Jeongyeon, a member of the internationally successful K-pop group TWICE, has officially left JYP Entertainment and signed with VARO Entertainment, she announced in a handwritten letter shared on social media on Aug. 10.
New agency, same commitment to the group
In the note, Jeongyeon said she was preparing for “a new beginning elsewhere” after leaving the agency that had managed her career since her teen years. She made clear that despite the change in representation, her dedication to TWICE and the group’s future remains unwavering.
“JYP, which has been with me since I was in my teens, will now become a place I leave as I prepare for a new beginning elsewhere,”
She thanked fellow members and ONCE, TWICE’s fandom, for the courage and support that helped her make the decision. The announcement also confirmed that she will join VARO, the agency that represents her older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon, and actor Byeon Woo-seok.
What this means for TWICE and fans
Jeongyeon’s move makes her the first TWICE member to publicly confirm leaving JYP while explicitly committing to continue activities with the group. Since debuting in 2015, TWICE—originally a nine-member ensemble—has become one of the defining acts of K-pop’s third generation, notable for chart-topping singles, robust album sales and extensive international touring.
The nine-member group renewed contracts with JYP Entertainment in 2022, a milestone that had already prompted speculation about long-term plans for individual members and the collective. Jeongyeon’s transfer to VARO shifts the management of her solo career to a different team while leaving the door open for coordinated group activities.
Practical implications and further context
Under VARO, Jeongyeon is expected to explore new opportunities in acting, endorsements or solo musical work, though the announcement focused primarily on her promise to prioritise TWICE. VARO’s existing roster includes known entertainment figures, making the label a potentially strategic home for an artist seeking both individual projects and continued group work.
For fans and industry observers, the arrangement raises questions about how differing agency affiliations will be managed when coordinating group promotions, album releases or tours. Historically, K-pop acts with members under multiple labels have navigated such arrangements through negotiated schedules and collaborative agreements among agencies.
- 2015: TWICE debut.
- 2022: Members renew contracts with JYP Entertainment.
- Aug. 10, 2026: Jeongyeon announces departure from JYP and signs with VARO.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | TWICE debuts |
| 2022 | Contracts renewed with JYP |
| 2026 | Jeongyeon leaves JYP, joins VARO |
As with many high-profile agency moves in K-pop, the full impact of Jeongyeon’s transfer will unfold gradually. Fans will be watching for announcements on solo projects, future group promotions and how VARO and JYP coordinate to support TWICE activities.
Jeongyeon’s handwritten message framed the decision as both difficult and hopeful, emphasising gratitude for the people who supported her during the transition. For ONCE and the broader K-pop audience, it is a reminder that personal career shifts and collective commitments often occur in tandem for long-running groups.
Moving forward, industry watchers will look for statements from VARO and JYP detailing logistical arrangements and any forthcoming plans for Jeongyeon’s work both as an individual and as a member of TWICE.
