Girls' Generation's Yuri Shows Appreciation for Staff Until the Very End

K-pop group Girls' Generation member and actress Yuri has said goodbye to SM Entertainment after spending 25 years with the agency, including her trainee period. She marked the end of her long relationship with the company by sharing a series of farewell posts on social media.

On Sept. 2, Yuri posted photos from her trainee days alongside images and videos taken as she said goodbye to staff members and colleagues at SM Entertainment.

"I joined the company as a trainee in 2001, and 25 years have already passed," she wrote. "Thank you for helping me grow, caring for me and loving me."

Yuri also prepared gifts for staff members she had worked with over the years. A sign placed next to the presents read, "Thank you for helping me grow over the past 24 years. I hope everyone stays happy. I love you, SM."

In an earlier Q&A, Yuri was asked about the most expensive purchase she had made recently. She answered that it was "farewell gifts for the people at my company who worked with me.

Yuri was later seen wiping away tears with a tissue as she exchanged final goodbyes. She added the caption "I loved you" to the photo. She then shared a playful meme showing herself smiling and waving goodbye, ending the series of posts on a lighter note.

SM Entertainment announced on July 31 that it had mutually agreed with Yuri to end her exclusive contract as of Aug. 31 following discussions between the two sides. Yuri joined the company as a trainee in 2001 and debuted with Girls' Generation in 2007, beginning a career with SM that spanned roughly two decades as an artist.

Although her individual contract with SM Entertainment has ended, Yuri will continue participating in Girls' Generation activities. She also recently debuted as part of the new subunit Girls' Generation-HRS alongside Hyoyeon and Sooyoung.

Yuri has also built a career as an actress. Her credits include the dramas "Defendant," "Bossam: Steal the Fate" and "Good Job," the film "Dolphin" and the variety series "The Zone: Survival Mission."