After 21 years, one of K-pop’s longest-running agency relationships has come to an end. TWICE leader Jihyo announced on Wednesday, October 21, that she has left JYP Entertainment and launched her own agency, EMITHAUS.
Don’t panic, ONCE: she isn’t leaving TWICE.
A Heartfelt Handwritten Goodbye
Jihyo shared the news in a handwritten letter on Instagram, along with a video of herself as a young trainee. She joined JYP in 2005 as a child and spent more than two decades with the company before debuting, leading and growing up with TWICE.
In the letter, she thanked JYP and said her time there shaped who she is today. She was clear that her decision isn’t a verdict on the past. Instead, she described independence as “a choice about how I want to live going forward.”
She also said she hopes her new chapter will let her explore possibilities within herself she has “yet to discover,” and promised to approach her future choices with greater care and responsibility.
What Is EMITHAUS?
The name of Jihyo’s new agency comes from the word “emit,” meaning to give off or release. According to the company, EMITHAUS aims to help artists express their individuality and creative potential through music and content.
The agency will start with Jihyo’s own solo activities, with plans to bring on other artists and grow the business over time.
What This Means for TWICE
Leaving JYP doesn’t mean leaving the group. Jihyo called TWICE “an indispensable and precious part of my life” and said she wants to keep standing on stage with her members. She also thanked ONCE, TWICE’s fandom, for their support over the years.
Speculation about her future had been building since July, as TWICE’s contract renewal period approached. Reports suggest talks are still ongoing for other members, but JYP has not yet shared details about the rest of the group.
From Trainee to Leader to Solo Star
Jihyo debuted with TWICE in 2015 and has led the group through hits like “Cheer Up,” “TT” and “What Is Love?” In 2023 she made her solo debut with the EP Zone and its single “Killin’ Me Good.”
Now, at 29, she’s stepping out on her own terms, and with her own company behind her, fans can expect to see a lot more of Jihyo’s solo side.
