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She is aware of what’s higher for her

SportsJan 10, 2026
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On Friday, January 9, the South Korean media outlet News1 reported that the veteran K-pop idol Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon has renewed her contract with SM Entertainment. The idol was housed under the agency since her debut back in 2007. Following their 19-year partnership, the idol and solo artist had decided to extend her exclusive contract with the agency once again.

Following the same, the idol received much backlash from netizens for her choice of continuing her work under SM Entertainment amid the agency’s alleged lack of promotions and mismanagement. Many pointed out that the idol’s skills and expertise in the K-pop industry hold much potential if she were promoted more consistently by SM Entertainment.

However, her reach and commercial success as both a Girls’ Generation member and a solo artist had not met the expectations or standards set for the idol. Therefore, people have not only been demanding better treatment of Taeyeon by the agency, but have also been urging her to terminate her contract with SM Entertainment due to the alleged mistreatment. As these discussions continued to dominate the internet, several fans came to her defense.

Several netizens explained that an artist’s relationship with their agency is a lot more complex than what’s comprehended by the general public. They explained that there might be several pieces working behind-the-scenes that fans may not be aware of. Therefore, they explained that people’s suggestion of the idol departing the agency might not be the most beneficial option for the idol.

Additionally, some also stated that the industry as a whole has its ups and downs, and they highlighted that her current importance in SM Entertainment would not be in other agencies, thereby further endangering her career. Conclusively, people also pointed out that the idol, as an adult, would’ve evaluated her situation and chosen a decision that best fits her needs. Here are a few fan reactions regarding the same:

“I hate sm with a passion but I know if she renewed she did it for a reason. she knows what’s better for her and I think we should all respect her decision” said a fan

I hate sm with a passion but I know if she renewed she did it for a reason. she knows what’s better for her and I think we should all respect her decision

More fans and netizens also spoke against the backlash, underlining the multiple reasons that Taeyeon would’ve kept in mind before choosing to renew her contract with SM Entertainment.

People who already been working for years would understand this word better “Grass isn’t always greener on the other side”

Lets be real. No one left that company did better than before. Most of them even struggling so bad. Taeyeon couldnt take that risk and maybe she did right. After this our only duty is force that company be right to her. Hope she also put her new conditions on paper.

We need to change the discourse on what renewal with SM means… we can hate SM all we want (with great reason honestly) but at the end of the day, they can likely offer so much more than many other smaller companies with media presence and opportunities I fear

Also, why are people so obsessed with wanting Taeyeon to leave SM? Do they even know what goes on behind it? Sometimes the grass really does look greener on the other side, but once you step there, it’s not always as pretty as it seems.

Others also shared their thoughts and opinions regarding the same.

I hope people don’t come for my girl for renewing with sm. She knows what’s best for her. Just respect her decision and hope that company steps up their efforts for her after this contract renewal.

Lbr, there’s actually not many option of companies that can contain Taeyeon’s scale. This is Taeyeon we’re talking about. SM sucks, but until there’s another big company or she makes one herself (hard to do), it’s inevitably gonna be SM again.

People just really scratch the surface without thinking about what this means to her. It could be resources and facilities that others don’t have, she negotiated better, etc. And of course, she is still rightful to call out her company if the company still wants her to stay.

She knows way more than the people complaining and has every right to call out the company. Not to mention, SM would need to offer a good deal to keep Taeyeon

SM Entertainment announced renewal with Girls’ Generation Taeyeon, continuing their 19-year partnership

Taeyeon initially debuted under SM Entertainment in 2007 as a Girls’ Generation member. Alongside her success as a K-pop girl group idol, she also kick-started her solo career in 2015, garnering immense popularity both ways. As she continued to swoon fans and netizens with her evergreen vocals, many have been eagerly awaiting the grand question: Will Taeyeon continue working with SM Entertainment?

The heated anticipation among netizens was soon resovled and SM Entertainment reported the following comment through the South Korean media outlet, News1. Here’s what the agency stated:

“We are happy to be working with our precious artist Taeyeon once again, building on the trust and bond established over many years. We will continue to provide support to Taeyeon so she can shine even brighter as a global artist.”

Therefore, fans and netizens are looking forward to more exciting promotions and releases from the idol in the coming days.