Today, the popular Korean pop group “Girls’ Generation” (SNSD) had to say goodbye to one of its core members. Jessica (Jessica Sooyeon Jung) posted on her SNS telling the public that she had been informed by her agency, SM Entertainment that she is no longer a member of SNSD almost as if she had been let go. Insiders from SM Entertainment however have revealed that it was the pop star herself who had informed the company that she may be unable to continue her singing career.
There have been many rumors and speculations regarding what has happened within one of Korea’s not only the most popular but the most tight-knit pop group. SNSD has never been reported to have any conflicts within the team or even with their producers since their debut in 2007. Recently however, the rumors are centered around Jessica and her Korean American boyfriend Tyler Kwon.
Tyler Kwon, who studied business at the University of Michigan, started dating after he broke up with Hong Kong actress Gillian Chung only 10 months after they started their relationship. He is currently running a fashion brand called “Blang” that Jessica had initially started. The two were seen together both insider Korean and abroad, sparking rumors that they were getting married soon or that Jessica herself was seeking a career in business.
Around August this year, Jessica had in fact informed SM Entertainment and SNSD fans that she is considering running a private business. She told her agency that she might be unable to continue her pop star career as a member of SNSD while running “Blang”. Jessica even expressed the designer to study abroad in the field of design to better improve her chances in the marketplace. At this point, SM Entertainment insiders had concluded that it may be impossible to maintain the original 9-member-team.
It was around this time that SNSD was seeking to launch a tour in China. SM Entertainment had to send only 8 of the members to embark on the Chinese tour. However it was around this time when Jessica revealed on her blog that her agency had let her go without properly informing her, and expressed sadness that “Girls’ Generation” now consists of only 8 members not the original 9. For SNSD, it was the first time in their 7-year career that there was any kind of conflict within the team and that someone had to say goodbye.
The agency however officially announced that they are willing to continue supporting Jessica and even provide her with management in the case that she wishes to pursue a solo career.
“Girls’ Generation” made their first appearance in 2007 and from the very beginning they dominated the Korean charts and even gained huge recognition in Japan and China. Recently the group had to leave for a fan meeting in China without Jessica. Later in December however, SNSD is planning to participate in their own concert in Japan: Girls’ Generation The Best Live At Tokyo Dome.
This concert in Japan was to celebrate the group’s 4th anniversary to their Japanese debut and many fans who were hoping to see all the members present will certainly disappointed to find that one of them is missing from the stage. Many eyes will be watching “Girls’ Generation” and their future endeavors in the pop music market.
