Jeongyeon Left TWICE's Record Label, But Will Remain in the Group

Jeongyeon is the first member of TWICE to officially leave the roster of artists represented by JYP Entertainment, the label that has been home to the group — and to the artists individually — since 2015.

The singer made her departure official through an Instagram post. Shortly afterward, VARO Entertainment (which already manages the career of Jeongyeon’s sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon, as well as stars like Byeon Woo-seok and Lee Chae-min) announced that the TWICE member had signed with the agency.

In the letter posted by the artist, she also assured fans that she will continue participating in the group’s activities — read the full text below:

"Hello, this is Jeongyeon.

After thinking deeply about how to express my feelings, I am sharing this letter with all of you.

JYP has been my second home since my teenage years; a place where I spent so much time and created so many precious memories.

Now, I am preparing to begin a new chapter in a new place.

Leaving a place so familiar to me was frightening at first, but I was able to find courage thanks to my members and our ONCE, who have always believed in me.

I am deeply grateful to my members and to ONCE; words cannot fully express my gratitude. I am also very thankful to the JYP family, who helped me grow and become the person I am today.

The one thing I truly want to say to ONCE is that, although I am moving into a new chapter to take on new challenges, TWICE, the center of my life, will remain unchanged, exactly as it is now. Standing before ONCE as a member of TWICE will always be my number one priority.

I will prepare myself step by step and with all my heart — both for my journey as Jeongyeon of TWICE, whom you have loved so much, and for the new challenges to come as Yoo Jeongyeon.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and for always being by my side. Since we still have so much time ahead of us to create new memories, I will work hard to make those moments even more beautiful together with ONCE.

Thank you, always."

TWICE, which has been active in the K-pop industry since 2015, is responsible for some of the genre’s biggest hits, such as "Feel Special" and "I Can't Stop Me".

In recent months, the group has been going through its contract renegotiation period with JYP Entertainment. In addition to Jeongyeon, members such as Tzuyu, Jihyo and Chaeyoung may also leave the agency soon.