TWICE Members Jeongyeon, Chaeyoung Depart JYP Entertainment; Jihyo, Tzuyu, Dahyun's Futures Uncertain

The contract status of popular South Korean girl group TWICE has recently become a focal point of public attention. Following confirmed departures from JYP Entertainment by YOO Jeong-yeon (유정연) and SON Chae-young (손채영), two of the group's nine members have now chosen to pursue new paths. This has led to intense speculation about the remaining seven members' futures. While some members are considered highly likely to renew their contracts, others, including PARK Ji-hyo (박지효) and CHOU Tzuyu (周子瑜), are rumored to be considering not re-signing with JYP. Some fans even anticipate more members may announce their departure.

Yoo Jeong-yeon was the first member to confirm her departure from JYP. On August 10, she announced her signing with VARO Entertainment, stating her future focus would be on acting. VARO Entertainment is also home to Yoo Jeong-yeon's older sister, actress GONG Seung-yeon (공승연). The agency stated it would fully support Yoo Jeong-yeon's acting career while ensuring her "smooth continuation of group activities."

That same day, Yoo Jeong-yeon posted a handwritten letter on Instagram, confirming her official farewell to JYP, her agency of many years. She described JYP as "a place like a second home since my teenage years," and addressed fans, ONCE, saying that while she is embarking on a new chapter and challenging herself in different fields, "TWICE will remain the center of my life, and this will not change."

Just days after Yoo Jeong-yeon's announcement, Son Chae-young became the second member to confirm her departure from JYP, officially ending a 14-year partnership. She informed fans that she would continue activities as "TWICE's Chaeyoung" while launching her solo career through her newly established company, LIL FANTASY. Son Chae-young also emphasized: "Please know that nothing about TWICE has changed. Everything I have now is because of what I gained during my time with TWICE, and TWICE will always be my roots."

With two members successively announcing their departures, public attention has now shifted to whether the remaining members will renew their contracts or seek new agencies.

Among them, LIM Na-yeon (임나연) is widely considered by fans to be "highly likely to remain with JYP." She was recently spotted in the UK, and coincidentally, a JYP Entertainment executive responsible for A&R (Artist & Repertoire) was also seen there. Fans speculate that the two might be preparing new collaborations or an album, and that JYP might continue to manage Lim Na-yeon's future solo music activities.

Japanese members MINATOZAKI Sana (湊﨑紗夏), HIRAI Momo (平井もも), and MYOUI Mina (名井南) are also believed by many fans to have a high probability of contract renewal. Observers note that JYP continues to promote the three members, and with their activities as the sub-unit MISAMO, many ONCEs speculate that all three will renew their contracts together.

However, Minatozaki Sana previously sent a series of emotional messages to fans via Bubble after TWICE's world tour concluded, which briefly sparked concerns among fans about the members' contract situations. She wrote at the time that she was grateful to be a part of TWICE and thanked fans for reminding her of the importance of "ONCE and TWICE" when she forgot those precious moments.

On the other hand, the futures of Park Ji-hyo and Chou Tzuyu are considered to have greater uncertainty. As early as July this year, Korean media reported that Yoo Jeong-yeon, Park Ji-hyo, Son Chae-young, and Chou Tzuyu were listed as members who might leave JYP.

Specifically, JoyNews24 previously reported that Park Ji-hyo might establish her own one-person agency, a piece of news that garnered significant attention. Weeks later, Park Ji-hyo also mentioned upcoming news to fans via message, which was again interpreted as potentially related to her contract status, further fueling speculation that "Jihyo might leave JYP."

Regarding Chou Tzuyu, Korean media outlet News1 reported in July that she had decided not to renew her contract with JYP. However, this information remains at the stage of media reports and online discussion, with no official confirmation from the agency.

After reviewing past reports, some fans have even exclaimed that the four previous reports suggesting "Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu will leave JYP" now appear "possibly all true," keeping the TWICE contract controversy ongoing.

The future of another member, KIM Da-hyun (김다현), is considered the most difficult to predict. With her increasing focus on acting in recent years, many fans believe Kim Da-hyun might follow Yoo Jeong-yeon's path and move to an agency better suited for developing acting careers. However, another group of fans believes she might stay with JYP, citing the agency's recent addition of "actor management" related job openings. Some speculate the company might be preparing for Kim Da-hyun's future acting activities.

Some fans even jokingly say that Kim Da-hyun's situation is one where "about 50% of people think she will stay, and the other 50% think she will leave," making her one of the most unpredictable members at the moment.

TWICE's contract movements are not only affecting fans but also drawing market attention. JYP Entertainment's stock price recently fell by over 8%. PARK Jun-hyung (박준형), an analyst at SK Securities, noted via Yonhap News that TWICE's contract renewal status will be one of the risk factors the company faces in the future.

Yoo Jeong-yeon and Son Chae-young have confirmed their departure from JYP, but both have emphasized that this will not sever their ties with TWICE. The final decisions of the other members are still awaiting official announcements from JYP and the members themselves.