KO
EN
JA
TW
In Korea, there is significant buzz surrounding TWICE's second contract renewal period, as members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung have announced their departures from JYP Entertainment to pursue individual activities. This development is driven by a strategic shift towards expanding their personal careers while ensuring the group's continued operations, rather than a disbandment.
Jeongyeon officially moved to Baro Entertainment on August 10, 2026, the agency of her sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon, signaling a focus on acting. Chaeyoung announced her departure from JYP on August 13, 2026, to independently manage her solo music brand, "Lil Fantasy." Her 2025 solo album, "Lil Fantasy Vol.1," garnered international recognition, including a spot on Rolling Stone's 2025 Best Albums list. Both members explicitly stated they will continue their activities with TWICE, clarifying that these are not group withdrawals. Earlier in July 2026, rumors also surfaced regarding Tzuyu and Jihyo's contract discussions, following the group's full member renewal with JYP in 2022.
Local bloggers highlight that these moves are not indicative of TWICE's disbandment, but rather a new model where members expand their personal endeavors while maintaining group commitments. The direct communication from Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung to their fans via handwritten letters and social media, instead of company press releases, underscores the personal nature and long-term planning behind their decisions, emphasizing their autonomy in career choices.
