Girls’ Generation member Yuri opened up about her changed daily life and mindset after leaving SM Entertainment, detailing the realities of managing her career independently after 25 years.
The Bottom Line
- Yuri’s exclusive contract with SM Entertainment ended on August 31, concluding 19 years as a signed artist and 25 years with the agency since joining as a trainee in 2001.
- She is now handling her own management, learning tasks ranging from issuing tax invoices to meeting with legal representatives.
- Despite the administrative hurdles, she confirmed that Girls’ Generation is preparing for potential performances next year around their 20th debut anniversary.
Leaving SM Entertainment After 25 Years
Appearing on a YouTube channel on October 30th, Yuri spoke in depth about the project group HRS alongside fellow Girls’ Generation members Hyoyeon and Sooyoung, while also addressing her departure from long-time agency SM Entertainment. According to Sportschosun, her exclusive contract ended on August 31, marking her first time standing completely on her own since entering the agency as a trainee in 2001. Upon her exit, Yuri thanked the company on social media, distributed farewell gifts to employees, and later shared candid reflections on managing her career independently.
Speaking about her new administrative responsibilities, Yuri admitted that stepping out on her own brought an unexpected learning curve. She explained that she now handles tasks like issuing tax invoices and meeting with legal representatives. There’s really a lot to do,
Yuri said, adding that she is learning everything from start to finish. She confessed that working alone made her realize there are fewer things she can accomplish entirely by herself than she originally thought, noting that she lived with significant protection from surrounding staff throughout her career.
Shifting Mindsets and Future Group Activities
Reflecting on her personal growth, Yuri shared that the transition altered her perspective on failure and human limitations. Facing her shortcomings as Kwon Yuri, she adopted a more forgiving attitude toward herself and others, recognizing that everyone operates under distinct circumstances. Alongside her solo adjustments, Yuri expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming 20th debut anniversary of Girls’ Generation next year, stating that there will likely be opportunities for the group to return to the stage. She also mentioned the possibility of expanding overseas in the future with her project group HRS.
During the broadcast, when asked about her agency status, Yuri confirmed she is a completely free agent. The episode also featured playful banter between the two regarding fashion and gift exchanges, alongside Kian84 mentoring Yuri in painting.
Evaluating Solo Management Realities
| Milestone / Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency Tenure Ended | August 31 (19 years under exclusive contract, 25 years since trainee status in 2001) |
| Current Professional Status | Completely independent free agent handling administrative and legal tasks |
| Upcoming Group Milestone | Girls’ Generation 20th debut anniversary anticipated next year with potential performances |
As Yuri navigates her independent career path, her candid disclosures highlight the structural adjustments experienced by veteran idols transitioning away from major entertainment conglomerates. While administrative independence introduces new daily burdens, her continued involvement with upcoming group activities ensures that her ties to Girls’ Generation remain active as the group approaches its major anniversary milestone.
Fashion Clashes and Painting Mentorship on Jeju Island
During their meeting on Jeju Island, Kian84 and Yuri elicited laughter with their distant seating at the café. Kian84 ordered a warm lemonade that left Yuri flustered before he presented a personally prepared one-piece dress covered in flashy patterns. Yuri could not hide her surprise, stating, I don’t wear anything like this at all. What am I supposed to do?
and frankly adding, Isn’t that color tone killing my complexion?
When Kian84 instructed her on styling by telling her to wear it as is rather than mixing and matching, Yuri let out her anger, saying, What gives you the right to give me instructions? Who are you? What do you know about fashion? You writers should just dress well yourselves. Look at your color combinations.
In response to Kian84’s gifts and remarks, Yuri also handed him a bold, flashy robe as a birthday gift. After reviewing each other’s gifts, they exchanged sharp remarks like What kind of clothing is this?
and Only I can pull this off,
engaging in a playful back-and-forth before eventually changing into their respective gifts. Later, Kian84 transformed into Mentor84,
praising Yuri’s bold brushstrokes as she paints in Jeju and offering unwavering encouragement.
