Jessica Jung says she was ‘forced out’ of Girls Generation

SINGAPORE — Popular K-Pop girl group Girls’ Generation (also known as SNSD) is no longer a nine-member act, with the departure of one of its members, Jessica Jung.

Jung and the group’s management agency SM Entertainment are disputing the reasons behind her leaving the group.

A statement posted on Jung’s Weibo account alleged that she was “being forced out” with “no justifiable reason”.

“I was excited about our upcoming fan events only to shockingly be informed by my company and 8 others that as of today, I’m no longer a member. I’m devastated - my priority and love is to serve as a member of GG, but for no justifiable reason, I am being forced out,” she wrote.

A few hours later, SM Entertainment released an official statement, saying that Jung “notified us she will halt her team promotions with the release of one [more] album”.

“Despite Jessica’s sudden notice, the agency and the Girls’ Generation members tried our best and tried to figure out a way that Girls’ Generation’s activities can continue in the best possible direction,” the statement said. “However, in the midst of insufficient clear negotiations regarding conflicts of differences in priorities and interest, Jessica started her fashion business. Due to this, despite ongoing talks, it has come to a point where the team could not be maintained any longer.”

The group, which formed in 2007 and is considered one of the most successful K-Pop girl groups, will continue promotions of their upcoming Japan and China tours.

The remaining eight members—Taeyeon, Tiffany, Sooyoung, Sunny, Yoona, Yuri, Seohyun and Hyoyeon— have left for Shenzen, China for a fan event, according to media reports.