TWICE’s Jihyo Eyeing Own Agency Amid JYP Contract Talks and Tzuyu Departure Rumours?

The K-pop world is abuzz today, July 14, 2026, with exclusive reports indicating that TWICE's esteemed leader and main vocalist, Jihyo, is considering parting ways with JYP Entertainment to establish her own independent agency. This comes amidst ongoing contract renewal discussions for all members of the nine-piece girl group and follows unconfirmed reports earlier today about member Tzuyu's decision not to renew her exclusive contract with JYP. TWICE’s Tzuyu To Leave JYP Entertainment After 11 Years Amid Contract Renewal Talks?.

Jihyo to Leave JYP and Launch Her Own Agency?

According to an exclusive report by South Korean outlet Joy News24, widely cited across entertainment media, Jihyo is reportedly leaning towards not renewing her individual contract with JYP Entertainment, the agency she has been with for a remarkable 21 years, starting as a trainee in 2005 and debuting with TWICE in 2015. The report suggests that the 29-year-old idol has been actively meeting with various entertainment industry officials, with a strong likelihood of establishing a one-person agency to manage her solo career.

Crucially, these reports emphasise that even if Jihyo proceeds with this move, she is expected to continue her activities as a full member of TWICE, separating her individual management from the group's promotions. This model, where idols maintain group activities under their original agency while managing solo endeavours independently, has become an increasingly common practice within the K-pop industry, allowing artists greater creative control and diverse career paths.

JYP Entertainment, however, has maintained a consistent stance, responding to the reports by stating, "TWICE is currently in a period of contract renewal discussions, and we are proceeding with careful deliberation. We will provide updates once matters are finalized."

Tzuyu's Reported Non-Renewal and Other Members' Futures

The news concerning Jihyo closely follows other significant contract speculation within TWICE. Earlier today, reports from News1 and other Korean media outlets suggested that Tzuyu, the group's 27-year-old Taiwanese member, has decided not to renew her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment after 11 years with the company. Like Jihyo, Tzuyu is reportedly expected to continue participating in TWICE's group activities despite her individual contract status. Tzuyu made her solo debut in 2024 with her mini-album 'abouTZU'.

Jihyo is reportedly the third TWICE member to be considering new management for solo careers, following Tzuyu and earlier reports concerning Jeongyeon. Jeongyeon was previously reported to have met with Baro Entertainment to explore acting opportunities, a meeting acknowledged by Baro Entertainment, though no contract decision was made. Chaeyoung has also been mentioned in speculation regarding meetings with other agencies for her solo career.

TWICE's Contract Landscape and Recent Activities

TWICE, which debuted on October 20, 2015, successfully navigated the infamous "seven-year curse" by having all nine members renew their contracts with JYP Entertainment in July 2022. The duration of those renewed contracts was not publicly disclosed but is typically around three to five years, meaning the group is once again at a critical juncture for renewals.

This wave of contract speculation comes just days after TWICE concluded their highly successful sixth world tour, "THIS IS FOR," with its final show in Seoul on July 12, 2026. The extensive tour, which began in July 2025, spanned approximately a year, encompassing 81 performances across 44 cities and regions worldwide, further solidifying their global presence.

Fans, known as ONCE, are keenly awaiting official statements from JYP Entertainment regarding the future of individual members' contracts, while hoping for the continued longevity and success of TWICE as a complete group. Jihyo herself released her first solo mini-album, 'ZONE,' in 2023, showcasing her individual artistry. Jungkook’s Viral ‘Gut Genug’ Cover to Jimin’s Hilarious Haaland Walk: Top Moments From BTS’ Arirang Concert in Munich.

As the situation unfolds, the entertainment industry and fans alike will be watching closely for official announcements that will shape the individual careers of these beloved artists and the collective future of TWICE.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2026 06:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).