Girls’ Generation Sunny Leaves SM Entertainment After 16 Years

Girls’ Generation member Sunny has announced her departure from SM Entertainment after 16 years. The idol made the announcement on her Instagram account on August 8, 2023, the same day as Girls’ Generation’s 16th anniversary.

In her post, Sunny thanked her fans, fellow members, and SM Entertainment for their support over the years. She said that she had made the decision to leave SM Entertainment after much thought and consideration.

She wrote;

“Hello, this is Girls’ Generation’s Sunny.
I am writing today because there is something that I would like to say, while also delivering a message of gratitude for Girls’ Generation’s 16th debut anniversary.
Looking back on the past 16-years, there are so many people for whom I wish to express my gratitude.

My precious members, who are like different versions of me, my beloved family, all of the staff who have worked alongside us supportively, the fans, whose existence alone gave me strength..

From now on, I intend to muster up the courage to look at myself through a new lens in a new environment. It is all thanks to the unchanging support, love, and affection that fans and many grateful people have shown me even after all this time. No matter what days lie ahead, I will move forward as the energizer Sunny.
I hope to bring you good news more frequently as Sunny. Thank you.”

Sunny did not specify what her plans are after leaving SM Entertainment. However, she said that she is excited for the future and that she will continue to work hard to entertain her fans.

Sunny’s departure from SM Entertainment is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the agency in recent years. In 2017, three members of Girls’ Generation – Sooyoung, Seohyun, and Tiffany – left SM Entertainment. In 2020, EXO member Lay left the agency to focus on his career in China.

As more and more K-pop idols reach the end of their contracts, they are increasingly choosing to leave their agencies and strike out on their own. This is a trend that is likely to continue in the years to come.