▲ This Yonhap file photo shows Yuri of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) -- Yuri of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation will leave SM Entertainment after 19 years with the agency, while continuing her activities as a member of the group.

 

SM Entertainment said Friday that it had mutually agreed with Yuri, whose real name is Kwon Yu-ri, to end their exclusive contract effective Aug. 31 after "in-depth discussions."

 

The agency said Yuri will continue participating in Girls' Generation activities despite the end of her contract.

 

"Her activities as a member of Girls' Generation will continue without change," SM said.

 

Yuri debuted with Girls' Generation in 2007 and rose to fame with hit songs such as "Into the New World" and "Genie," helping establish the group as one of K-pop's leading girl groups.

 

She later expanded her career into acting and variety shows. Most recently, she appeared in the stage play "The Wasp," which concluded its run in April.

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