Jihyo leaves JYP Entertainment, launches EMITHAUS while staying with TWICE

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 21, 2026

Photo courtesy: Jihyo | Instagram

SEOUL, South Korea — TWICE leader Jihyo is taking greater control of her solo career after establishing her own entertainment agency, EMITHAUS, ending a 21-year relationship with JYP Entertainment.

The 29-year-old K-pop star announced the decision on Wednesday, October 21, through a handwritten letter shared on Instagram.

While the move marks a major change in her professional career, Jihyo assured fans that she will remain with TWICE and continue performing alongside her fellow members.

TWICE activities will continue

Jihyo addressed concerns about her future with the group, explaining that leaving JYP Entertainment does not mean parting ways with TWICE.

She described the group as an important part of her life and expressed her commitment to sharing the stage with the other members in the years ahead.

The announcement comes shortly after TWICE celebrated its 11th debut anniversary on October 20.

Jihyo also thanked ONCE, the group’s official fandom, for supporting her throughout her career.

The development means Jihyo will pursue individual projects under her new company while maintaining her commitments to TWICE.

A new direction after 21 years

Jihyo joined JYP Entertainment as a child trainee in 2005, spending about a decade preparing for her debut.

She eventually became the leader and main vocalist of TWICE, which debuted in October 2015.

In her announcement, Jihyo reflected on growing up within the company and thanked the people who helped shape her career.

She acknowledged that her time with JYP included both challenges and meaningful experiences, describing those years as an important part of her personal and professional development.

Rather than viewing her departure as a rejection of the past, she explained that becoming independent is about choosing how to approach the next stage of her career.

What is EMITHAUS?

Jihyo’s newly established agency, EMITHAUS, will serve as the management company for her individual activities.

Its name draws inspiration from the word “emit,” reflecting the company’s focus on creative expression and exploring new possibilities.

The agency plans to support Jihyo’s solo music career while expanding into other forms of entertainment content.

It also intends to discover and work with additional artists in the future.

The move gives Jihyo a new platform to pursue projects and develop her artistic direction outside the management structure she has known since childhood.

More TWICE members pursue separate management

Jihyo is the third TWICE member to leave JYP Entertainment, following Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung.

Despite the changes in their individual management arrangements, the members have continued expressing their commitment to TWICE.

The group’s activities remain separate from the members’ decisions about managing their solo careers.

Jihyo previously made her solo debut in August 2023 with the mini-album ZONE, featuring the lead single “Killin’ Me Good.”

The release allowed her to explore her identity as a solo performer while remaining active as TWICE’s leader.

What’s next for Jihyo?

EMITHAUS is expected to begin its activities with Jihyo’s individual projects before pursuing broader opportunities in the entertainment industry.

However, no specific release date for her next solo album or other major projects has been announced.

For fans, the announcement marks the beginning of a new professional chapter for Jihyo without signaling the end of her journey with TWICE.

After more than two decades under JYP Entertainment, the singer is moving forward with her own company while maintaining her place in the group that brought her international recognition.