After 21 years, TWICE’s Jihyo leaves JYP

Jihyo, the leader and lead vocalist of K-pop group TWICE, has officially parted ways with JYP Entertainment after 21 years. Despite departing from JYP and launching her own agency to manage her solo career, Jihyo will remain a member of TWICE.

The 29-year-old K-pop singer shared the news on Wednesday through a handwritten letter posted on Instagram. “After 21 years, my journey with JYP, which began when I was just a child, has come to an end," the statement read.

Looking back at her time with the company, she admitted that summarizing more than two decades of experiences in just a few words was difficult.

"Trying to put 21 years into just a few words is harder than I thought it would be,” she wrote. “There were good days and difficult ones, but one thing I know for certain is that every one of those moments has shaped who I am today.”

She also thanked JYP and its staff for being part of her journey, emphasizing that the experiences and memories they shared would remain meaningful to her.

"I will always cherish the time we shared and the memories we made together."

With her departure, Jihyo is preparing to take a more independent approach to her solo career through EMITHAUS, the company she founded to oversee her individual projects. She explained that the agency's name comes from the word "EMIT," which means to express or release.

"As the first step in this new chapter, I have established my own company, EMITHAUS," she shared.

Through the new venture, Jihyo hopes to explore different creative possibilities and discover new aspects of herself as an artist.

She also acknowledged the challenges of stepping away from a familiar environment and taking on new responsibilities.

"As I step away from a familiar environment and begin working in new ways, I will approach every decision and every endeavor with even greater thoughtfulness and responsibility."

While her professional relationship with JYP has come to an end, Jihyo made it clear that her commitment to TWICE remains unchanged. She will continue participating in the group's activities with her fellow members while developing her solo career under EMITHAUS.

"TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life. I will continue to stand on stage with my members and keep building more memories together for many years to come," she expressed.

Jihyo also thanked ONCE, TWICE's fandom, for supporting her and the group throughout their 11-year career. She recognized the significance of having supporters who continue to follow an artist through different stages of life and personal growth.

“I know that watching someone grow and change through so many stages of life and continuing to support them along the way is never something to be taken for granted.

"I will continue to fill the years ahead with choices and efforts that stay true to who I am and keep growing as an artist who lives up to all the love and support you’ve given me. Thank you,” she concluded.

Jihyo's journey with JYP began in 2005 as a trainee. She debuted as the leader and main vocalist of TWICE in 2015. She later expanded her career as a solo artist with the release of her mini-album "ZONE" in 2023.

JYP, one of South Korea’s major K-pop agencies, is also home to popular acts such as ITZY, Stray Kids, and some members of 2PM.