What Happened to Yoo Jeong-yeon?
Jeongyeon, a prominent member of the K-pop girl group TWICE, has navigated significant health challenges throughout her career, including anxiety and physical ailments, leading to multiple hiatuses. Despite these challenges, she has consistently returned to group activities and, as of August 10, 2026, has embarked on a new chapter by leaving JYP Entertainment to sign with VARO Entertainment for her individual endeavors, while reaffirming her unwavering commitment to TWICE.
Quick Answer
As of August 10, 2026, Jeongyeon (Yoo Jeong-yeon) of TWICE has officially departed from JYP Entertainment, her agency since her teenage years, and signed an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment. This move allows her to pursue new individual challenges, particularly in acting, where she joins her sister Gong Seung-yeon. Crucially, Jeongyeon has clarified that she will remain an active member of TWICE, with group activities continuing to be her top priority.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Debut with TWICE
Jeongyeon officially debuted as a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE with the release of their first extended play 'The Story Begins'.
Co-hosts Inkigayo
Jeongyeon co-hosted the South Korean music program Inkigayo with her sister Gong Seung-yeon until January 2017, winning the Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards.
Spinal Disc Herniation Diagnosis & Surgery
Jeongyeon was diagnosed with spinal disc herniation and underwent surgery, which later led to side effects from steroid medication.
First Hiatus Due to Anxiety
JYP Entertainment announced that Jeongyeon would be taking a hiatus from activities due to anxiety.
Resumes Activities at Seoul Music Awards
Jeongyeon resumed her activities, making an appearance at the 30th Seoul Music Awards.
Second Hiatus Due to Panic and Anxiety Disorder
JYP Entertainment announced a second hiatus for Jeongyeon due to panic and anxiety disorder, emphasizing her need for recovery.
Returns to TWICE Activities for World Tour
Jeongyeon fully resumed activities as a member of TWICE, starting with the North American leg of their 4th World Tour 'III'.
TWICE Members Renew Contracts with JYP Entertainment
All nine members of TWICE, including Jeongyeon, renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment, ensuring the group's continued activities.
Hosts YouTube Talk Show 'Inspector'
Jeongyeon became the host of the YouTube talk show 'Inspector', interviewing celebrities and facilitating charity auctions.
Releases Solo Single 'Takedown' (KPop Demon Hunters OST)
Jeongyeon, along with Jihyo and Chaeyoung, released 'Takedown', the lead single for the Netflix animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters', which charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Releases Solo Single 'FIX A DRINK'
Jeongyeon released her individual solo single 'FIX A DRINK' as part of TWICE members' solo releases alongside the group's 'THIS IS FOR' album.
Begins 'This Is For' World Tour
TWICE launched their 'This Is For' World Tour, which spanned 81 shows across various continents and concluded in July 2026.
Acting Debut in 'New Recruit: The Movie'
It was announced that Jeongyeon would be making her acting debut in the film 'New Recruit: The Movie', a spin-off of the television series 'New Recruit'.
Shares Positive Health Update
Jeongyeon shared an encouraging update on her health and fitness journey, stating she feels 'so good' after overcoming past health challenges and focusing on exercise.
Leaves JYP Entertainment, Joins VARO Entertainment
Jeongyeon announced her departure from JYP Entertainment and signed an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment to pursue individual activities, while confirming her continued membership in TWICE.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Yoo Jeong-yeon, widely known as Jeongyeon, debuted as a member of the globally successful K-pop girl group TWICE in October 2015 under JYP Entertainment, following her participation in the reality television program 'Sixteen'. The group quickly rose to prominence with numerous hit songs and extensive tours.
Jeongyeon's career has been marked by periods where she prioritized her health. In 2020, she was diagnosed with a spinal disc herniation and underwent surgery. Subsequently, she developed Cushing's syndrome as a side effect of steroid medication used during her treatment, which led to weight gain. These health issues, compounded by anxiety and panic disorder, led to her taking two official hiatuses from group activities: one starting in October 2020 and another in August 2021. During these times, fans, known as ONCE, offered immense support, and Jeongyeon gradually returned to the stage, notably rejoining TWICE for the North American leg of their 4th World Tour 'III' in February 2022.
In 2022, Jeongyeon, along with all other TWICE members, renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment, securing the group's future. Following her return, she focused on her recovery and maintaining her health through consistent care and exercise, receiving praise for her improved well-being and 'prime visuals' by mid-2026. Beyond group activities, Jeongyeon began exploring individual ventures. In July 2024, she became the host of the YouTube talk show 'Inspector' and in July 2025, she made her acting debut in the film 'New Recruit: The Movie'. She also released a solo single, "FIX A DRINK," in July 2025, which she performed during TWICE's 'This Is For' World Tour.
A significant turning point occurred on August 10, 2026. After weeks of speculation regarding contract renewals for several TWICE members, Jeongyeon announced her departure from JYP Entertainment via a handwritten letter on Instagram. On the same day, it was confirmed that she had signed an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment, an agency that also manages her older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon. VARO Entertainment stated they would provide unwavering support for her new challenges as an actress while also ensuring she can smoothly continue her group activities with TWICE. Jeongyeon explicitly reassured fans that TWICE, which she described as the 'center of my life,' would remain unchanged, and her priority would always be standing before ONCE as a member of the group. This 'separate but together' model allows members to pursue individual careers with different agencies while maintaining their commitment to TWICE's collective endeavors.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Yoo Jeong-yeon made different choices?