Sunny, a member of the "Nation's Girl Group" Girls' Generation, announced her departure from SM Entertainment after 16 years of being with the company.
What's next for the K-pop icon?
SM Entertainment Confirm Girls' Generation Sunny's Departure After 16 Years
On August 8, Girls' Generation Sunny announced that she is officially parting ways with SM Entertainment after 16 years.
ALSO READ: SNSD Sunny Leaving SM Entertainment? Speculation Arises on Group's 16th Debut Anniversary
Earlier on August 5, on the day of Girls' Generation's 16th debut anniversary, various speculations stated that the "Gee" singer left the group already after its official SNS updated special messages from members - excluding Sunny.
In response to this, Sunny penned fans a letter on her personal Instagram, saying:
"I have a story to tell along with a thank you message for the 16th anniversary of Girls' Generation's debut.
First of all, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the members, family members, staff, and fans. There are so many people I've been grateful for for 16 years.
Today, I would like to express my gratitude and greetings to SM Entertainment, which helped the 19-year-old Lee Soon Kyu (real name) make her debut as Sunny of Girls' Generation."
She continued:
"I would like to thank all the managers who have worked hard together (with me) during my 16 years of entertainment activities and all the employees who have helped me give positive energy to many people through various stages and contents with good music and good appearance."
Sunny also expressed her gratitude to her co-SNSD members and SONEs (fandom).
"I can't be happier every day because I debuted with Girls' Generation and met SONEs with the members."
Regarding her future after leaving the company, Sunny hinted at her plans.
"Now I'm trying to be brave and see myself from a different perspective in a new environment. It's thanks to the interest and affection of fans and grateful people who have supported me for a long time. No matter what day comes in the future, I will continue to move forward with a 'Sunny' appearance of vitality. I'll be sharing good news from now on. Thank you."
SM Entertainment also released its official statement and confirmed Sunny's departure from the company.
"Sunny's exclusive contract with our company has ended. We thank Sunny for showing great activities with us for a long time, and we ask for your support on the new path that Sunny will take in the future."
Sunny became the fifth member to leave SM, following Jessica, Tiffany, Seohyun and Sooyoung. Despite a few activities from the agency, the member remained loyal to SM for 16 years.
However, earlier in February this year, former Executive Producer Lee Soo Man, who is the paternal uncle of Sunny, left SM, sparking curiosity if this is one of the factors the idol cut her relationship with the company as well.
Girls Generation's Sunny Past Activities
Sunny debuted with Girls' Generation on August 5, 2007, with "Into The New World," as the vocalist of the girl group. Her unique vocal color added flavor to their various hits, such as "Gee," "The Boys," "I Got a Boy," "Lion Heart," "Oh!" and more.
With her cute appearance, outstanding voice, bright, and honest personality, Sunny was loved as an all-around entertainer by performing not only in music activities but also in the entertainment scene.
After leaving SM, Sunny is now at a new starting line to mark her career following her 16th debut anniversary.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Girls' Generation Opens Up About Reason For 5-Year Hiatus
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
