Sandara Park on leaving YG Entertainment: ‘I look ahead to the next act in my life’

Following reports of Sandara Park’s exit from her long-time management company YG Entertainment on May 14, the former 2NE1 member took to her social media to confirm the news, saying that she is leaving her agency “with very heavy heart.” 

In a post on Monday, May 17, Sandara recalled that YG has been “my family, my caregiver, my home, my rock, and my everything” since she came back to South Korea in 2004, without her family or friends. 

“I fell in love with the hip seniors here and grew along with the company for 17 years with the belief that I could become not only a colleague but also a real family member of the YG ‘family,’” she said. 

She then reminisced about how those years as a 2NE1 member was “like a dream, filled with immeasurable memories and stage performances with my crew that blew away.” However, she admitted that she was devastated when the group disbanded in November 2016. 

“When 2NE1 broke up, it felt like everything was falling apart,” Sandara revealed. 

She then opened up about how she focused on other aspects of being an entertainer. Since the group’s disbandment, Sandara has been active as a model, variety show host, theater, and TV actress.

“I challenged myself in various genres with the mindset that I 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,” she continued. 

Sandara also thanked her fans for their continuous support. “Showing that part of me is a way of repaying the love and support of my Blackjacks (fans of 2NE1) who have shown me undying love and also the one unfaltering dream I’ve had since I was in second grade,” she wrote. 

She didn’t disclose her future plans but said that it is her “biggest challenge yet.” “It is with excitement that I look ahead to the next act in my life,” Sandara said. 

“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,” she continued. 

She concluded her post with a message to her 2NE1 members, whom she reunited with in January 2021 for Minzy’s birthday. “I hope to keep seeing you pursue diverse activities and pray that we will be together as one in person or together in spirit someday,” Sandara said. 

Sandara first rose to fame in the Philippines, as a contestant on the TV talent search Star Circle Quest in 2004. She then returned to South Korea where she became part of pioneering K-pop girl group 2NE1, which debuted in 2009. – Rappler.com