Chaeyoung, 27, a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE, announced on August 13, 2026, that she is leaving JYP Entertainment after 14 years with the agency [1, 2, 3]. Despite ending her contract, she will remain active in TWICE's group activities [1, 2].

The singer revealed plans to pursue a solo music career using her own brand "LIL FANTASY," named after her September 2025 debut solo album of the same title [1, 4, 5]. She described it as "a world where I can explore and build my music," and expressed her excitement about stepping into this new chapter [1].

Chaeyoung posted a handwritten letter on Instagram thanking JYP Entertainment staff, TWICE members, and her fans for their support over the past 14 years. "I want to deeply thank everyone at JYP and Team Twice for believing in and supporting me over the past 14 years," she wrote. "To my Twice members, who are always my strength and biggest supporters, thank you, and I love you beyond words" [1, 6, 7].

She debuted with TWICE in 2015 after nearly three years of training at JYP since age 13 [4]. TWICE consists of nine members: Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Chaeyoung (from South Korea); Momo, Sana, Mina (from Japan); and Tzuyu (from Taiwan) [1, 4].

Chaeyoung's solo music explores R&B, neo soul, trip hop, dream pop and bedroom pop genres, with her actively involved in songwriting and production [4]. Previously, she was the first TWICE member credited with songwriting and had a role in the group's visual and fashion direction [4].

Health concerns in late 2025—vasovagal syncope and lower back pain—had affected her activities, though she continued working on her music and performances [4].

Her departure from JYP comes three days after fellow TWICE member Jeongyeon announced her exit on August 10, 2026. Jeongyeon signed with Varo Entertainment but will continue group activities with TWICE [1, 4, 8].

TWICE recently completed their sixth world tour "This Is For" with the final Seoul leg on July 12, 2026 [1]. The group will celebrate their 11th anniversary this October [1].

Chaeyoung’s next steps include focusing on her solo career under "LIL FANTASY" while remaining committed to TWICE's future projects [1].