Twice member Chaeyoung [Instagram]
Twice member Chaeyoung [Instagram]

Twice member Chaeyoung is leaving JYP Entertainment, becoming the second member of the group to depart after Jeongyeon.

Chaeyoung announced her departure Thursday in a handwritten letter and photos posted to her Instagram, signaling the end of her contract with JYP Entertainment.

"I plan to create music in my own 'Lil Fantasy' world," she said, indicating she intends to pursue solo work separate from Twice.

She expressed gratitude to the label and her bandmates. "I want to thank the people at JYP and the Twice team for supporting and believing in this tomboy for 14 years," she said. "I also want to tell our members, who have been my steady source of strength and encouragement, that I am grateful and that I love them."

Chaeyoung said her commitment to Twice remains unchanged. "I will continue my activities as Twice without fail," she said. "The reason I have been loved is because of the time I have spent as Twice, my roots."

"I hope that Chaeyoung as Twice and Chaeyoung as 'Lil Fantasy' can both become someone who gives precious music to your lives," she said, reaffirming her resolve to start a new chapter.

Born in 1999, Chaeyoung joined JYP as a trainee in 2012 and debuted with Twice in 2015, spending 14 years — half her life — with the agency. She won fans at home and abroad through a string of hits including "Like OOH-AHH," "Cheer Up" and "TT."

Jeongyeon announced the end of her contract with JYP on Monday, ahead of Chaeyoung's departure. She has signed an exclusive deal with Baro Entertainment, the agency of her older sister, actor Gong Seung-yeon, and will also pursue an acting career.


paq@heraldcorp.com