Sandara Park, aka Dara, former member of the K-pop group 2NE1, wrote a letter to explain why she left YG Entertainment after 17 years and about 2NE1’s 12th anniversary.
YG Entertainment announced last May 14 that its exclusive contract with Dara had ended. Dara started in the agency in 2004 and debuted in 2NE1 in May 2009.
Here is Dara’s letter she posted on Twitter on May 17:
“It is with a very heavy heart that I leave YG which has been my family, my caregiver, my home, my rock. and my everything since came to Korea with no family or friends in 2004 to take on new challenges.
“I fell in love with the hip seniors here and grew along with the company for 17 years with the belief that | could become not only a colleague but also a real family member of the YG ‘family.’
“Those years have been like a dream, filled with immeasurable memories and stage performances with my crew that blew people away.
“When 2NE1 broke up, it felt like everything was falling apart. Then for the next 5 years, I challenged myself in various genres with the mindset that l was starting all over again! Looking back, those 5 years became a great asset to me and gifted me with the positive image I have now.
“My heart's greatest desire has always been being on stage. Showing that part of me is my way of repaying the love and support of my Blackjacks who have shown me undying love and also the one unfaltering dream I've had since I was in second grade.
“It is with excitement that I look ahead to the next act in my life which could be my biggest challenge yet as I leave my nest. My priorities are people, affection, and time spent together.
“Goodbyes are always the hardest to do but I take a deep breath and take a big step closer to my dream and the people who have stood by me waiting for me to take that step.
“Lastly, send my love to my 2NE1 members who I miss madly and love dearly. | hope to keep seeing you pursue diverse activities and pray that we will be together as one in person or together in spirit someday.
“Happy 12th anniversary, 2NE1!!!”