Chaeyoung's Solo Journey
TWICE's Chaeyoung Launches Solo LIL FANTASY Project, Departs JYP While Continuing Group Activities
Key Points
Chaeyoung’s solo project 'LIL FANTASY' has already drawn notable recognition for its associated work, with her solo album 'LIL FANTASY vol.1' earning placement on international year-end lists: Rolling Stone's 'Best 100 Albums' (86th), Forbes' 'Top 2025 K-Pop Albums,' and Billboard's 'Top 2025 K-Pop Albums.'
In her announcement, Chaeyoung referred to herself as the 'tomboy' and expressed gratitude to JYP and TWICE for 14 years of support, signaling a personal transition while stressing that TWICE activities will continue.
Jeongyeon’s earlier departure from JYP to pursue acting has been part of the broader lineup changes, with reports that she signed with Baro Entertainment to focus on acting.
Contract renegotiations within TWICE have been a continuing storyline since their 2022 renewal with JYP, with current reporting noting that some members may leave JYP as renegotiations unfold.
There are indications Chaeyoung has engaged with a new agency for exclusive solo activities as part of her broader move beyond JYP, aligning with her LIL FANTASY branding and independent music activities.
TWICE member Chaeyoung has left JYP Entertainment to launch an independent solo project called LIL FANTASY, she announced on August 13 via Instagram. Soompi reported she thanked fans, JYP, and
Her debut solo album, 'LIL FANTASY vol.1,' has already landed on Rolling Stone's 'Best 100 Albums' list at No. 86, as well as Forbes' and Billboard's 'Top 2025 K-Pop Albums' lists. Chaeyoung stressed that her TWICE activities will continue alongside her independent music career.
Chaeyoung Announces LIL FANTASY and JYP Departure
Chaeyoung posted directly to TWICE's fandom, ONCE, on August 13. She called herself the 'tomboy' and said she was starting a new chapter. Soompi reported she expressed deep gratitude to JYP and Team TWICE for 14 years of support. She made clear this is not the end of TWICE — just a new path running alongside it.
Philstar Life reported that Chaeyoung is now operating under her own LIL FANTASY brand. She plans to create music within that world independently. Reports indicate she has signed with a new agency to handle her solo activities exclusively. This gives her full creative control outside the JYP system.
'LIL FANTASY vol.1' Earns Major Year-End Recognition
Chaeyoung's solo debut album did not go unnoticed. Rolling Stone placed 'LIL FANTASY vol.1' at No. 86 on its 'Best 100 Albums' list. Both Forbes and Billboard also named it one of the top K-pop albums of 2025. These placements signal strong critical reception for an independent debut.
The recognition is striking for an album released outside a major label system. Most K-pop acts rely on agency infrastructure to gain international press coverage. Chaeyoung's placement on three major Western outlet lists suggests LIL FANTASY has built real momentum on its own terms.
Jeongyeon's Exit Set the Stage for Bigger Changes
Chaeyoung is not the first TWICE member to leave JYP. Star News Korea reported that Jeongyeon departed earlier to focus on acting and signed with Baro Entertainment. Her move shifted attention to how TWICE would manage individual members pursuing separate paths after years together under one label.
TWICE first renewed their group contract with JYP in 2022. Since then, contract renegotiations have been a continuing story for the group. Reports now suggest some members may not re-sign with JYP as those talks continue. Chaeyoung's departure is the latest and most visible sign of that ongoing shift.
TWICE Carries On Despite Shifting Membership Landscape
Both Chaeyoung and JYP have confirmed that TWICE as a group will keep going. Chaeyoung was explicit in her announcement: solo activities will run parallel to, not instead of, her group work. Philstar Life noted she framed the move as a new chapter, not a goodbye.
The dual path — staying in TWICE while building a solo brand — is a delicate balance. It reflects a broader trend in K-pop, where long-running groups allow members more individual freedom as they mature. For TWICE, now in their second decade, managing that balance will define the next phase of the group's identity.
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