On August 8 KST, Girls' Generation's Sunny personally delivered news of her departure from her label of 16-years, SM Entertainment.

The idol wrote on her Instagram on this day,

"Hello, this is Girls' Generation's Sunny.

I am writing today because there is something that I would like to say, while also delivering a message of gratitude for Girls' Generation's 16th debut anniversary.

Looking back on the past 16-years, there are so many people for whom I wish to express my gratitude. 

My precious members, who are like different versions of me, my beloved family, all of the staff who have worked alongside us supportively, the fans, whose existence alone gave me strength..

Today, I would like to deliver special thanks to SM Entertainment, a company that helped a 19-year old girl named Lee Soon Kyu debut as Sunny of Girls' Generation.

I sincerely thank the managers, who shared in all of our joys and sorrows during the past 16-years of promotions, and all of the staff and employees who worked hard so that we could deliver positive energy to many people through good music, good performances, and various content.

I could not be happier each day, having debuted as a part of Girls' Generation with my members and having met Sones. 

From now on, I intend to muster up the courage to look at myself through a new lens in a new environment. It is all thanks to the unchanging support, love, and affection that fans and many grateful people have shown me even after all this time. No matter what days lie ahead, I will move forward as the energizer Sunny. 

I hope to bring you good news more frequently as Sunny. Thank you."

Sunny, who is known as a niece of SM Entertainment's founder Lee Soo Man, will be parting ways with the agency approximately 5 months after Lee Soo Man himself bid the company farewell in March of this year.