TWICE member JEONGYEON (real name Yoo Jeong-yeon) is taking a new leap forward as an actor.

On August 10, Varo Entertainment announced the news of her exclusive contract, stating, "We are truly happy to form a precious relationship with Yoo Jeong-yeon, who possesses diverse charms and boundless potential."

The agency added, "We deeply resonated with Yoo Jeong-yeon's sincere attitude and genuine passion for acting. We will become a reliable partner providing generous support in various aspects so that she can take on new challenges as an actor based on the global presence she has built over a long time as an artist, while also continuing her group activities smoothly."

Debuting with the group TWICE in 2015, JEONGYEON has received global love for her exceptional visuals and charming vocals. Having proven her mass appeal through active participation in music as well as various variety shows and hosting roles, JEONGYEON is set to make a fresh start at Varo Entertainment and embark on active acting endeavors as "actor Yoo Jeong-yeon."

This exclusive contract draws even more attention as she will be under the same agency as her older sister and actor Gong Seung-yeon.

Following the news of her new exclusive contract, JEONGYEON shared a handwritten letter on her social media to inform fans directly. JEONGYEON greeted fans by writing, "Leaving JYP, where I spent a long time together from my teens until now, I am now trying to make a fresh start in a new place. It was scary to leave a familiar place, but I was able to gather courage because of the members and ONCE who believed in me. I am thankful to my members and ONCE more than words can express, and to the JYP family who helped me grow."

She continued to express her determination to continue group activities, stating, "Although I am moving to a new nest and starting a new challenge, TWICE remains the biggest center of my heart just like before, and standing in front of ONCE as a member of TWICE will always be my top priority." She added, "I will prepare step by step with sincerity for both my path as TWICE's JEONGYEON whom you have loved and the new challenges of Yoo Jeong-yeon that you will encounter in the future."

Meanwhile, Varo Entertainment, which signed the exclusive contract with JEONGYEON, is a comprehensive entertainment company encompassing management and the production of films and dramas. Its roster of actors includes Jin Goo, Byeon Wooseok, Gong Seung-yeon, Park Jeongwoo, Lee Yu-mi, Lee Hongnae, Lee Soo-kyung, Lee Chae-min, and Kim Si-a.

[Photo=JEONGYEON and Gong Seung-yeon's Instagram]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)