TWICE’s Chaeyoung Announces JYP Departure, Confirms Group Activities

On August 13, TWICE’s Chaeyoung shared a heartfelt message with fans, announcing her departure from JYP Entertainment after 14 years with the company to embark on a new chapter focused on solo music creation. This move, confirmed by both JYP and Chaeyoung's personal Instagram, marks a significant shift for the artist and follows a pattern of members pursuing individual ventures. Chaeyoung's decision comes just weeks after fellow TWICE member Jeongyeon also left JYP to join Varo Entertainment, the agency of her sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon, signaling a potential reshaping of the group’s dynamics. “I wanted to share this with ONCE first, my family who has always been by my side,” Chaeyoung stated in her Instagram post, expressing gratitude and emphasizing the continued importance of her fanbase.

According to Yonhap News, Chaeyoung expressed a desire to build her own music activities within her 'LIL FANTASY' world, highlighting a creative independence she hopes to foster. The establishment of her independent label “LIL FANTASY” represents a deliberate creative direction for Chaeyoung, providing her with a platform to explore sounds and concepts beyond the established TWICE framework. TWICE, one of K-pop's most successful girl groups, has consistently generated significant revenue and global recognition, making individual departures a carefully considered decision for all involved. The timing of Chaeyoung's announcement coincides with ongoing contract renewal negotiations between TWICE members and JYP Entertainment for both individual and group activities.

Meanwhile, reports had suggested that Chaeyoung and Zion.T, who acknowledged their relationship in April 2024, had recently ended their romance. However, both agencies issued a joint official statement directly refuting the claims, confirming that “the breakup rumors are completely groundless” and verifying that the two are “still continuing their beautiful relationship with positive feelings toward each other.” The agencies also warned that they will take strong legal action against groundless reports and malicious posts, while asking fans to support both Chaeyoung's independent label “LIL FANTASY” and Zion.T’s musical endeavors.

One notable element to Chaeyoung’s statement is her unwavering commitment to TWICE, reassuring fans that her departure from JYP is not indicative of a departure from the group itself. Soompi reported that Chaeyoung thanked her TWICE members, expressing love and acknowledging their continued support. This move mirrors Jeongyeon’s own assurances regarding her continued involvement with TWICE despite leaving JYP. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate a more diverse range of musical output from Chaeyoung as she develops her 'LIL FANTASY' brand while members navigate ongoing contract negotiations.