Sungmin, a member of K-pop boy band Super Junior, has left his agency, SM Entertainment, after 20 years.
Although he is a member of Super Junior, Sungmin has been inactive in the group. He has not participated in any group activities since 2017.
It started in 2014 when Korean fans got angry because of his relationship and marriage to Kim Sa-eun. He was accused of not being considerate of Super Junior activities and prioritizing his relationship with Kim Sa-eun. Sungmin and Kim Sa-eun had their first baby in September last year.


Sungmin (Instagram, X)
Sungmin became a solo singer in 2019 and debuted as a trot singer in 2023.
In an Instagram post on April 30, Sungmin wrote, “In December 2000, I entered the SM audition room with only courage and dreams.⠀I was a third-year middle school student at the time, and now I have finished my long journey with SM.”
“SM was my life teacher, family, and friend. The 20 years we spent together were truly a great gift to me.⠀I sincerely express my deep gratitude to everyone who has been with me,” he said.
Sungmin said he will continue his career under Total Set Entertainment.
“Now, with a new dream, I stand at the starting line once again.⠀With the Total Set Entertainment family who will join me on this new journey. I will faithfully walk the path given to me, without losing my original intention.⠀I will definitely repay your support with songs and performances filled with sincerity.⠀I will continue to move forward deeply and firmly, step by step,” he said.
SM Entertainment announced on April 30 that its exclusive contract with Sungmin has ended.
“Thank you to Sungmin who has been with us for over 20 years since he was a trainee and has been an artist. We will continue to support Sungmin’s music activities and new beginnings,” the agency said.