TWICE Leader Jihyo Leaves JYP After 21 Years

TWICE leader Jihyo has ended her 21-year relationship with JYP Entertainment and established an independent company, EMITHAUS, to pursue new professional opportunities. The 29-year-old South Korean singer announced both developments on Instagram on October 21, 2026, while confirming that she intends to continue performing with the K-pop girl group. According to reports by CNA Lifestyle, Dispatch, and Soompi, EMITHAUS will initially manage Jihyo's solo activities, with plans to expand into broader content production and artist recruitment.

The new venture marks a shift in how she manages her career after spending most of her life under JYP Entertainment. In her handwritten announcement, Jihyo reflected on the years she spent with the agency, which she joined as a child. She acknowledged both positive and difficult experiences and credited them with shaping her development as an artist.

"I will be bringing my journey with JYP, which has been with me since childhood for 21 years, to a close. There were good days and days that weren't so good, but one thing is certain: all those experiences have made me who I am today. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at JYP who stood by me for so long and helped me grow.

I will cherish the time we spent together and the feelings we shared for a long time to come." Jihyo said.

The singer described independence as a decision about her future rather than simply an end to her previous professional chapter. According to her announcement, the transition will involve greater responsibility as she explores opportunities outside her familiar working environment. "To me, becoming independent is less about drawing a conclusion to the time that has passed and more about making a choice about how I want to live the years ahead." Jihyo said.

She also explained the purpose behind her new company. Dispatch reported that the name EMITHAUS draws on the English word "emit," meaning to release or radiate, reflecting her intention to explore creative possibilities beyond her existing work. "As I move beyond familiar surroundings and continue my work in new ways, I will approach every decision and activity from here on with even greater care and a stronger sense of responsibility." Jihyo said.

Despite leaving JYP Entertainment, Jihyo emphasized that her decision does not signal a departure from TWICE. The group debuted in 2015 and has continued its activities into its 11th year, making its future performances an important part of her plans. "Twice is an irreplaceable and precious part of my life.

Just as I look back fondly on the time we have spent together, I am looking forward to the time we will share in the future. I hope to continue standing on the same stage as the members and to carry on creating precious memories together for a long time to come." Jihyo said.

Jihyo also thanked ONCE, TWICE's official fandom, for supporting her throughout the group's 11-year career. She pledged to continue developing as an artist through her own decisions and efforts.

"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." Jihyo said.

Her departure follows similar developments involving fellow TWICE members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung, according to Soompi and CNA Lifestyle. Jeongyeon has joined Varo Entertainment to pursue acting, while the solo contract status of the group's remaining six members—Nayeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, and Tzuyu—had yet to be announced in CNA Lifestyle's report.