live Culture Humanity.[59] She then made her official return to television as a co-host ofMysterious Record Shop.[60] In March 2021, it was announced that Wendy would be making her debut as a solo artist with an album releasing in April.[61] Her first EPLike Water was released on April 5, containing a total of five songs including itslead single of the same name.[62]
On July 12, 2021, Wendy became the permanent nightly DJ host forSBS Power FM's radio showWendy's Youngstreet, where she had been a special DJ for in 2018.[63][64] On December 27, 2021, Wendy was revealed as a member of supergroupGot the Beat alongside Red Velvet groupmateSeulgi. The group debuted on January 3, 2022.[65]
In June 2023, it was announced that Wendy would step down as the host ofWendy's Youngstreet.[66] In the same month, Wendy was cast as 'I' in the 10th Anniversary production of the musicalRebecca, marking her official theatre debut.[3]
2024–present:Wish You Hell and departure from SM Entertainment
On April 4, 2025, SM Entertainment announced that its exclusive contract with Wendy had ended, but she will remain in Red Velvet and be involved in all future group activities.[69] On April 25, 2025, it was announced that Wendy signed an exclusive contract with Asnd.[70] On August 25, it was announced that Wendy would be releasing her third extended playCerulean Verge on September 10.[71][72]On September 20, Wendy held her first stop of her world tour 'W:ealive' atJangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, the tour is set to have 17 shows and conclude in Manila on January 17.[73]
Aside from endorsements withRed Velvet as a group, Wendy, in November 2018, became an endorser of Dongwon Yangban Rice Porridge withIrene.[74]
On December 31, 2020,L'Occitane Korea launched their new campaign, "Be Happy, Smile Again", with Wendy as a muse to commemorate the launch of their Happy Shea 2021 edition.[75] Later in February 2021, they launched another campaign for the new Pink Essence product with Wendy.[76] In March 2021, Wendy became the new presenter ofPond's.[77]
In February 2020, Wendy donated₩100 million through theCommunity Chest of Korea to help those affected byCOVID-19 and became a member of its Honor Society in 2021.[78]
In March 2025, Wendy donated ₩50 million through the Community Chest of Korea to help with recovery efforts fromwildfires that have occurred in the Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam regions.[78]
^"Written in the Stars" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 97 on the component domestic Download Chart.[91]
^"Airport Goodbyes" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 70 on the component domestic Download Chart.[92]
^"If I Could Read Your Mind" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 83 on the component Download Chart and debuted at position 74 on the component BGM chart.[99][100]
^"Girls" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 141 on the component Download Chart and debuted at position 101 on the component BGM chart.[101][102]
^"Noblesse" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart but peaked at position 119 on the component Download Chart and debuted at position 143 on the component BGM chart.[103][104]
^"The Road" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 38 on the component Download Chart.[106]
^"Best Friend" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 34 on the component Download Chart.[106]
^"That Place in Between" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 199 on the component Download Chart.[107]
^"His Car Isn’t Yours" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 60 on the Download Chart.[108]
^"Best Ever" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 59 on the Download Chart.[108]
^"Better Judgement" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 65 on the Download Chart.[108]
^"Queen Of The Party" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 53 on the Download Chart.[108]
^"Vermilion" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 64 on the Download Chart.[108]
^"Fireproof" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 78 on the Download Chart.[109]
^"Existential Crisis" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 75 on the Download Chart.[109]
^"Hate²" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 77 on the Download Chart.[109]
^"Chapter You" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 81 on the Download Chart.[109]
^"Believe" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 79 on the Download Chart.[109]
^"Be Your Enemy" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart but peaked at position 77 on the component Download Chart.[111]
^"Move Mood Mode" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 157 on the Download Chart.[112]
^"Cheese" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 78 on the Download Chart.[113]
^abkim, Hyun-rok (August 30, 2015).레드벨벳 웬디, 美유학시절 오바마 대통령상 '인증'.MT Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. RetrievedJanuary 25, 2021.
^(목) 컬투쇼 – 특선라이브 (레드벨벳, 커피소년) [Thursday show – Special Live (Red Velvet, Coffee Boy)].Cultwo Show (in Korean). April 9, 2015.SBS. SBS Power FM.Archived from the original on January 6, 2018. RetrievedApril 9, 2015.
^abTablo Dreaming Radio (in Korean). October 14, 2015.MBC. HLKV-FM.
^Kim, Bo-ra (September 4, 2016).레드벨벳 웬디, '문제적남자' 출연..뇌섹녀 매력 발산.Osen (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 5, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2016.
^Hwang, Ji-young (December 23, 2016).레드벨벳 웬디, 재즈도 가능한 '음색깡패' (in Korean).JTBC.Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. RetrievedDecember 23, 2016.
^Ji, Min-kyung (February 19, 2024).레드벨벳 웬디, 3월 12일 솔로 컴백..'Wish You Hell' 발매 [Red Velvet's Wendy, solo comeback on March 12th.. 'Wish You Hell' to be released] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on February 19, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 19, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Park, Seo-yeon (April 4, 2025).웬디X예리, SM 떠난다..."레드벨벳 활동은 계속" [공식입장](전문) [Wendy X Yeri, have left SM... "to continue with Red Velvet activities" [Official Statement] (Special)] (in Korean). My Daily.Archived from the original on April 9, 2025. RetrievedApril 4, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Yoon, Soo-hee (November 23, 2018).동원F&B, 레드벨벳 아이린·웬디 신규모델 발탁.News 1 (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2021.
^2018년 42주차 Download Chart [2018, Week 42 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. October 14–20, 2018.Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. RetrievedOctober 26, 2021.
^2021년 49주차 Download Chart [2021, Week 49 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. December 4, 2018.Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. RetrievedDecember 9, 2021.
^Peak positions on the Circle Digital Chart: Soundtrack appearances:
^2021년 39주차 Download Chart [2021, Week 39 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. September 19–25, 2021.Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. RetrievedOctober 25, 2021.
^2021년 38주차 BGM Chart [2021, Week 38 BGM Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. September 12–18, 2021.Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. RetrievedOctober 25, 2021.
^2022년 15주차 Download Chart [2022, Week 15 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. April 3–9, 2022.Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. RetrievedJuly 16, 2022.
^2022년 15주차 BGM Chart [2022, Week 15 BGM Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. April 3–9, 2022.Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. RetrievedJuly 16, 2022.
^ab2021년 15주차 Download Chart [2021, Week 15 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. April 4–10, 2021.Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. RetrievedOctober 25, 2021.
^2021년 26주차 Download Chart [2021, Week 26 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. July 3, 2021.Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. RetrievedOctober 26, 2021.
^2020년 46주차 Download Chart [2020, Week 46 Download Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. September 19–25, 2021.Archived from the original on November 19, 2020. RetrievedOctober 25, 2021.
^Han, Ah-jin (August 27, 2025).웬디, '세룰리안 버지' 트랙 리스트…타이틀곡은 '썬키스' [Wendy's 'Cerulean Verge' Track List… Title Track is 'Sunkiss'].Naver News (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 27, 2025. RetrievedAugust 27, 2025.
^WENDY (웬디) 'Sunkiss' MV (Music video). SM Entertainment. September 10, 2025.Archived from the original on September 11, 2025. RetrievedSeptember 12, 2025 – viaYouTube.
^Baek, Ji-eun (December 12, 2023).[공식] 이석훈·백호·서은광·솔라·웬디, Mnet '빌드업' 심사위원 확정 [[Official] Lee Seok-Hoon, Baek Ho, Seo Eun-Kwang, Solar, and Wendy confirmed as judges for Mnet's 'Build Up'] (in Korean).Sports Chosun.Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 22, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Heo, Ji-Hyung (May 21, 2025).이찬원·웬디→포레스텔라, 버스킹 출격..'어디든 가요' 31일 첫방 [공식] [[Official] Lee Chan-won and Wendy → Forestella to Busk... "Wherever You Go" Premieres on the 31st [Official]] (in Korean).StarNews.Archived from the original on September 5, 2025. RetrievedSeptember 5, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Seung-gil (September 1, 2022).유재석·임영웅·아이브 등, '2022 올해의 브랜드 대상' 수상 [공식] [Yoo Jae-seok·Lim Young-woong·Ive, etc., won the '2022 Brand of the Year Grand Prize' [Official]] (in Korean). My Daily.Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. RetrievedSeptember 1, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Hwang, Mi-Hyeon (August 28, 2025).웬디, '올해의 브랜드대상'서 라디오DJ 여자 수상…존재감 입증 [Wendy Wins Female Radio DJ Award at 'Brand of the Year Awards', Proving Her Presence] (in Korean). News1.Archived from the original on August 28, 2025. RetrievedAugust 28, 2025 – viaNaver.
^이승윤·웬디, 제1회 디 어워즈 베스트 솔로 인기상 남·녀 1위 [Lee Seung Yoon and Wendy, 1st place male and female Best Solo Popularity Award at the 1st The Awards] (in Korean). News1. February 18, 2025.Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Min-ji (December 27, 2021).임영웅→투모로우바이투게더, 2022 대한민국 퍼스트브랜드 대상 [Lim Young-woong → Tomorrow by Together, 2022 Korea's First Brand Grand Prize] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. RetrievedDecember 27, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Yun, Seong-yeol (October 28, 2016).'2016MAMA' 후보 발표..엑소·방탄·트와이스까지 ['2016MAMA' Nominations announce...EXO, BTS, Twice].Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. RetrievedJanuary 15, 2018.
^Oh, Yoon-ju (December 17, 2022).웬디·윤수현, 라디오 DJ상 "좋은 에너지 전해드릴 것" [2022 SBS 연예대상] [Wendy · Yoon Soo-hyun, Radio DJ Award "We will deliver good energy" [2022 SBS Entertainment Awards]].My Daily (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. RetrievedDecember 17, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Choi, Eun-mi (January 23, 2022).[제31회 서울가요대상]NCT 127, 첫 대상 "오래 꿈꿔 왔다"..임영웅 '4관왕'→트롯 대세 증명(종합) [[31st Seoul Music Awards] NCT 127, first grand prize "I've been dreaming for a long time"..Lim Young-woong '4 crowns' → Trot trend proof (comprehensive)] (in Korean).Herald POP.Archived from the original on January 23, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 23, 2022 – viaNaver.
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