In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, news of Jeongyeon's departure from JYP Entertainment has sent shockwaves through the industry and its dedicated fan base. This move, while not entirely unexpected given the nature of the industry, marks a significant shift for TWICE, one of K-pop's longest-running and most successful girl groups.
The Impact of Jeongyeon's Departure
Jeongyeon's decision to leave JYP is a notable first for TWICE, a group that has maintained its original nine-member lineup since its debut in 2015. This stability is a rarity in the K-pop industry, where contract renewals and member departures are common occurrences. The so-called 'seven-year jinx,' a term used to describe the point at which K-pop groups typically face fractures due to contract expirations, has finally caught up with TWICE, albeit in a delayed fashion.
What makes Jeongyeon's departure particularly fascinating is the context in which it occurs. 2026 has been a year of significant lineup changes and departures in the K-pop scene. From ENHYPEN's Heeseung pursuing a solo career under Belift Lab to Mark Lee's departure from NCT and SM Entertainment, the industry has seen its fair share of turbulence. In contrast, SEVENTEEN's full thirteen-member contract renewal stood as a conspicuous counterexample, a rare instance of stability in an industry known for its fluidity.
The 'Separate but Together' Arrangement
Jeongyeon's move to VARO Entertainment, while leaving TWICE intact, highlights the 'separate but together' arrangement that has become somewhat of a standard practice among K-pop's longer-running acts. This model allows individual members to handle solo promotions through separate agencies while remaining committed to their groups. BLACKPINK and Girls' Generation, for instance, have adopted this strategy, with varying degrees of success and challenges.
The key challenge with this model lies in the logistics of group projects. When no single agency has full scheduling authority over all members, coordinating group activities can become complex and often takes a backseat to individual solo careers. This is a crucial consideration for TWICE, given its larger size compared to groups like BLACKPINK.
Learning from Past Experiences
The experiences of groups like BLACKPINK and Girls' Generation offer valuable lessons for TWICE as they navigate this new chapter. The extended period of minimal group output during BLACKPINK's solo pursuits, and the multi-year lull in Girls' Generation's activities, serve as cautionary tales. These periods of inactivity not only frustrated fans but also raised questions about the future of the groups.
However, the success of boy groups like 2PM and Super Junior, who have managed to sustain their group activities despite having members spread across multiple agencies, provides a more optimistic outlook. The key, it seems, lies in early and transparent contract negotiations, ensuring that departures are mutually agreed upon and that the group's commercial longevity is a priority.
The Future of TWICE
Jeongyeon's departure is a significant development, but it is not the end of the story for TWICE. The group's future prospects depend largely on the decisions of the remaining eight members and their contract negotiations with JYP. While this move marks the beginning of a new chapter for Jeongyeon, it also opens up a range of possibilities for TWICE's evolution and continued success.
In my opinion, the resilience and adaptability of K-pop groups like TWICE are a testament to the industry's dynamic nature. While departures and contract renewals can be challenging, they also present opportunities for growth and reinvention. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how TWICE navigates this new phase and continues to leave its mark on the K-pop landscape.
