What started as a single rumor about Tzuyu in mid-July has turned into arguably the biggest structural shift in TWICE’s 11-year history. Here’s the full timeline of how nearly half the group ended up parting ways with JYP Entertainment, and why the group itself isn’t going anywhere.
How It Started: Tzuyu First
The first crack appeared July 13th, when News1 reported that Tzuyu had decided not to renew her JYP contract after more than a decade with the agency. JYP’s official response was carefully neutral, confirming only that contract renewal discussions were ongoing.
It Spreads: Jihyo, Jeongyeon, And Chaeyoung Join The List
A day later, JoyNews24 reported that Jihyo, TWICE’s leader, was preparing to leave JYP after 21 years, reportedly planning to launch her own one-person agency for solo work. Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung followed in the same wave of reports, with Jeongyeon specifically confirmed to have met with Baro Entertainment ahead of her renewal window.
[MY TAKE]
Honestly, I was equally surprised by Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung’s departures. After being under JYP for over a decade, I didn’t expect any of them to leave.
Confirmation Starts Rolling In
By August, speculation turned into confirmation for two of the four: Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung both publicly confirmed their JYP departures, each explicitly stating they’re staying with TWICE for group activities. Jihyo and Tzuyu remain in rumor territory, though many fans are treating the pattern as effectively confirmed at this point given how the first two played out.
The Model Holding It Together
Despite the individual exits, the group itself isn’t splitting. Industry reports describe a “separate but together” arrangement, where members handle solo careers through outside agencies while continuing group promotions under JYP, similar to setups already used by BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, and Super Junior.
[MY TAKE]
I definitely wouldn’t say this model keeps the group stable long-term. But as long as the remaining members stay under JYP and focused on the group, I don’t expect a real split from TWICE.
Where Things Stand
