SEOUL: TWICE leader Jihyo has announced her departure from JYP Entertainment after 21 years with the agency, confirming she has set up her own management company, Emithaus.
The 29-year-old K-pop singer shared the news directly with fans in a heartfelt social media post, which featured video clips from her childhood auditions—a nod to the early days that kicked off her two-decade journey with the label.
"I have come to an end of my journey with JYP, who has been with me for 21 years since childhood," she wrote.
Looking back on her career, which started when she joined the company as a child trainee, she added: "There were good days and some bad days, but it's clear that all those times have made me who I am."
Importantly, Jihyo reassured fans that launching a solo path does not mean stepping away from her long-time group.
"TWICE is an indispensable part of my life," she said. "I want to stand on the same stage with the members in the future and continue the times we will create together."
She explained that her idea of independence is not about closing the door on the past, but having the freedom to shape her own future.
This vision inspired her to launch Emithaus, a name drawn from the word "emit".
"Like 'emit', which means 'to radiate', I want to freely capture my potential that I have not yet discovered here," she shared.
Jihyo, whose real name is Park Ji-hyo, made her official debut with TWICE in 2015 after years of training at JYP. The nine-member group—comprising Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu—has since grown into one of South Korea's biggest K-pop acts, famous for global hits like TT, Fancy, and Feel Special.
She wrapped up her post with a warm message of gratitude for the group's loyal fan base, ONCE.
"Thank you for encouraging me with your unwavering faith and support throughout a long time," she wrote.
"I will grow into an artiste worthy of the love and support you have given me."
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