Girls’ Generation’s Yuri, whose full name is Kwon Yuri, will leave SM Entertainment after nearly two decades, but she will continue promoting as a member of the group.
On July 31, SM Entertainment announced that its exclusive contract with Yuri will end on August 31. Both sides agreed not to renew the contract, bringing their 19-year partnership to a close.
Yuri began training under SM Entertainment before making her debut with Girls’ Generation in 2007. She later expanded her career into acting, variety shows, and hosting.
SM Entertainment thanked Yuri for her work throughout the years and stated: “It was a meaningful time for SM to be part of her journey as she helped lead the global K-pop wave with Girls’ Generation and also grew as an actress.”
The agency added: “We sincerely thank Kwon Yuri for her outstanding activities as an all-around artist across music, acting, entertainment, and hosting. We support her as she begins a new journey.”
Despite leaving the agency, Yuri is not leaving Girls’ Generation. SM Entertainment clearly confirmed: “Although her exclusive contract with our company is ending, her activities as a member of Girls’ Generation will continue without change.”
Yuri is not the first member to leave SM Entertainment while remaining part of the group. Sooyoung, Seohyun, Tiffany Young, and Sunny previously moved to other agencies or continued independently. Girls’ Generation still reunited in 2022 to release its seventh full album for its 15th debut anniversary.
Following Yuri’s departure, Taeyeon, YoonA, and Hyoyeon will be the three members currently represented by SM Entertainment.
The members are also preparing for Girls’ Generation’s 20th anniversary in 2027. Tiffany Young recently confirmed that the group plans to hold major activities for the milestone.
She said: “We are going to do something big for Girls’ Generation’s 20th anniversary.”
According to Tiffany, the members have already started discussing their comeback and regularly hold meetings.
She explained: “Even now, we hold quarterly meetings about the comeback. We continue sharing our opinions between those meetings and are preparing in an organized way.”
Tiffany also expressed her affection for the group and its members, saying: “Having the wonderful space called Girls’ Generation and having the members as my friends helped both my life and career. I want to continue being with my friends while making good choices for my own projects. That is my goal.”
While Yuri is beginning a new chapter outside SM Entertainment, Girls’ Generation remains together, with all eight members expected to take part in the group’s planned 20th anniversary activities.
