If there’s one K-Pop that has embodied the Hallyu wave of South Korea and is the poster child of any Korean Girl Group, it’s Girls’ Generation, or better known as Sonyeo Shidae, or SNSD.
The group, which recently celebrated their 10th anniversary have seemed destined for longevity, avoiding the so-called 7-year curse that has affected other girl groups in the industry. That, however, might have come to end with this recent piece of news.
It seems that three members of the group have reportedly not renewed their contracts with their management agency, SM Entertainment, putting the existence of SNSD in doubt. The three members in question are reportedly Sooyoung, Seohyun, and Tiffany though SM Entertainment themselves have yet to confirm the details.
According to South Korean news agency Yonhap News, a source close to the agency told them:
“Three members have decided to end their contracts. Girls’ Generation will remain as it is as a team, but in the case of them being under different agencies, their participation will realistically become difficult. However, the members are still in discussion about what decision will be made.”
SM Entertainment themselves has issued an official statement that denies the disbandment of the group stating:
“Girls’ Generation is a group that is precious and meaningful to SM and their fans. The members also have no thoughts at all about disbanding. Simply, as there are members whose contracts have ended, a careful decision will be made after discussions with the members about Girls’ Generation’s direction for activities in the future.”
This isn’t the first time a member of the group has left the group with former member Jessica leaving back in 2014. However, back then, despite her leaving, the group was not yet in danger of disbandment.
However, if the news of the three members leaving SM Entertainment are true, this leaves SNSD with half of the original members, namely Taeyeon, YoonA, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sunny. Though the group will be able to continue despite the loss of members, for many fans, it just won’t be the same anymore.
This would be sad news indeed as it’s just barely a month back that the group released their latest album Holiday Night which also celebrated their 10th-anniversary as a group.
There might be a slight sliver of hope for fans though as this is still unconfirmed news so stay tuned for more details.
