Did Red Velvet's Irene Just Drop A Massive Hint For Her Solo Debut?

Lately, there’s been a buzz around one particular idol that’s impossible to ignore. Red Velvet‘s Irene, the leader of one of South Korea’s most beloved girl groups, has left the fandom raging with speculation. Could she finally be making her highly-awaited solo debut?

For years, fans have eagerly awaited Irene’s solo venture — especially after witnessing the successful solo debuts of her group members Wendy, Seulgi, and Joy. Wendy is even preparing to charm fans with a second solo mini album, raising questions about when Irene will take her solo bow.

It’s definitely not for lack of talent — Irene is renowned for her multifaceted abilities. She can sing, dance, and rap, and her popularity is undisputed. Moreover, her vocal prowess has been increasingly praised, underscoring her readiness for a solo project.

Real man know that Irene has had it in her since the velvet era but sm never wanna showcase it 😒 https://t.co/OQdadbPI4W

— yeri fans gambia (@yarbzhq) March 2, 2024

The enthusiasm around Irene’s solo debut is such that fans often bring it up during video call fan sign events, eager for any scrap of information. And it seems their persistence might have paid off.

Last week, a fan received a signed album from Irene with a note that has set the fan community on fire. “This year, for sure!” Irene wrote, igniting speculation that she was hinting at her solo debut.

chill kill signed albums from irene and she also leave a note 🥺💝 aaa my heart is so happy!

"Thank you for decorating the space with Irene. It's so pretty."

"This year, for sure!" pic.twitter.com/FvUpJdXGPm

— ➿ (@ireneeebaeee) March 6, 2024

However, Irene’s message could be interpreted in various ways, as she and the fan had discussed several topics during their interaction, including her birthday party and a potential acting role.

idk why she leave that note honestly. like what exactly she is pertaining to…

but we talked about this:

– chance for actressrene and future roles she might want

– not sure if i can go to her bday part bcz of my school sched

this is the whole thread of that day 😩 https://t.co/Ev4OwEpeMv

— ➿ (@ireneeebaeee) March 6, 2024

Irene’s acting chops were previously showcased in the indie film Double Patty, which received great reviews and even secured top spots at the Korean box office. As a clearly multi-talented idol, Irene has proven her mettle in various fields, making her future endeavors all the more exciting.

[INFO] 210218

Double Patty is currently 4th on the Korean daily Box Office! #IRENE #아이린 #RedVelvet @RVsmtown pic.twitter.com/a9rrh2jk5o

— Irene 아이린 Global (@irene_global) February 17, 2021

The possibility of Irene’s solo debut has sent waves of excitement through the K-pop community. Given her immense talent and popularity, it’s clear why her solo project has been long overdue. Yet, the ambiguity of her hint leaves room for speculation. Was she referring to her solo music career, an acting role, or something else entirely?

230413 IRENE PARTY – KACHING
4K FULL – https://t.co/H8Z0uciFhk pic.twitter.com/1G9ARmmPzl

— 자꾸생각나 (@thinkB329) April 14, 2023

Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain: Irene’s future shines bright, and her fans are ready to support her every step of the way. The anticipation is palpable, and the countdown to Irene’s next big move has unofficially begun.