[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Myung-joo] Kwon Yuri of Girls' Generation is leaving SM Entertainment.

SM Entertainment announced on the 31st that "after in-depth discussions with Kwon Yuri, we have mutually agreed to conclude our 19-year partnership as of August 31st."

Her exclusive contract has ended, but this is not a withdrawal from the group. The agency stated, "Going forward, activities as Girls' Generation will continue without change."

The company added, "We are grateful to Kwon Yuri for her brilliant activities as an 'all-around artist.' We will support her as she embarks on a new journey."

Kwon Yuri began her entertainment career in 2007 as a member of Girls' Generation. She has been active in multiple fields including singing, acting, variety shows, and hosting award ceremonies.

Recently, she formed 'HyoRiSoo,' a Girls' Generation unit with Hyoyeon and Sooyoung. They will officially release their debut song 'Skibidi' on the 31st of next month.

<Below is SM Entertainment's official statement in full>

Hello. This is SM Entertainment.

We sincerely thank all fans for their unwavering love and support for Kwon Yuri.

We have mutually agreed with Kwon Yuri, after in-depth discussions, to conclude our 19-year partnership as of August 31st.

It was a precious time for SM Entertainment to be part of Kwon Yuri's entire journey, from her debut with Girls' Generation in 2007, leading the K-POP craze worldwide and growing into a group representing the era, to shining as an actress.

We express our deep gratitude to Kwon Yuri for her brilliant activities as an 'all-around artist,' working across diverse fields including music, acting, variety shows, and hosting.

While our exclusive contract with her will end, activities as Girls' Generation will continue without change going forward.

We support Kwon Yuri as she embarks on a new journey.

Thank you.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>