TWICE member Jeongyeon has officially parted ways with JYP Entertainment after 11 years with the agency.
The 29-year-old K-pop star personally announced her departure from one of K-pop’s leading labels through a handwritten letter on her Instagram account on Monday, August 10, 2026.
In her post, Jeongyeon reflected on her years with JYP, calling the company her “second home,” where she spent much of her youth.
"Hello, this is Jeongyeon. After much thought about how to express my feelings, I am sharing this letter with you all.
"JYP has been my second home since my teenage years; a place where I’ve spent so much time and created so many cherished memories.
"I am now preparing to start a new chapter in a new place," her post read, according to the English translation by Soompi.com.
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Jeongyeon also acknowledged that leaving a familiar environment was frightening, but said the support of her fellow TWICE members and the group’s fans, ONCE, gave her the courage to begin a new chapter.
She said, "I am deeply grateful to my members and ONCE; words cannot fully express my gratitude.
"I am also very grateful to the JYP family who helped me grow into the person I am today."
JEONGYEON CLARIFIES SHE IS NOT LEAVING TWICE
Despite leaving JYP, Jeongyeon made it clear that she has no intention of stepping away from TWICE.
She emphasized: "The one thing I truly want to tell ONCE is that even though I am moving on to a new chapter to take on new challenges, TWICE, the center of my life, will remain unchanged, just as it is now.
"Standing before ONCE as a member of TWICE will always be my very first priority.
"I will prepare step by step with all my heart—both for my journey as TWICE’s Jeongyeon, whom you have loved so much, and for the new challenges ahead as Yu Jeongyeon."
The singer also expressed her gratitude to her fellow TWICE members, ONCE, and the JYP family for helping her grow into the person she is today.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and always staying by my side.
"Since we still have so much time ahead of us to create new memories, I will work hard to fill those moments even more beautifully with ONCE."
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Jeongyeon’s departure follows months of speculation surrounding TWICE’s exclusive contracts.
In July, JYP Entertainment said the group’s members were in discussions regarding their contract renewals.
Read: Is TWICE’s Tzuyu leaving JYP Entertainment after 11 years?
Jeongyeon signs with VARO Entertainment
Meanwhile, following Jeongyeon’s announcement, Varo Entertainment confirmed that the K-pop star has signed an exclusive contract with the agency and will pursue an acting career under its management.
"We are truly delighted to begin this meaningful partnership with Yu Jeong-yeon, who possesses a wide range of charms and boundless potential," Varo Entertainment said in a press release.
"We were deeply moved by her sincerity and genuine commitment to acting.
"Building on the global presence Yu Jeong Yeon has established over the years as a singer, we will be a reliable partner who fully supports her in every way as she takes on new challenges as an actor while continuing her group activities," they continued.
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Varo Entertainment is home to Jeongyeon’s sister, actress Gong Seung Yeon, as well as actors Byeon Woo Seok, known for his roles in K-dramas such as Lovely Runner and Perfect Crown; Jin Goo (Descendants of the Sun); Lee Chae Min (Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Crash Course in Romance); and Lee Hong Nae (The Legend of the Kitchen Soldier and The Uncanny Counter), among others.
JEONGYEON'S CAREER
Jeongyeon, whose full name is Yoo Jeong Yeon, debuted as a member of the nine-member girl group TWICE in 2015 at the age of 18.
Since then, the group has become one of K-pop's biggest acts, releasing hits such as "What Is Love?," "Fancy," "Like OOH-AHH," "Likey," "CHEER UP," "I Can't Stop Me," "TT," "Feel Special," and "The Feels."
In 2022, all nine TWICE members renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment.
Read: TWICE renews contract with JYP Entertainment; announces August comeback