TWICE leader Jihyo has officially parted ways with JYP Entertainment after spending 21 years with the South Korean agency. The singer announced the news on October 21, 2026, through a handwritten letter shared on Instagram, revealing that she has established her own company, EMITHAUS, to explore new opportunities in her career.
The announcement marks a significant turning point for the K-pop star, who joined JYP as a child and eventually debuted as the leader of TWICE in 2015. While she is preparing to work independently, Jihyo has reassured fans that her decision does not mean she is leaving the popular girl group.
Jihyo Reflects On Her 21-Year Journey With JYP Entertainment
In her handwritten letter, Jihyo looked back on the years she spent with JYP Entertainment, describing how the company had been part of nearly every stage of her life. She acknowledged that summarising 21 years of experiences in a few sentences was more difficult than she had expected.
The singer expressed gratitude to the people at the agency who supported her development, both personally and professionally. She also recognised that her journey included good and challenging moments, all of which contributed to shaping the artist she has become.
Jihyo joined JYP Entertainment in 2005, when she was around eight years old. After years of training, she made her debut with TWICE in 2015 and went on to become one of the group's central performers. Her departure brings an end to one of the longest artist-agency relationships in her career. However, her message made it clear that she views the transition as an opportunity to move forward rather than simply close a chapter of her life.
What Is EMITHAUS? Jihyo Establishes Her Own Agency
Alongside confirming her departure from JYP Entertainment, Jihyo announced the establishment of EMITHAUS, her new independent company. The agency will initially oversee her solo activities while giving her greater freedom to explore her creative interests. Explaining the idea behind the name, Jihyo referred to the meaning of “emit” which relates to expressing or releasing something. She hopes the new company will provide a space where she can discover and develop artistic possibilities that she has not explored before.
Jihyo also acknowledged that working outside a familiar environment would bring new responsibilities. She said she intends to approach future decisions and projects with greater thoughtfulness and care. EMITHAUS is expected to begin with Jihyo's solo career, with plans to expand into music and broader content activities. The company also aims to discover and recruit other artists in the future, potentially developing into a wider creative platform.
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Jihyo Confirms She Will Continue Activities With TWICE
One of the most important parts of Jihyo's announcement was her reassurance that leaving JYP Entertainment does not mean leaving TWICE. The singer described the group as an irreplaceable part of her life and expressed excitement about creating more memories with her fellow members.
Jihyo promised to continue performing alongside the group, putting to rest concerns that her agency change might signal an exit from TWICE. Her message also reflected her appreciation for the members who have shared the group's journey with her.
The singer thanked ONCE, TWICE's fandom, for supporting her throughout the group's 11-year career. She recognised that standing by an artist through different stages of growth is something that should never be taken for granted. Her commitment to both solo work and group activities means fans can look forward to seeing her pursue greater creative independence while continuing her journey with TWICE.
Jihyo’s Move Follows Agency Changes Among TWICE Members
Jihyo's announcement comes amid a period of change in how TWICE members manage their individual careers. Fellow members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung have also announced departures from JYP Entertainment, while continuing their connections with the group. Jeongyeon has signed with VARO Entertainment, while Chaeyoung has introduced Lil Fantasy as part of her independent creative direction. These developments highlight how members are exploring different arrangements for their individual projects.
Jihyo's establishment of EMITHAUS gives her a direct role in shaping her solo career and deciding how she wants to develop as an artist. Her previous solo release, the 2023 EP Zone, marked an important milestone outside TWICE's group discography. Although her professional relationship with JYP has ended, her statement emphasises gratitude for the years spent with the company and confidence about what lies ahead. The next phase of her career will now unfold through EMITHAUS, alongside her ongoing commitments to TWICE.
Final Take
Jihyo's departure from JYP Entertainment after 21 years marks a major personal and professional milestone, but it is not a goodbye to TWICE. With EMITHAUS, she is taking greater control of her solo activities while keeping her bond with the group and ONCE at the centre of her plans. Her next chapter will offer new opportunities to explore her artistic identity and build a future on her own terms.
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