Jeongyeon, one of the vocal pillars of K-pop girl group Twice, has confirmed she will leave JYP Entertainment after 11 years but will remain active with the group. The announcement, made on 10 August in a handwritten note uploaded to her Instagram account, said she will begin a new chapter at Varo Entertainment — the agency that represents her sister Gong Seung‑yeon and actor Byeon Woo‑seok — while keeping Twice at the centre of her career.
What she said
“I am leaving JYP, which I have spent much of my life in since my teenage years. I am deeply grateful to my fellow members and Once in ways I can’t fully express, as well as to everyone at JYP who helped me grow,”
The 29‑year‑old emphasised that joining a new agency will not change her commitment to Twice. According to reporting by The Korea Herald/Asia News Network, she wrote that being a member of Twice will "always come first" and that the support of her bandmates and fans — known globally as Once — gave her the confidence to take the step.
Context and implications
Jeongyeon's move follows a pattern increasingly common in K‑pop: artists leaving founding agencies when initial contracts expire, yet continuing group activities either through negotiated agreements or informal arrangements. By signing with Varo Entertainment, she joins a smaller agency that already handles family members and rising screen talents, signalling a possible shift in how she wishes to manage solo work, acting opportunities or personal projects alongside group commitments.
- Duration at JYP: 11 years
- Age: 29
- New agency: Varo Entertainment
- Group status: Remains a member of Twice
For Twice and their management, the arrangement will require coordination between the agencies involved whenever group activities are scheduled. Fans will be watching closely for any statements from JYP or Varo detailing how promotions, schedules and rights will be managed, and whether any formal memorandum will be announced to clarify obligations for group comebacks and tours.
Fan reaction and future outlook
Jeongyeon's message framed the decision as both a farewell to an era and an affirmation of continuity. The tone of her note — personal and thankful — underlines how departures can be negotiated publicly while minimising disruption to group identity. For Once, the reassurance that Twice will remain central to Jeongyeon’s career is likely to be comforting, but fans may still seek details on logistics, such as who will handle international bookings, solo ventures and media appearances going forward.
Industry observers note that artists often move to agencies that offer tailored support for solo activities while preserving group ties. Varo’s roster, which already includes Jeongyeon’s sister Gong Seung‑yeon and actor Byeon Woo‑seok, suggests the new agency could leverage existing entertainment networks to broaden Jeongyeon’s portfolio beyond music, should she choose.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Years at JYP | 11 |
| Age | 29 |
| New agency | Varo Entertainment |
| Group status | Will continue with Twice |
As the story develops, key points to watch will include official statements from JYP and Varo detailing contractual arrangements, any planned solo projects under Varo, and how Twice’s management coordinates upcoming group activities. For South African Once and K‑pop followers, the news is a reminder of the global nature of artist careers today — and how loyalty to a group can outlast changes in agency affiliation.
Reported by The Korea Herald/Asia News Network; announcement posted on Jeongyeon’s Instagram.
