Twice leader Jihyo has left JYP Entertainment after 21 years with the agency and launched her own independent company, named Emithaus, while confirming she will remain with the girl group, Soompi reported.
Jihyo Departs JYP Entertainment After Twenty-One Years
The Twice member announced her departure in a handwritten letter posted to her Instagram account on October 21. She wrote that her journey with the agency, which began when she was a child, had come to an end. Jihyo spent her childhood, teenage years, and early career under JYP before debuting as the leader of Twice in 2015. Under JYP, she released her debut solo EP, “Zone,” in 2023, which sold 534,565 copies in its first week and peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, according to the Korea Herald. Reports that she was preparing to leave the agency first surfaced in July.
.@JYPETWICE’s Jihyo announced the launch of her company Emithaus on Oct. 21. 🏠She said the move ends her 21-year journey with JYP Entertainment, while her activities with Twice will continue.#TWICE #JIHYO #EMITHAUS pic.twitter.com/0E5fMFkPEF
Emithaus Launches to Oversee Solo Ventures
To manage her solo career going forward, Jihyo established a new agency called Emithaus. She explained in her letter that independence is a choice about how she wants to live rather than a conclusion about her past. She stated that the company name derives from “emit,” meaning to express or release, and intends it as a space to explore undiscovered possibilities.
Jihyo Remains in Twice After Leaving Her Agency
Jihyo assured fans that leaving the agency does not mean leaving the group. She called Twice an irreplaceable part of her life and stated she looks forward to continuing to stand on stage with her members. Her departure follows similar contract changes by other Twice members. In August, Chaeyoung announced she would continue her solo career independently through Lil Fantasy, while Jeongyeon signed with Varo Entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jihyo and Emithaus
When did Jihyo announce her departure from JYP Entertainment?
Jihyo shared her handwritten announcement on Instagram on October 21, following initial media reports about her departure that first surfaced in July.
What does the name Emithaus mean?
Jihyo stated that the company name stems from the word “emit,” which means to express or release, intending it as a space to freely explore her creative potential.
Which other Twice members have established independent solo paths?
Chaeyoung announced in August that she would pursue her solo career independently through Lil Fantasy, and member Jeongyeon signed with Varo Entertainment.
Worth a look