SNSD - Past, Present and Forever (Part 4)

 

Photo book cover

When I completed Part 3 in May 2014, I thought that was the end of it. What else can happen with the strong familial relationship between the members? But fate has it that happy endings only exist in dramas and movies. Then, in September 2014, a shocking announcement and the unthinkable had happened; less than 2 months after their 7th Anniversary SM Entertainment made an announcement that a member of Girls' Generation, Jessica Jung, is leaving the group. The news was like a K-pop tsunami and took SNSD fans worldwide by surprise. The reason, we were told, were none other than the usual and frequently used public relations jargon, "conflict of interest".

No one would have consider or expected this after having just released a 290 page photo book to commemorate their 7th Anniversary on August 25, 2014 and having their contracts renewed only a couple of month ago.

Poster

Poster 

Looking at these posters depicting the girls enjoying a happy working "vacation" in Las Vegas remind fans of the cohesive bond and familial relationships the members have developed over almost a decade while working tirelessly in pursuit of their passion and dreams together; qualities and values that we admire and strive for. 

Unconsciously, we had ingrained in our mind the young and innocent images of the members and them being together forever. But as they mature, we should anticipate and accept news or rumours about dating and relationships. And with success in their careers, changes in priorities and commitments are not unforeseeable. It's the natural order of progression of events we call "life" which applies to everyone; something that we may have forgotten or ignored while immersed in our infatuation and obsession with the group members individually or the group as a whole. However, an expulsion due to "conflict of interest" or whatever other real reasons unknown to all of us is rather disappointing and sad. And the tears some of the members shed during the fan meeting in Shenzhen on September 30, 2014, hours after Jessica's announced removal from Girls' Generation, is heartbreaking to watch and possibly hold the truth about the whole episode which may never be revealed.

So Nyeo Shi Dae or Girls' Generation is already an icon, especially in South East Asia, with or without Jessica, and her absence will only make the fans' heart grow fonder. With each passing day, hopes of reconciliation and reunion is diminishing. It will take time to adjust to a Girls' Generation with 8 members. Only a miracle can make Part 5, if any, a happy one.

~ 13 Dec 2014 ~