Ending 21 Years with JYP: TWICE Leader Jihyo Establishes Personal Agency EMITHAUS, Will Continue as Leader
A new chapter begins following Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung~
Summary
- On October 21, 2026, Jihyo announced in a handwritten letter that she is parting ways with JYP Entertainment after 21 years.
- She founded her own label, "EMITHAUS," derived from the English word "EMIT," symbolizing radiance and release.
- She clearly promised that leaving the agency does not mean leaving TWICE, and she will continue to participate in group activities.
- Following Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung, Jihyo becomes the third member of TWICE to leave JYP and go independent.
What is it like to stay with the same agency for 21 years? For TWICE leader Jihyo, who joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2005 and grew into the core of a top girl group, those years make up most of her life. On October 21, 2026, Jihyo posted a neatly handwritten letter on social media officially announcing the end of her 21-year exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment and the launch of her personal agency, EMITHAUS, marking a fresh chapter in her career.
Stepping out of her comfort zone, but not saying goodbye to TWICE
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Whenever a group member changes agencies, fans naturally worry. Yet Jihyo showed her usual resolve and thoughtfulness as a leader, making it clear right at the start of her letter that leaving JYP Entertainment is only a change in her individual contract—it by no means signifies leaving the group or saying goodbye to TWICE. She promised to continue participating in all of TWICE’s group activities, reassuring fans they can rest easy.
Following Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung, Jihyo is the third TWICE member to announce independent solo endeavors. As the group enters a more mature phase, members are choosing to handle their individual and group contracts separately. This model preserves TWICE’s integrity while giving members greater autonomy—an approach that is slowly becoming a healthy norm in the K-pop industry.
Named “EMITHAUS”
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Jihyo named her new home EMITHAUS, inspired by the word “emit,” which carries the meaning of radiating, releasing, and spreading energy. Ever since she showcased her impressive all-around singing and dancing skills with her debut solo mini-album in 2023, fans have already seen her potential and ambition as a mature artist. Establishing her own label means she will have pure creative control over future music projects, stage concepts, and crossover collaborations.
Leaving the comfort zone where she grew up and lived for over two decades takes genuine courage. Watching Jihyo honor her promise to her fellow members and ONCE while stepping forward with confidence makes this new adventure under the name EMITHAUS all the more exciting.
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