ENTERTAINMENT
"SM was like a teacher, family, and friend"... Super Junior's Sungmin Parts Ways with SM Entertainment After 20 Years
On the 30th, SM Entertainment released a statement announcing the end of Sungmin's exclusive contract. The company expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank Sungmin for being with us for over 20 years, from his trainee days to his time as an artist."
SM Entertainment added, "We will continue to support Sungmin's musical endeavors and new beginnings. We ask for your warm interest and support for Sungmin in the future."
Sungmin also shared the news of his new beginning on his personal social media. He reflected, "In December 2000, I entered the SM audition hall full of courage and dreams. Now, as a third-year middle school student back then, I have concluded my long journey with SM."
He expressed his gratitude, saying, "To me, SM was a teacher, family, and friend. The over 20 years spent together were truly a great gift. I sincerely thank everyone who has been with me during this time."
Sungmin continued, "Now, I stand at the starting line with new dreams. I will walk the given path diligently and without losing my initial resolve, alongside the Totalset Entertainment family who will join me on this new journey."
He concluded with a promise, "I will repay your support with heartfelt songs and performances. I will continue to move forward, deeply and firmly, step by step."
Meanwhile, prior to Sungmin's departure, Red Velvet's Wendy and Yeri also announced their separation from SM on the 4th. Wendy has since signed an exclusive contract with Ascend (ASND), joining former HYBE group fromis_9 members Park Ji-won, Baek Ji-heon, Lee Chae-young, Lee Na-kyung, and Song Ha-young.
