Kwon Yuri to leave SM Entertainment after 19 years

Kwon Yuri, a member of Girls' Generation and an established actress, is leaving SM Entertainment after 19 years. While her long tenure with the agency comes to an end, her activities with Girls' Generation will continue unchanged.

SM Entertainment (SM) announced in an official statement on the 31st, "Following in-depth discussions, the company and Kwon Yuri have mutually agreed to conclude their 19-year journey as of August 31."

"Kwon Yuri debuted in 2007 as a member of Girls' Generation and grew into a representative group of her era, while also building her own territory and shining as an actress," SM stated. "It was a precious time to be able to be part of that entire journey. We express our deep gratitude to Kwon Yuri."

The agency added, "Although her exclusive contract will end, her activities as a member of Girls' Generation will continue unchanged. We will sincerely support Kwon Yuri as she walks a new path."

Since her debut with Girls' Generation in 2007, Kwon has established herself as a legendary idol who has written a chapter in K-pop history. Girls' Generation has garnered global acclaim, producing numerous hits such as 'Into the New World', 'Gee', and 'Make a Wish'.

Alongside her group activities, she has consistently challenged herself as an actress. She demonstrated her potential through dramas such as 'Fashion King', 'Innocent Defendant', and 'Bossam: Steal the Fate', and continued her film career with movies like 'No Breathing'.

In particular, Kwon has refused to be confined by the label of an "idol-turned-actress," instead building a diverse filmography by tackling various genres and characters.

As Kwon Yuri prepares to enter a new environment after 19 years with one agency, all eyes are on her next moves. Expectations are high for both her continued work with Girls' Generation and her upcoming second act as an actress.