Jessica, the embattled former member of K-pop idol group Girls’ Generation, renewed her claims that her label SM Entertainment unilaterally dismissed her in a press release on Wednesday.

“On Sept. 29, I was notified that I should leave the team. I am too perplexed and devastated,” she said through a press release made by the public relations agency for her newly-launched fashion brand.

“I have put my career as a member of Girls‘ Generation first before my personal life or business. But I was informed of such news despite my efforts and dedication to the group,” she said.

On Tuesday morning, Jessica accused her label SM Entertainment of dismissing her from the group without discussing the issue with her on Weibo.

Later that day, SM confirmed that Jessica will no longer be a part of the group due to conflicting interests and priorities.

The agency said it could no longer maintain the full team as Jessica had started her business without figuring out exactly how to cope with the clash of priorities between the idol group and her personal business.

But the 25-year-old idol made it clear in the press release that she was kicked out without a “justifiable reason” only because she was doing her business and had her heart broken by her fellow members who have been together with her for more than 15 years. 

Jessica claimed that SM and the remaining members had given her permission to embark on her business and pursue activities as a part of Girls’ Generation at the same time.

But a month after she launched the brand “BLANC,” the eight members abruptly changed their initial stance. They demanded she choose between quitting the business or leaving the team, according to her explanation.

Although Jessica claimed to be shocked by the decision, SM stated that Jessica had informed her label and team earlier this year that she would halt her activities as a member of the group for personal reasons.

The news sent shockwaves through the K-pop scene because it had been previously reported that all nine members of the group had renewed their contracts with SM to continue on as Girls’ Generation, after their seven-year contract expired in August.

The eight members -- Taeyeon, Tiffany, Seohyun, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung and Yoona -- are now in China attending a fan meeting.

Some of them shed tears onstage when performing the song “Complete” without Jessica, local news outlets reported.

Although Jessica will no longer participate as a member of Girls’ Generation, she will continue to pursue solo activities under the management of SM.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)