TWICE leader Jihyo has sparked an unexpected online controversy after announcing her departure from JYP Entertainment and establishing her own company, EMITHAUS. The K-pop star confirmed the decision on October 21, 2026, ending her 21-year association with the agency.
While many fans welcomed her move towards independence, some BLACKPINK supporters criticised the announcement, bringing up her previous comments about BTS and questioning the recognition given to BLACKPINK's influence on the industry. The discussion has since turned into another heated debate among K-pop fandoms.
TWICE Jihyo Leaves JYP Entertainment After 21 Years
it’s funny cause when the blackpink girls did this yall said they hated eachother and this was their way of getting away from eachother and the group but now that others are following their lead it’s nothing but support for them?
— x (@donthittheglass) October 21, 2026
Jihyo announced her departure from JYP Entertainment through a handwritten letter shared on social media. Having joined the company as a child, she spent more than two decades under its management before deciding to begin a new professional chapter. The singer also introduced EMITHAUS, her newly established company, which will manage her individual activities.
Jihyo expressed gratitude towards the people who supported her throughout her journey and explained that independence would allow her to explore new creative possibilities. Her announcement marks a significant career development for the TWICE leader, who debuted with the group in 2015.
BLACKPINK Fans React to Jihyo's Independent Agency Announcement
Soon after the announcement circulated on X, several social media users began comparing Jihyo's decision with the independent career moves previously made by BLACKPINK members. Some BLACKPINK supporters argued that the group's members had helped popularise the trend of establishing separate companies for solo activities.
Others questioned why Jihyo's decision was being celebrated when BLACKPINK members had previously faced criticism over their individual management arrangements. These reactions reflected fandom opinions, rather than verified claims that BLACKPINK originated the practice of independent artist management.
Also read: Jihyo Parts Ways With JYP After 21 Years, Starts New Agency
Jihyo's Previous Comments About BTS Resurface Amid Backlash
They wanna be Blackpink so bad but they never want to acknowledge their impact
— 미스코리아 (@JisooMissKorea) October 21, 2026
The controversy also brought renewed attention to Jihyo's earlier comments praising BTS for helping K-pop gain international recognition. During a previous interview, Jihyo acknowledged the contributions of BTS and senior artists to the global expansion of Korean music. However, some BLACKPINK supporters felt that her remarks overlooked the achievements of female K-pop artists, particularly BLACKPINK.
Following her agency announcement, these users again questioned why she had credited BTS while, in their opinion, failing to recognise BLACKPINK's influence. The criticism remains part of an online fandom dispute, with no indication that Jihyo's announcement was intended as a statement against BLACKPINK.
Jihyo to Continue TWICE Activities While Managing Solo Career
Despite ending her contract with JYP Entertainment, Jihyo has confirmed that she will continue participating in TWICE activities. Her new company, EMITHAUS, will provide a separate platform for her individual projects, allowing her to pursue solo opportunities while maintaining her connection with the group.
The decision represents a shift in how Jihyo plans to manage her career after spending most of her life with one agency. While online discussions continue, her departure from JYP does not mean she is leaving TWICE. Instead, the singer is beginning an independent professional journey alongside her existing group commitments.
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