Kim Min Jong Departs from SM Entertainment After 17 Years

Singer and actor Kim Min Jong has left SM Entertainment, the agency he has been with for approximately 17 years.

On the 13th, SM stated, "Kim Min Jong's exclusive contract ended at the end of June, and we have mutually agreed not to renew it." They added, "We ask for your support for Kim Min Jong's new path."

Kim Min Jong first signed with SM around 17 years ago in 2006. He was also listed as an outside director of SM's subsidiary, SM C&C, and participated in the management.

However, it has been speculated in some circles that the parting of ways between Kim Min Jong and SM was already anticipated. Kim Min Jong maintained a special relationship with Lee Soo Man, the former general producer of SM.

Earlier this year, when SM and Lee Soo Man were in conflict, Kim Min Jong publicly sided with Lee Soo Man, stating, "Lee Soo Man's producing and creative abilities are essential for SM artists' activities." Additionally, in mid-February, during the "Korea-Mongolia Economic Dinner" held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, Kim Min Jong was seen accompanying Lee Soo Man, drawing attention.