Sandara Park (Image: Instagram/@daraxxi)
After 17 years, K-pop star Sandara Park is finally leaving YG Entertainment, the entertainment agency behind her former girl group, 2NE1.
Park, famously known by her stage name Dara, did not renew her contract with YG Entertainment, which expires today, May 14, as per Korean entertainment outlet Soompi.
“We express sincere gratitude to Sandara Park, who has been together with YG with special trust and affection,” YG Entertainment was quoted as saying in its announcement.
“YG will always cheer on the challenges that Sandara Park takes on, and we will continuously help her until she completes preparation for her new start,” the agency added.
YG Entertainment also praised Dara for her “impressive performance not only in music but also in various areas such as acting, fashion, beauty, and as an MC.”
“We ask for much interest and support from fans so her positive energy can shine even further. We once again sincerely thank the fans who have loved Sandara Park as an artist of YG until now,” the agency said.
Before returning to South Korea in 2007, Dara launched a showbiz career in the Philippines where she was dubbed the “Pambansang Krung-Krung.”
Dara has since gone trending on local Twitter as her Filipino fans wish her good luck in her new journey as an artist outside of YG.
“Dara is one of the artist that always keep the YG artists strong, thank you so much,” Twitter user @bobohuri, for one, posted earlier today.
Dara is one of the artist that always keep the YG artists strong, thank you so much 😭😭❤ pic.twitter.com/orC6BqsIp4
— ³⁵ (@bobohuri) May 14, 2021
“DARA’S LOYALTY IS NO JOKE. Mad respect for this queen for staying 17 years and for being the glue to YG FAMILY. This woman deserves the world! Always remember that we will always be here for you, @krungy21!” Twitter user @chinaamrqt, meanwhile, said.
DARA'S LOYALTY IS NO JOKE. Mad respect for this queen for staying 17 years and for being the glue to YG FAMILY. This woman deserves the world! Always remember that we will always be here for you, @krungy21! pic.twitter.com/lo1AnC7yhZ
— c. (@chinaamrqt) May 14, 2021
The fan then made an appreciation post by sharing photos of Dara with fellow YG artists, namely Big Bang, Winner, iKon and Blackpink.
“When I say Sandara Park is the GLUE OF YG FAMILY, I DID NOT LIE,” the Twitter user said.
SANDARA PARK APPRECIATION POST:
DARA WITH BIGBANG
DARA WITH WINNER
DARA WITH iKON
DARA WITH BLACKPINKWhen I say Sandara Park is the GLUE OF YG FAMILY, I DID NOT LIE. pic.twitter.com/JvjkzGscus
— c. (@chinaamrqt) May 14, 2021
Dara has been part of YG since 2004, the same year she joined the first season of the ABS-CBN’s reality talent competition “Star Circle Quest.” She then began her K-pop career by debuting with Minzy, Park Bom and CL on 2NE1 in 2009. The group disbanded in 2016. Ian Biong /ra
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