If anyone were to ask which girl in So Nyeo Shi Dae (SNSD), better known as Girls’ Generation, is the most prominent, they will be surprised that most will mention someone who is no longer a part of the K-pop mega group. Jessica Jung, simply known just by her first name in Girls’ Generation, has stood out be becoming the first member wanting to branch off, a sign of the K-pop group coming full circle since she is technically their first member too. Anyway, the endeavor Jessica sought to pursue was fashion. In 2014, her dreams came true when she launched her clothing line, Blanc & Eclare. However, by beginning a new adventure through fashion, her adventure in K-pop came to an end as she was forcibly parted from Girls’ Generation . Eventually in 2015, Jessica would also be parted from SM Entertainment .
When it comes to that tragic time in her life, today is a bittersweet day for Jessica Jung because it is her 1st anniversary since leaving Girls’ Generation. It seems slivers of a grudge from that time still pierce her heart because she purposely ignored them on this day through her fashion line, Blanc & Eclare.
The question many may be asking is how Jessica Jung accomplished the aforementioned. On the official Facebook page of Blanc & Eclare, there was a post that went up on September 30, 2015 giving buyers 15 percent off for the entire day. As for the reason why a discount was offered on the 1st anniversary since Jessica and Girls’ Generation parted ways, it is shown in the picture also attached with the post.
That’s right! The reason why online shoppers are getting 15 percent off of their purchases today with the code “JUSTBC” is “just because.” It has nothing to do with the fact that one year from this date, Jessica Jung forcibly parted from Girls’ Generation. Though it is quite possible Jessica did give a 15 percent discount “just because,” the fact it is on this particular day is more than peculiar and can’t just be coincidence. If anyone were to go back in time when Jessica announced on her Weibo that she was no longer a part of Girls’ Generation, she comes off quite devastated.
“I was excited about our upcoming fan events only to shockingly be informed by my company and 8 others that as of today, I’m no longer a member. I’m devastated – my priority and love is to serve as a member of GG, but for no justifiable reason, I am being forced out.”
Jessica Jung being taken out of Girls’ Generation was a big deal at the time because the K-pop group as a whole reportedly renewed their contract with SM Entertainment for another three years. The only difference is Jessica would not be a part of it. Ergo, Jessica followed up from her initial post, expressing the hurt she felt.
“You guys are very special people that I love dearly, therefore you deserve to hear the truth from me. I’m deeply saddened and hurt by those who I trusted and hope that you don’t ever have to experience this kind of pain.”
SM Entertainment did not like being branded the monster that hurt Jessica Jung. Therefore, they too released a statement on the matter saying that Jessica wanted to pursue Blanc & Eclare before her responsibilities to Girls’ Generation at the time. Take note SM Entertainment and Girls’ Generation did not prevent Jessica from pursuing a solo career in fashion as they were planning to phase her out from Girls’ Generation by the end of the year. Unfortunately, insufficient clear negotiations supposedly forced SM Entertainment to move up phasing Jessica out earlier than planned.
The war of words continued, which eventually lead to Jessica Jung and SM Entertainment parting ways. But in the end, both Jessica and Girls’ Generation are doing just fine , as detailed by Koreaboo . Girls’ Generation had a very successful year as an eight-member group, starting with promotions of their song “Catch Me If You Can,” which is the last song Jessica performed on. They followed up with a full-album release, Lion Heart , in which its songs have already won 21 music trophies on Korean music competition shows.
As for Jessica Jung, she has earned tantamount success in the fashion industry with her fashion line and company Blanc & Eclare. She also grown significantly with specialty shops and exclusive retail locations all across Asia. This includes mainland China, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The only difference between her and Girl’s Generation’s success is it seems the latter is moving forward while Jessica’s success is based on proving she can succeed without having the name of her previous endeavors tacked onto her, which as mentioned earlier, may result in grudge.
[Featured Image via Blanc & Eclare, 1st Post Image via Blanc & Eclare’s Official Facebook Page, 2nd Post Image via Screen Capture of Girls’ Generation’s “Catch Me If You Can”]