The rumours are true! Zhang Liyin took time on her birthday to host a live video streaming event with fans, during which she confirmed that her contract with SM Entertainment will end this April 2017.

It’s been a long ten years for Zhang Liyin and her fans. During the live chat, she thanked fans who have supported her throughout the years, particularly fans who have been by her side since she first debuted with “Timeless”. As a gift, perhaps, she sang a short clip of “Timeless” in Korean for fans chatting on the live stream.

Liyin explained that her first single post-SM Entertainment is currently being planned. She will return to Beijing with her golden retriever dog, Beyoncé – now weighing between 40kg to 45kg! – and she will stay in Beijing as she develops her career in China.

She seemed very relaxed throughout the video, and said she felt very fortunate that she was able to celebrate her birthday with family members. It was the first time in many years for her to be with family on her birthday. Liyin brought out a chocolate cake that a fan gave her for her birthday. She even ate it on camera!

With all the cover songs she has released in the past couple of months, Liyin spent a few minutes talking about the Goblin drama soundtrack. Her favourite song from the soundtrack is “Beautiful”, originally sung by Crush. Liyin explained that she has a small studio at home, where she spends time recording new songs.

Liyin’s mother showed up off-screen during the live stream as well, but did not make an actual appearance. Fans asked after Liyin’s grandmother as well, to which Liyin replied and said she is currently downstairs watching television.

At the end of the live stream, Liyin cheerfully sang “Happy Birthday” to all her fans, wishing them all a happy birthday – even if it wasn’t their birthday just yet! Her acapella version of “Happy Birthday” was very pretty!

After Chocolyn announced the good news on Twitter, a lot of fans retweeted our initial tweet with their own reactions to the news. We have embedded some fan reactions below. Check it out!

Oh friggin finally Sm was dumb with how they handled liyin. D U M B. Imo the best female vocalist in sm — kokonology 🍑🐰🌴 (@kuronology) February 28, 2017

happy for zhang liyin she deserves better than what she got hope she finds a better agency that appreciates her talent — Ztao ⓒⓟⓞⓟ (@QingdaoZtao) February 28, 2017

i will always be bitter over liyin's situation but i'm looking forward to what her future holds — 🥃 t-36 (@chenlaymins) February 28, 2017

so basically Zhang Liyin is just waiting for her contract w/SM to end? hope she blows up in China so SM can see what a talent they wasted 😑😤 — ✰ﾐ M.E.L.A.N.I.E. ✰ﾐ (@remonbrossom) March 1, 2017

zhang liyin is finally being released from the dungeon and i'm so happy for her, she can shine in china and have the success she deserves — ♥ (@minhuynist) March 1, 2017