Red Velvet's Irene is officially making her solo debut! SM Entertainment confirmed on February 27 that the group's leader is preparing for her first-ever solo comeback, scheduled for late March.

"Irene is currently preparing with the goal of a comeback in late March," the agency stated. "Please give [her comeback] lots of interest."

This marks a significant moment for both Irene and Red Velvet fans. While several Red Velvet members have pursued solo activities - Joy released her solo album "Hello" in 2021, and Wendy has released solo singles - Irene's upcoming release will be her first official solo music project since Red Velvet's debut in 2014.

As Red Velvet's leader and main rapper, Irene has been a central figure in the group's success over the past decade. Known for her versatility, she's also made her mark in acting with roles in films like "Double Patty" and the web drama "Game Development Girls."

The timing comes as Red Velvet continues to maintain their presence in the industry. The group's most recent comeback was "Chill Kill" in November 2023, which showcased their mature sound and visual concepts.

While SM Entertainment hasn't revealed specific details about the concept, tracklist, or exact release date, the confirmation alone has excited fans who have long awaited Irene's solo venture. The late March timeframe suggests fans won't have to wait much longer to see what direction Irene takes with her individual artistry.

This solo debut adds to the growing trend of established group members exploring individual projects while maintaining their group activities, giving artists more creative freedom to express different sides of their musical identity.