On May 23, Coupang Play confirmed that Krystal will appear as the host of SNL Korea Season 8 episode 9. The bigger surprise is that her older sister Jessica will also make a special appearance. The Jung sisters are expected to show off their chemistry as siblings with completely opposite personalities, creating a rare “Jessica and Krystal two-shot” on a Korean entertainment program.
The appearance is drawing major attention because this marks Jessica’s first public Korean variety show appearance in 12 years since leaving Girls’ Generation. Jessica departed from Girls’ Generation in September 2014. At the time, she claimed that she had been informed by the company and the other 8 members that she was no longer part of the group.
SM Entertainment later announced her departure, explaining that conflicts had grown over priorities and interests after Jessica began her fashion business. At the time, Jessica was also caught up in marriage rumors with Korean-American businessman Tyler Kwon, who was known as the actual operator of her fashion brand Blanc & Eclare. Jessica personally denied the rumor, saying she had no plans to get married.
Even after leaving the group, attention around Jessica and Girls’ Generation continued. In August 2022, Jessica published the English-language novel Bright, which followed a 9-member girl group member named Rachel who gets removed after conflict with some members during her fashion business. This led to speculation that the story was aimed at Girls’ Generation.
Afterward, Jessica appeared on Mango TV’s Chinese survival show Sisters Who Make Waves Season 3. The show featured female celebrities over 30 competing to re-debut as a 5-member girl group. Jessica placed 2nd and joined the final debut lineup. Her appearance also became a hot topic in both Korea and China because Gillian Chung, known as Tyler Kwon’s ex-girlfriend, also joined the lineup in 5th place.
Since Sisters Who Make Waves 3, Jessica has continued activities mainly in Greater China. She appeared on Mango TV’s variety show Seaside Band and also served as a mentor on a BJ training program. Because of this, some speculated that Jessica had stepped away from Korean entertainment and settled into the Chinese market instead.
Now, her surprise return through SNL Korea Season 8 is raising huge curiosity. With Krystal by her side and 12 years of silence behind her, viewers are watching closely to see whether Jessica will simply show a fun sibling side — or finally bring up the Girls’ Generation story everyone still remembers.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠경향
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