TWICE’s Chaeyoung has announced the termination of her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment.

In a handwritten letter, Chaeyoung thanks JYP for the 14 years she spent at the company, as well as fans and the members of TWICE. The remainder of the letter hints at her next venture: “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 debuted with TWICE in 2015 with their first mini album The Story Begins. Since then, the 9-member powerhouse has released 11 studio albums and 14 mini albums, the most recent – October 2025 release TEN: The Story Goes On – referring back to their roots in celebration of their 10th anniversary.

In 2025, Chaeyoung also released her first, partially self-produced mini album as a soloist. LIL FANTASY vol.1 consists of nine songs, led by “SHOOT (Firecracker),” and was positioned as a project exploring her creativity using a dreamlike, fantastical narrative and R&B, bedroom-pop sounds.

The mention of LIL FANTASY in Chaeyoung’s departure statement suggests a further move in this direction, especially due to no announcements of separate label support. As an independent artist, she would gain greater creative control and be able to expand on her previous self-produced project.

This announcement comes three days after TWICE member Jeongyeon also announced her own departure from JYP Entertainment, in favour of a solo acting career under VARO Entertainment alongside her sister Gong Seungyeon. No news has been released regarding the plans of the other seven TWICE members, but first Jeongyeon and now Chaeyoung have confirmed that they have no intention to leave TWICE itself.

“Most of all, please know that nothing changes with TWICE,” Chaeyoung’s letter reads. “Everything I’ve received is thanks to my time as TWICE, which will always be my roots.” Fans should be reassured that Chaeyoung will remain with TWICE, while also gaining the freedom to explore her own artistry.