Twice leader Jihyo departs JYP after 21 years and launches own agency
Jihyo, the leader of K-pop group Twice, announced she is leaving JYP Entertainment after a 21-year partnership and has founded a new agency called Emithaus.
Twice’s leader Park Ji-hyo revealed on Instagram that she is ending her long-standing relationship with JYP Entertainment, the agency that recruited her at age eight and debuted her in 2015. After 21 years, she announced the creation of her own company, Emithaus, describing the decision as a step toward greater personal autonomy rather than a break from the group. Jihyo expressed gratitude toward JYP staff and affirmed her intention to stay active in Twice, hoping to share future stages with her bandmates.
The move comes shortly after Jeongyeon signed with Varo Entertainment to focus on acting and Chaeyoung pursued solo projects, leaving the contractual situation of Nayeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun and Tzuyu unresolved. Her departure highlights a broader trend of K-pop idols seeking independent management while maintaining group activities.
Why it matters
Jihyo's exit signals a shift toward artist independence in K-pop while preserving group continuity.
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