TWICE Leader Jihyo LEAVES JYP Entertainment After 21 Years, Launches Own Agency EMITHAUS
TWICE leader Jihyo, 29, has officially departed JYP Entertainment after 21 years, announcing today, October 21, 2026, the launch of her own agency, EMITHAUS. The move, shared via Instagram, sees Jihyo pursuing new artistic endeavors while assuring fans she will continue her irreplaceable role in TWICE, following fellow members.
In a seismic shift for the K-pop landscape, TWICE's formidable leader, Jihyo, has announced her departure from JYP Entertainment, the agency she called home for 21 years. The news, delivered by Jihyo herself through a poignant handwritten letter on her official Instagram account today, October 21, 2026, sent ripples of both surprise and excitement across the global K-pop community. TWICE’s Nayeon Dazzles Charlie Puth’s Korea Concert With Surprise ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ Duet.
Jihyo Leaves JYP Entertainment After 21 Years
Jihyo, whose full name is Park Ji-hyo, shared that her extensive journey with JYP Entertainment, which began when she was just eight years old in 2005, has come to an end. The 29-year-old powerhouse vocalist, who debuted with TWICE in 2015 after more than a decade of rigorous training, reflected on the significant role the agency played in her life.
“After 21 years, my journey with JYP Entertainment, which began when I was just a child, has come to an end,” Jihyo penned in her emotional Instagram post. She further elaborated, stating, “From childhood through my teenage years and into adulthood, I’ve spent most of my life at JYP.” Jihyo expressed profound gratitude to the JYP staff who supported her growth, acknowledging that both the good and challenging times profoundly shaped her into the artist she is today. This announcement marks the conclusion of one of K-pop's longest artist-agency relationships.
Jihyo's decision follows a period of contract renegotiations within TWICE, which has seen other members also explore individual ventures. Fellow members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung previously confirmed their individual departures from JYP earlier this year, both publicly committing to continue group activities with TWICE. Jeongyeon notably signed with Varo Entertainment to pursue acting, while Chaeyoung also announced her plans to launch her own venture.
Jihyo Bids Farewell to JYP Entertainment After 21 Years
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A New Beginning: EMITHAUS Launched
In a bold move toward artistic autonomy, Jihyo simultaneously revealed the establishment of her very own agency, named EMITHAUS. Explaining the philosophy behind her new company, Jihyo stated, “To me, independence is not so much a conclusion about the time that has passed, but a choice about how I want to live going forward.” She added, “As the first step in this new chapter, I have established my own company, EMITHAUS.”
Jihyo Launches EMITHAUS
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The name EMITHAUS combines the English word 'emit', meaning 'to express or release,' with a vision for expanding an artist's individuality and creative potential through music and diverse content. Through this new venture, Jihyo aims to freely explore her undiscovered possibilities as an artist. Did Former EXO Star Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang Confirm Parenthood With Heartwarming Viral Photos?.
Crucially, Jihyo reassured ONCEs (TWICE's fandom) that her departure from JYP Entertainment does not signify a farewell to the beloved group. “This choice does not signify a farewell to the team I’ve been with for so long,” she emphasized. She affirmed, “TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life,” pledging to continue her activities with the group and make new memories alongside her members. Jihyo made her solo debut in August 2023 with her first mini-album 'ZONE' and its hit title track "Killin' Me Good."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 02:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
