Twice's Chaeyoung to Leave JYP Entertainment, Second Member to Depart

Chaeyoung has announced she is leaving JYP Entertainment after 14 years, becoming the second member of Twice to depart the agency while affirming her continued participation in the group's activities.

Chaeyoung, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group Twice, has announced she is leaving JYP Entertainment after 14 years with the agency. The 27-year-old artist becomes the second member of the group to depart, following Jeongyeon's recent exit.

"I'm so excited to step into a new chapter and bring my new LIL FANTASY, a world where I can explore and build my music," Chaeyoung wrote in an Instagram post to fans.

"Please know that nothing changes with TWICE. Everything I've received is thanks to my time as TWICE, which will always be my roots."

Chaeyoung, who commands 10.2 million Instagram followers, expressed deep gratitude to her agency and bandmates. She thanked "everyone at JYP and Team TWICE for believing in and supporting me over the past 14 years," as well as her members whom she described as her "strength and biggest supporters."

A New Chapter

The departure marks a significant shift for Chaeyoung, who debuted with Twice in 2015 and launched her solo career in 2025 with the album LIL FANTASY vol.1. She has stated she will continue her music activities through her "LIL FANTASY" project, a world where she can explore and build her music independently.

"I hope both Chaeyoung of TWICE and Chaeyoung in LIL FANTASY can continue to create music that brings meaning to you as well," she said.

Chaeyoung is the second member of Twice to leave JYP Entertainment, following Jeongyeon, who signed with acting agency Varo Entertainment. Her departure follows earlier reports that several members were exploring individual agency options while maintaining group activities under a "separate but together" model.

The remaining members of Twice Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, and Tzuyu are expected to continue group activities. JYP Entertainment has confirmed that Twice will continue as a group.

Here is the question this departure raises. Chaeyoung has become the second member of Twice to leave JYP Entertainment while remaining in the group. When K-pop members pursue individual careers outside their agency, how does it reshape the dynamics of the group and the industry's traditional contract model?

As Chaeyoung embarks on her new chapter, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When a member of a global K-pop group steps out on their own while staying with the group, what does it say about the evolution of the industry and the future of group activities?

FAQ:

Q: Who is Chaeyoung?
A: Chaeyoung (Son Chae-young) is a member of the K-pop group Twice, known for her powerful vocals and artistic expression. She debuted with the group in 2015 and launched her solo career in 2025 with the album LIL FANTASY vol.1.

Q: Why did Chaeyoung leave JYP Entertainment?
A: Chaeyoung announced she is leaving to explore new creative opportunities through her "LIL FANTASY" project, stepping into a new chapter while remaining a member of Twice.

Q: Will Chaeyoung still be part of Twice?
A: Yes, Chaeyoung has confirmed she will remain a member of Twice and continue group activities despite leaving JYP Entertainment.

Q: Is Chaeyoung the first Twice member to leave JYP?
A: No, Chaeyoung is the second member to leave, following Jeongyeon's recent departure.

Q: What is "LIL FANTASY"?
A: "LIL FANTASY" is the name of Chaeyoung's solo project and the title of her first solo album. She has described it as "a world where I can explore and build my music.”