Sunny, a member of K-pop group Girls’ Generation, has left her agency, SM Entertainment, after 16 years.
SM Entertainment confirmed Sunny’s departure from the company.
"The exclusive contract between Sunny and the company has ended. We would like to express our gratitude to Sunny, who has been with the company for a long time and showed wonderful activities, and ask for your support for the new path Sunny will walk in the future,” the agency said.
Sunny (left) and Girls' Generation (Instagram)
Sunny is the niece of Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment. Lee Soo-man and SM Entertainment had a conflict earlier this year. Lee sold his stake in SM Entertainment to HYBE Corp.
In an Instagram post, Sunny wrote, “I am writing this because I wanted to say thank you for the 16th anniversary of Girls' Generation's debut.”
“Looking back, there are so many people I'm thankful for over the past 16 years. The precious members who are like different versions of myself, our loving family, staff members who were by our side, and fans who gave us strength just by their existence,” she said.
Sunny expressed gratitude to SM Entertainment for her debut in Girls’ Generation.
“Today, I would like to express my gratitude and greetings to SM Entertainment for helping 19-year-old Lee Soon-kyu debut as Sunny of Girls' Generation,” she said.
She added, “I'd like to thank all the managers who worked so hard during the 16 years of promotions, thank you to all the staff who helped us give positive energy to many people through various stages and contents with good music and good performance.”
“I can't be happier every day because I debuted with Girls' Generation with the members and met Sones,” she said.
According to her, “Now I muster up my courage to see myself in a new environment from a different perspective. It is thanks to the interest and affection of the fans who have been unchanging for a long time and the people who are grateful.”
“No matter what kind of days come, we will continue to move forward with a Sunny-like image of vitality. I will become a Sunny who shares good news in the future,” she said.
Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun, Sooyoung and Tiffany left SM Entertainment in 2017.
Sunny debuted in Girls’ Generation in August 2007.
