Girls’ Generation’s Sunny Confirms She Has Left SM Entertainment

After recent speculations that Sunny has left SM Entertainment, the Girls’ Generation member took to her Instagram to confirm the news in a heartfelt message to fans.

Girls’ Generation recently celebrated their 16th anniversary on August 5, 2023, and Sunny began her message to fans by thanking SONEs (Girls’ Generation’s fans) for their support over the last 16 years and sharing her gratitude for her fellow members, who have become more like her family.

Hello, this is Girls’ Generation’s Sunny. I decided to post this because I wanted to share something with you all, in addition to my gratitude for the 16th debut anniversary of Girls’ Generation.

Looking back, I’ve met so many people to appreciate in the past 16 years: My treasured members who are now an inseparable part of who I am, my family that I love, my staff members that kept by my side through it all, and of course, my fans who fuel me by simply existing…

— Girls’ Generation’s Sunny

She continued, thanking the SM Entertainment staff members that have assisted her in her career since she was 19 years old, and everyone who has contributed to her music, performances, and content.

But today, in particular, I would like to thank SM Entertainment for helping the 19-year-old Lee Soonkyu debut as Girls’ Generation’s Sunny. I am forever grateful not only to the managers who’ve worked so diligently to support me but also to all the other agency employees who’ve put together all of the great music, performances, and content for the past 16 years. With their help, I was able to share my positive energy with the world.

— Girls’ Generation’s Sunny

Sunny concluded her message by expressing her unending gratitude for debuting in Girls’ Generation.

The talented idol excitedly updated fans that she would be pushing herself in a “whole new environment,” while promising to continue to be the same “energizer” Sunny.

Having debuted as a part of Girls’ Generation and being able to interact with SONEs every day makes me incredibly happy. But now, I’d like to push myself to see myself from a whole new perspective, in a whole new environment. Thanks to the undivided love and support that you, fans, have sent me over the years, I’m able to pursue with courage. And I promise, no matter what’s ahead in my future, to continue being true to myself as the same “Energizer” Sunny. I look forward to continue bringing good news to everyone. Thank you.

— Girls’ Generation’s Sunny

Sunny joined SM Entertainment as a trainee in 1998, leaving the company briefly to train at Starworld, before returning and debuting with Girls’ Generation in 2007.

Girls’ Generation