TWICE's Chaeyoung Departs JYP Entertainment After 14 Years, Vows Group Activities Will Continue

Son Chae-young (손채영), a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE, has announced her departure from JYP Entertainment after a 14-year partnership. She is the second TWICE member to part ways with the agency, following Yoo Jeong-yeon (유정연). Chae-young stressed that despite no longer being a JYP artist, TWICE's group activities will proceed as planned, while she also dedicates herself to her personal music project, "LIL FANTASY."

Chae-young shared the news with fans, known as ONCE, through a handwritten letter posted on official social media on the afternoon of the 13th. She wrote, "I wanted to be the first to personally share my news with ONCE, who have always been by my side like family." She further revealed her plans to continue creating music within her own "LIL FANTASY" world and expressed gratitude to JYP Entertainment and the TWICE team for their companionship and support over the past 14 years.

Chae-young stated, "Thank you to JYP Entertainment and the TWICE team for always supporting and believing in playful me over these 14 years." She also expressed her affection for her fellow members, saying, "I am also very grateful to my members who have always been by my side, giving me unwavering support and becoming my strength. I love you all."

Addressing the most pressing question from the public—whether leaving JYP means departing TWICE—Chae-young provided a clear answer in her letter. She affirmed, "The reason I have received so much love is because of my time as a TWICE member, and TWICE is my root."

Chae-young further wrote, "I hope that in the future, whether as TWICE's Chae-young or 'LIL FANTASY's Chae-young, I can be someone who brings precious music and accompanies everyone's lives."

Therefore, this departure from JYP does not signify Chae-young's withdrawal from TWICE. She will continue to participate in group activities while developing her solo music career.

Chae-young had, in fact, launched her first solo album, LIL FANTASY vol.1, in September of last year, at which time she announced her intention to gradually expand her own "LIL FANTASY" world. With her official departure from JYP, anticipation for her upcoming solo activities is high.

With Chae-young's announcement, TWICE now has its second member to leave JYP. Prior to Chae-young, Yoo Jeong-yeon (유정연) had announced on August 10th that she signed an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment, signaling new activities for her future.

VARO Entertainment's roster includes Jeong-yeon's older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon (공승연), as well as Jin Goo (진구), Byun Yo-han (변요한), Park Jung-min (박정민), Lee Yoo-mi (이유미), Lee Hong-nae (이홍내), Lee Soo-kyung (이수경), Lee Chae-min (이채민), and Kim Si-a (김시아), among others.