CHAEYOUNG has officially parted ways with JYP Entertainment after 14 years. The TWICE member announced that she will begin a new chapter through her solo music project, LIL FANTASY, while confirming that her activities with TWICE will continue unchanged.
In a heartfelt message addressed to fans, the singer thanked JYP Entertainment, her bandmates, and ONCE for supporting her throughout her career, emphasizing that TWICE remains at the center of her journey.
“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. She also expressed gratitude to “everyone at JYP and Team TWICE” for believing in her over the past 14 years, adding a special message to her fellow members: “Thank you, and I love you beyond words.”
The rapper and songwriter made it clear that her departure from JYP will not affect the group’s future. “Please know that nothing changes with TWICE,” she said. “Everything I’ve received is thanks to my time as TWICE, which will always be my roots.”
CHAEYOUNG described LIL FANTASY as a creative space where she can further develop her individual artistry while continuing to honor the legacy she has built with the global girl group. “I hope both Chaeyoung of TWICE and Chaeyoung in LIL FANTASY can continue to create music that brings meaning to you as well,” she added, calling the move “a new challenge.”
CHAEYOUNG had already explored her own artistry. Less than a year ago, she released her debut solo album Lil Fantasy Vol. 1. The 9-track project saw her not only performing but also taking full creative control as lyricist, composer, and arranger.
Her announcement follows another major career move within TWICE. Earlier this month, Jeongyeon signed an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment to pursue acting while remaining an active member of the group. The agency confirmed it would support both her acting ambitions and ongoing TWICE promotions.
CHAEYOUNG’s departure also arrives amid broader contract discussions within the group. Last month, South Korean media reported that JIHYO and TZUYU were considering separate agencies for their individual activities after their JYP contracts expired, although both were expected to continue participating in all TWICE promotions. JYP later stated that discussions were still ongoing.
The timing also aligns with TWICE’s planned extended break following the conclusion of the This Is For World Tour, an 81-show global trek that included the group becoming the first foreign act to headline Japan’s National Stadium. During a recent interview with Forbes, JIHYO revealed that the members would spend the remainder of 2026 focusing on rest and personal projects before returning to group activities.
Photo: JYP Entertainment
Leave a Reply