SM Entertainment Idol Exposes Shocking Trainee “Medical Treatment,” Sparking Outrage 

Red Velvet’s Yeri has revealed an unexpected part of her SM Entertainment trainee days, which triggered massive outrage among fans. What started as a funny memory has now sparked serious backlash about the extreme measures used on young idols.

During a recent appearance on Hyeri’s popular YouTube series Hyeri’s Club, Red Velvet’s Yeri opened up about an unusual part of her trainee days at SM Entertainment — being sent to a spine clinic to help with height growth.

Looking back on her time before debut, Yeri recalled often being scolded for eating when she wasn’t supposed to. She admitted that whenever she had the chance to leave the company building, she would take the opportunity to enjoy food with other trainees.

To help us get taller, they’d send us to places like spine clinics,” she explained. “One time, I ordered pizza with the other trainees there. I still don’t know how we got caught, but we did. I was always getting in trouble over food.

— Red Velvet’s Yeri

While Yeri shared the story lightheartedly, many K-Pop fans reacted with worry and frustration. The idea of young trainees being sent to spine clinics for growth purposes has drawn criticism, with some questioning whether such procedures or treatments are safe for minors.

kpop companies are so wicked https://t.co/S2HetWN7Ik

— m (@ksgparks) August 8, 2025

sending actual children to spinal clinics while not letting them do the obvious thing to help them grow which is ….eating https://t.co/diOLS40lDB pic.twitter.com/hUsfi1u34N

— crystal (@whitenoisemp3) August 8, 2025

The concern is heightened by the fact that Yeri has publicly spoken in the past about suffering from herniated discs and ongoing back pain. Fans have connected her current health issues to the practices she experienced as a trainee.

And now she have 2 herniated discs… Coincidence? You should never touch the spine without a real medical issue. Fuck SM! https://t.co/ekW2pQ1gQn

— YL-Sky WaniRene (@LuciferShamu) August 8, 2025

oh it looks like yeri's back is hurt again 🥺 so chanhyeong and donghyun help yeri to get up. Get well soon yeri 😭 please don't be sick🫂pic.twitter.com/vKDmkEnC4W

— YR ミ✰ THE GHOST GAME MOVIE (@luvyrrv) August 9, 2025

You can watch the full episode of Yeri’s guest appearance at Hyeri’s Club below!