Wendy Makes History as KMPA’s 50,000th Member
Who: Wendy of Red Velvet
What: Joined Korea Music Performers’ Association as the 50,000th member
When: Officially announced on June 1
Why it matters: Marks a historic moment in protecting performers’ rights in the K-pop industry
Red Velvet’s Wendy Joins KMPA as Milestone Member
In a celebration that mixed cake, confetti, and sincere gratitude, Wendy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet has been named the 50,000th registered member of the Korea Music Performers’ Association (or KMPA, known in Korean as ‘Eum-Sil-Ryun’). The KMPA revealed this milestone on June 1, highlighting Wendy as the symbolic face of performers’ expanding rights and visibility in Korea’s growing music industry.
Inside the Celebration: Tiara Cake Smash and Warm Words
This wasn’t your average registration ceremony. At the event, Wendy received a commemorative cake inscribed with “Welcome Wendy,” along with a floral bouquet. But the highlight? A playful yet symbolic moment where Wendy used a small hammer to break open a tiara-topped round cake—a gesture met with laughter and buzz, setting a lighthearted tone for a serious cause.
In her speech, Wendy said, “I’m grateful for the KMPA’s efforts to safeguard performers’ rights and well-being. It’s an honor to be the 50,000th member, and I hope to grow into an artist who can connect with the public in meaningful ways.”
Wendy’s Expanding Role in Music and Broadcasting
Wendy isn’t just a vocalist—she’s a versatile entertainer. Beyond her activities with Red Velvet, she hosts the hit SBS PowerFM radio show “Young Street” and is gearing up for a solo comeback with her third mini album, Cerulean Verge, due to drop soon. Talk about multitasking with style.
Her induction into the KMPA comes at a time of growing conversations around fair compensation, copyright, and performance rights in the K-pop world—especially crucial for idols who frequently juggle performances, endorsements, and variety show appearances.
Wendy Paves the Way: K-pop’s Quiet Rights Revolution
According to KMPA, Wendy’s agency played an instrumental part by actively supporting the registration. Following her membership, labelmates fromis_9 joined shortly after, bringing the association to its 50,001st member—and counting. This domino effect reflects a greater industry embrace of artists’ rights as a priority rather than a privilege.
“The turnout and participation from major agencies mark a meaningful shift in how performance rights are respected,” said a KMPA spokesperson. “It signals a healthier, more sustainable music ecosystem.”
What Is the Korea Music Performers’ Association (KMPA)?
Quick refresher: Founded in 1988, the KMPA is an official nonprofit backed by the Korean government that manages copyright royalties and welfare programs for music performers—singers, session musicians, conductors, and more. It ensures that those who bring songs to life on stage and record get appropriately paid when their work is used commercially.
Think of it like a musicians’ union-meets-copyright watchdog, rolled into one. And with membership now crossing 50,000, its influence and responsibilities are only growing.
Leadership Speaks Out: Creating a Fairer Stage
Lee Jung-hyun, president of KMPA, delivered a message that resonated with many creatives in attendance: “We’re working hard to create an environment where music performers can soar—both artistically and economically.”
He emphasized that the organization will not just focus on collecting and distributing royalties, but also support artists with training, legal aid, and career development.
Why This Matters: Artists’ Rights in the Spotlight
In a fast-evolving K-pop industry where idols frequently blur the lines between musicians, influencers, and entrepreneurs, protecting their rights—and recognizing their labor—has become a vital talking point. Wendy’s symbolic membership sends a message: It’s time for the industry to care not only about talent, but about treatment.
- Visibility: K-pop artists asserting their rights helps shift the industry narrative.
- Solidarity: Encourages other performers—especially rookies—to take part in rights orgs like KMPA.
- Sustainability: A stable career in music begins with fair compensation and legal backing.
The momentum doesn’t stop with Wendy. As more idols and musicians join the KMPA, the music industry begins to rewire itself—from glamour-fueled machine to equitable art space.
Looking Ahead: What KMPA Wants Next
With its milestone met, KMPA plans to expand its support programs, continue outreach to unregistered performers, and raise awareness about performance rights. In short: this is just the beginning. As Wendy herself said, connection with listeners is key—and connection starts with being heard, but also with being protected.
FAQs
What is the Korea Music Performers’ Association (KMPA)?
The KMPA (or 음실련) is a nonprofit group in South Korea founded in 1988 to support musicians by collecting and distributing copyright royalties, and advocating for performer’s rights. It covers singers, instrumentalists, conductors, and more.
Why is Wendy’s membership important?
Wendy became the symbolic 50,000th member of KMPA, signaling a key moment in raising awareness and respect for performance rights in Korea’s music industry.
Who else joined KMPA after Wendy?
Fellow label mates fromis_9 also registered with the KMPA soon after Wendy, becoming the 50,001st member. This marks a trend of proactive engagement by K-pop artists in performer rights.
