Yuri Leaves SM; SNSD Stays Strong
Girls' Generation's Yuri Exits SM Entertainment, Group Set for 20th Anniversary and Ongoing Projects
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Yuri formed the three-member unit HyoRiSoo with Hyoyeon and Sooyoung, marking a high-profile post-SM collaboration that has excited fans.
2
Historically, several Girls' Generation members have left SM Entertainment before Yuri: Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun exited in 2017, and Sunny left in 2023, leaving Taeyeon, Yoona, and Hyoyeon as the SM-affiliated members at present.
3
Tiffany hinted at a big project for Girls’ Generation’s 20th anniversary on The Manager, following the group’s history of milestone comebacks at 10th and 15th anniversaries.
4
The HyoriSu unit—Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Suhyun—has launched a highly anticipated debut project, illustrating ongoing cross-unit activity and public interest surrounding Girls’ Generation members after Yuri’s departure from SM.
Kwon Yuri is leaving SM Entertainment after 19 years, with her exclusive contract ending on August 31. Jazmine Media confirmed that both parties mutually agreed to part ways. She becomes the fifth Girls' Generation member to exit SM while the group stays active.
Despite the split, Yuri's work with Girls' Generation will continue without interruption. IBTimes SG reported that SM Entertainment confirmed group activities remain fully intact. Fans can expect her on stage alongside her members as before.
Yuri Becomes the Fifth Member to Exit SM
Girls' Generation has eight members, but SM Entertainment now holds contracts with only three: Taeyeon, Yoona, and Hyoyeon. Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun all left in 2017. Sunny followed in 2023. Now Yuri joins them, making her the fifth departure from the agency.
SM praised Yuri's 19-year run in a public statement. The agency credited her with helping lead the global K-pop wave. They highlighted her work across music, acting, and television as an all-around artist. Newsy Today noted that SM expressed gratitude for her contributions before confirming the split.
Girls' Generation's 20th Anniversary Is Still On Track
The group's big milestone is coming. Girls' Generation debuted in August 2007, which means their 20th anniversary falls in 2027. Star News Korea reported that SM confirmed the group is actively preparing a full comeback for that milestone, despite Yuri's departure from the agency.
The group has a strong history of anniversary comebacks. They marked their 10th and 15th anniversaries with major projects. Tiffany also recently hinted at a big 20th anniversary project on the TV show The Manager. Fans see the 2027 comeback as a near-certainty.
HyoRiSoo Unit Shows Life Beyond SM Contracts
Yuri is already moving forward with new projects. She joined Hyoyeon and Sooyoung to form a three-member unit called HyoRiSoo. The group has launched a debut project that has generated strong fan excitement. It shows that Girls' Generation members can collaborate across different agencies with ease.
The unit is sometimes also referred to as HyoriSu. It features members from both inside and outside SM Entertainment. The project is a clear sign that the Girls' Generation brand remains strong and active, even as individual members pursue careers under different management.
What Yuri's Departure Actually Means for the Group
Leaving SM does not mean leaving Girls' Generation. Every member who exited SM before Yuri has continued to participate in group activities. IBTimes SG made clear that Yuri's group status is unchanged. The contract ending is a business move, not a breakup.
Yuri will now likely sign with a new agency and take on projects on her own terms. Her profile as an actress and TV personality gives her a strong foundation. Star News Korea noted that both sides called the split mutual and amicable. No bridges were burned.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
15
Articles
8
Reach
23
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor