TWICE's Jihyo Leaves JYP Entertainment, Launches Agency EMITHAUS

K-POP group TWICE leader Jihyo is parting ways with JYP Entertainment after 21 years and establishing her own agency, EMITHAUS. She announced the decision in a handwritten letter posted on her Instagram on Oct. 21.

"My journey with JYP, which began when I was a child 21 years ago, has come to an end," she wrote.

Reflecting on her time at the company, Jihyo said, "From childhood through my teenage years and into adulthood, I spent most of my life at JYP. All those experiences have shaped who I am today. I sincerely thank everyone at JYP who stood by me for so long and helped me grow."

She also announced the establishment of her new agency, EMITHAUS.

"For me, independence is less about drawing a conclusion from the past and more about choosing how I want to live going forward," she said. "As a first step, I have established a new company, EMITHAUS."

The agency's name comes from the English word "emit," meaning to express or release. Jihyo said she hopes to explore possibilities within herself that she has yet to discover.

"I will approach every decision and activity with greater care and responsibility," she added.

Jihyo emphasized that her departure from JYP Entertainment does not mean she is leaving TWICE.

"This decision does not mean saying goodbye to the team I have been with for so long," she said. "TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life."

She also expressed her commitment to continuing group activities.

"I want to continue standing on stage with the members and keep building our future together for many years to come," she said.

Jihyo joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2005 before debuting with TWICE in 2015. She has since served as the group's leader and main vocalist.

TWICE has released a string of hits, including "CHEER UP," "TT," "What is Love?," "FANCY" and "Feel Special." In 2023, Jihyo made her solo debut with her first EP, "ZONE."