TWICE's Jeongyeon Joins Sister's Agency, VARO Entertainment, After Leaving JYP

South Korean girl group TWICE, which debuted in 2015, is once again facing a contract adjustment period after all members renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment in 2022. Recently, several members were rumored to be seeking new agencies for individual activities, leading to concerns about the group's future. However, Yoo Jeong-yeon (유정연) has now announced her departure from JYP, her agency of 11 years, and signed with a new company, becoming the first TWICE member to leave JYP.

Rumors first surfaced in July that Yoo, Chou Tzuyu (저우쯔위), and Son Chae-young (손채영) were in talks with other management agencies. Some reports even suggested that multiple members, including Park Ji-hyo (박지효), were considering entrusting their solo activities to different companies, while TWICE's group activities would continue. JYP responded at the time, stating that contract negotiations were still ongoing and an official announcement would be made once confirmed.

Amid ongoing speculation about TWICE members' future, Yoo personally shared a handwritten letter on October 10, announcing her departure from JYP and the start of a new chapter in her life. On the same day, she officially signed an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment. VARO's roster includes actors Byun Woo-seok (변우석) and Lee Chae-min (이채민), and it is also the agency of Yoo's older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon (공승연).

In her handwritten letter, Yoo shared her feelings with fans, admitting that leaving the familiar environment of JYP and stepping into a new one made her scared. However, with the continuous support of her fellow members and ONCE (TWICE's fandom), she finally gathered the courage to embrace new challenges. She emphasized that even as she begins a new chapter, "TWICE will remain the center of my life," affirming her commitment to continue as a TWICE member and prioritize group activities.