Kwon Yuri Announces Split From SM Entertainment After 19 Years, Saying Girls’ Generation Group Activities Will Remain Firm

Kwon Yuri is leaving SM Entertainment and starting out on her own.

On July 31, SM Entertainment, a talent agency, said it will bring to a close its partnership with singer and actress Kwon Yuri. The agency said, “After in-depth discussions with Kwon Yuri, we mutually agreed to end our 19-year partnership as of Aug. 31.”

Kwon Yuri debuted in 2007 as a member of the girl group “Girls’ Generation” under SM Entertainment and has worked as an SM Entertainment artist for the past 19 years. However, according to SM Entertainment’s explanation, it said that it is true that Kwon Yuri will leave the company, but added that group activities as part of Girls’ Generation will continue.

Below is the full text of SM Entertainment’s official position.

Hello. This is SM Entertainment.

Thank you very much to the fans who have continued to show unwavering love for Kwon Yuri.

After in-depth discussions with Kwon Yuri, we mutually agreed to end our 19-year partnership as of Aug. 31.

It was a precious time for SM Entertainment to be able to be together on all of Kwon Yuri’s journeys—from her debut in 2007 with Girls’ Generation, leading the K-POP boom around the world, growing into a group representing the era, and shining even as an actress.

We sincerely thank Kwon Yuri, who delivered dazzling performances as an “all-rounder artist,” spanning a range of fields including music, acting, variety shows, and as an MC.

Her exclusive contract with us will end, but going forward, her activities as part of Girls’ Generation will continue without change.

We will cheer for Kwon Yuri as she sets out on a new journey.

Thank you.