Girls' Generation Member Yuri Departs SM Entertainment After 19 Years, Will Continue Group Activities

Girls' Generation member Yuri is set to depart from SM Entertainment after a 19-year tenure, as her contract with the agency concludes on August 31.

SM Entertainment confirmed the mutual agreement in a statement, expressing gratitude for Yuri's contributions since her debut in 2007. The agency recognized her role in leading the K-pop wave globally and her subsequent success as an actress. "It was a precious time that SM Entertainment could be together for the entire journey, from debuting as Girls' Generation and leading the K-pop craze worldwide, to becoming a representative group of the era and shining as an actress," the statement read, adding, "We express our deep gratitude to Kwon Yuri for her dazzling activities as an 'all-around artist.'"

Despite ending her exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, Yuri's activities as a member of Girls' Generation will continue unchanged. The agency affirmed its support for her future endeavors, stating, "Although the exclusive contract with our company will end, her activities as Girls' Generation will continue as before. We will cheer for Kwon Yuri's future as she embarks on a new journey."

Yuri debuted with Girls' Generation in 2007 and has since released numerous hit songs, including "Into the New World" and "Gee." She has also pursued a successful acting career, appearing in dramas such as "Fashion King" and "Bossam: Steal the Fate," as well as films like "Dolphin." Additionally, she has engaged with audiences through the play "An Oak Tree." The statement from SM Entertainment highlights her multifaceted career across music, acting, and theater.