[Exclusive] Is TWICE Chaeyoung leaving JYP? ... Met with another agency

It has been revealed that Chaeyoung, a member of the group Twice, has been in contact with another agency while discussing a contract renewal with JYP Entertainment (JYP).

According to multiple music industry insiders on the 14th, Chaeyoung met with another entertainment agency for her individual activities. It has not yet been disclosed whether an exclusive contract has been signed or what specific terms were discussed.

Chaeyoung has shown a distinct musical style and fashion sense within Twice. Since she has also expressed her tastes in writing lyrics, rapping, art, and fashion, some are speculating that she may be seeking greater autonomy for her solo activities through this contract.

Rather than completely leaving JYP, a plan to separate Twice activities from individual activity contracts is being discussed.

JYP is currently discussing contract renewals with the members of Twice. Reports have already said that member Tzuyu will not renew her contract, and Jeongyeon also met with another entertainment agency where her older sister, actor Gong Seung-yeon, is signed.

In the music industry, attention is focused on the possibility that Twice may separate its individual contracts from its group contract. Even if the members' individual agencies differ, Twice's full-group activities would still be handled by JYP.

Twice has proven its strong competitiveness in the live performance market by continuing a large-scale world tour. For JYP, continuing to handle Twice's proven-profitable albums and concerts while allowing the members to maintain the team and expand their options for individual activities could be a realistic compromise.

Blackpink is also maintaining its group activity contract with YG Entertainment while individual activities are being handled by each member's own company. This is why analysts say that even if other Twice members, including Chaeyoung, choose different companies, it would not directly lead to Twice's departure or disbandment.

Twice debuted in 2015 and all members renewed their contracts with JYP once in 2022. This is the second round of renewal negotiations.

JYP said, "Twice is in the contract renewal discussion period, and we will provide an update once the matter is finalized."

Reporter Lee Sun-myung [email protected]