According to media outlet reports on July 13 KST, singer/actor Kim Min Jong has decided to part ways with SM Entertainment after spending 17-years as an artist at the label. 

Kim Min Jong, who originally signed with SM Entertainment in 2006, was known for being close with former head producer Lee Soo Man. Having served as a director at SM Entertainment under Lee Soo Man, Kim Min Jong garnered attention by publicly siding with the former producer in the internal dispute which erupted earlier this year. Kim Min Jong claimed, "The current CEOs cut off all contact with Lee Soo Man and announced the end of Lee Soo Man's producing contract relationship with SM without prior consultation. Please show respect for Lee Soo Man, who devoted his life to the founding and growth of SM." 

Now, according to insiders, Kim Min Jong's exclusive contract with SM Entertainment expired at the end of June. After some deliberation, Kim Min Jong and SM Entertainment agreed that Kim Min Jong would not be renewing with the agency. However, the decision was the result of mutual agreement, rather than one of conflicting opinions.