Girls’ Generation member Sunny is entering a new era in her career as she parted ways with longtime agency SM Entertainment.
On Tuesday, August 8, the idol personally delivered the news to her fans through an Instagram post.
The lead vocalist started her letter by expressing her gratitude to the members, staff, and fans who made Girls’ Generation’s 16th debut anniversary possible.
[TRANS] Sunny’s Instagram Update 💗 pic.twitter.com/10P1MwniLB
— 💗 Stella 💗 (@SonexStella) August 8, 2023
Sunny then dedicated a separate section for her SM Entertainment. She said that the label “gave great help so that 19-year-old Lee Soon Kyu (her real name) could debut as Girls’ Generation’s Sunny.”
“Every single day, I was as happy as I could be to be able to debut as Girls’ Generation with the members and to meet SONE (Girls’ Generation’s official fan club),” she wrote, as translated by Soompi.
As to what lies ahead in her career, Sunny said that she’s “trying to take courage to see [herself] in a new environment from a different perspective.”
She also left a promise to their fans, who she said “sent support without change for a long period of time.”
“No matter what kind of day comes in the future, I will continue to move forward as the revitalizing Sunny,” she said.
Following the singer’s post, SM Entertainment confirmed that Sunny has left their agency.
The label then described the idol as someone “who showcased amazing activities while together with [them] for a long time.”
They also asked the fans to continue their support for Sunny as she embarked on a new path.
Which SNSD members are still under SM Entertainment?
Speculations that Sunny parted ways with SM Entertainment started when only members Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona shared a special message for the group’s anniversary. Girls’ Generation celebrated their 16th year in the industry on August 5.
[From. Girls' Generation] 데뷔 16주년🎂
🍭Girls' Generation Debut 16th Anniversary💗20230805 Special Message📭
– From. TAEYEON, HYOYEON, YURI, YOONA pic.twitter.com/e4O8WmVjCs
— 화수은화 (@SNSD_0805) August 4, 2023
Aside from her Instagram post, Sunny also assured her supporters through the Bubble platform.
She opened up how she wasn’t that worried since she knew that they can still continue activities as a group. “Even if all the members aren’t [under SM Entertainment], they say Girls’ Generation can still go on. I’m just thankful,” she said.
Sunny:
I think I was able to worry less because I did Girls' Generation activities last year!! Ah, even if all the members aren’t SM, they say Girls’ Generation can still go on!! I'm just thankful 😁 pic.twitter.com/CfcXye3ltg— Soonkyuner Or Later (@SoonkyunerLater) August 8, 2023
Sunny made her debut as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007 through “Into The New World.” Originally a nine-piece act, member Jessica left the group and agency in 2014.
In 2019, members Seohyun, Tiffany, and Sooyoung left SM Entertainment to pursue solo projects.
Although under different agencies, the eight members reunited in August 2022 to release the album Forever 1. It was in celebration of the group’s 15th debut anniversary.
Girls’ Generation is known for songs “Genie,” “Gee,” “Lion Heart,” and “Oh!” among others.
Featured image: SNSD member poses during the group’s ‘Forever 1’ promotions. Credit: Facebook/SNSD