# Yuri of Girls' Generation leaves SM Entertainment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/yuri-of-girls-generation-leaves-sm-entertainment
> Updated: 2026-07-31T04:36:17.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, reports indicated that K‑pop star Kwon Yuri, a member of Girls’ Generation, was approaching the end of a long‑standing contract with SM Entertainment that began with the group's debut in 2007. By the end of July, SM announced the mutual termination of the exclusive contract, effective 31 August 2026, concluding a 19‑year partnership. The agency stressed that Yuri will continue participating in Girls’ Generation activities, remaining a group member despite leaving the label. She becomes the fifth member to exit SM while staying with the group, joining former members Sunny, Tiffany, Sooyoung and Seohyun who have already moved to other agencies, while Taeyeon, Yoona and Hyoyeon stay under SM.

The statements thanked fans for their support and highlighted Yuri’s contributions across music, acting, variety shows and hosting throughout her tenure.

## Claims

- Kwon Yuri and SM Entertainment mutually agreed to end their exclusive contract on August 31, 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The partnership between Yuri and SM Entertainment lasted 19 years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Yuri will continue to participate in Girls’ Generation activities after leaving SM Entertainment. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- SM Entertainment released the departure announcement on July 31, 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Yuri debuted as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Yuri is the fifth member of Girls’ Generation to leave SM Entertainment while remaining in the group. (single source)
- Current Girls’ Generation members under SM Entertainment are Taeyeon, Yoona and Hyoyeon. (single source)
- Former Girls’ Generation members who left SM Entertainment include Sunny, Tiffany, Sooyoung and Seohyun. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Yuri Departs SM Entertainment After 19 Years, Continues with Girls’ Generation

K‑pop star Kwon Yuri ends her 19‑year exclusive contract with SM Entertainment on Aug 31, but will stay active in Girls’ Generation, becoming the fifth member to leave the agency while remaining in the group.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuri-departs-sm-entertainment-after-19-years-continues-with-girls-generation

### 2026-07-04: Yuri of Girls' Generation Nears Contract End with SM Entertainment After 25 Years

Yuri of Girls' Generation faces contract expiry with SM Entertainment after 25 years and is considering a move to an acting‑focused agency while keeping options for her group’s sub‑unit.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuri-of-girls-generation-nears-contract-end-with-sm-entertainment-after-25-years

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Cite as: Yuri of Girls' Generation leaves SM Entertainment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/yuri-of-girls-generation-leaves-sm-entertainment