TWICE leader Jihyo is embarking on a new chapter in her career after leaving JYP Entertainment, where she spent 21 years.
The 29-year-old K-pop idol announced the news in a handwritten letter shared on her Instagram account on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Jihyo reflected on her long journey with the South Korean entertainment company, which began when she was still a child.
"After 21 years, my journey with JYP Entertainment, which began when I was just a child, has come to an end.
"Trying to put 21 years into just a few words is harder than I thought it would be," she wrote, according to the English translation published by Soompi.
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Jihyo acknowledged that she had spent most of her life with the company, experiencing both good and difficult times.
"From childhood through my teenage years and into adulthood, I’ve spent most of my life at JYP.
"There were good days and difficult ones, but one thing I know for certain is that every one of those moments has shaped who I am today."
She also expressed gratitude to the people who supported her growth throughout the years, saying that the experiences she had at JYP helped shape the person she is today.
She said: "I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at JYP who has been by my side and helped me grow over the years.
"I will always cherish the time we shared and the memories we made together.
"To me, independence is not so much a conclusion about the time that has passed, but a choice about how I want to live going forward."
JIHYO ESTABLISHES her own agency
Along with announcing her departure from JYP Entertainment, Jihyo revealed that she had established her own company, EMITHAUS, as she takes greater control of her career.
Through her new company, Jihyo hopes to explore her creative potential and discover aspects of herself that she has yet to fully express as an artist.
"As the first step in this new chapter, I have established my own company, EMITHAUS.
"Just as 'EMIT' means to 'express or release,' I hope this will be a place where I can freely explore and bring to life even the possibilities within me that I have yet to discover.
"As I step away from a familiar environment and begin working in new ways, I will approach every decision and every endeavor with even greater thoughtfulness and responsibility."
JIHYO ASSURES FANS OF CONTINUED TWICE ACTIVITIES
Despite her departure from JYP Entertainment, Jihyo reassured fans that her decision does not mean she is leaving TWICE.
The singer emphasized that the girl group remains an important part of her life and that she intends to continue performing alongside her fellow members.
"I also want to make it clear that this decision does not mean saying goodbye to the team I’ve been part of for so long.
"TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life.
"Just as I cherish all the years we’ve shared, I look forward to all the moments still ahead of us.
"I will continue to stand on stage with my members and keep building more memories together for many years to come," she continued.
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Jihyo also expressed her gratitude to ONCE, TWICE's official fandom, for supporting her throughout the group's 11-year journey.
She acknowledged that fans' continued support as an artist grows and changes through different stages of life is something she does not take for granted.
She wrote: "I want to thank ONCE for believing in me and standing by my side for the past 11 years.
"I know that watching someone grow and change through so many stages of life and continuing to support them along the way is never something to be taken for granted.
"Thank you for giving me the courage to keep moving forward through your unwavering trust, love, and support.
"I will continue to fill the years ahead with choices and efforts that stay true to who I am and keep growing as an artist who lives up to all the love and support you’ve given me."
Jihyo's departure follows fellow members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung, who have also left JYP Entertainment.
Read:
- TWICE's Jeongyeon leaves JYP Entertainment, stays with TWICE
- TWICE's Chaeyoung follows Jeongyeon in leaving JYP Entertainment
JIHYO'S CAREER
Jihyo debuted as the leader and main vocalist of TWICE in 2015 after years of training under JYP Entertainment.
Since then, the group went on to become one of K-pop's most prominent girl groups, releasing hit songs such as “Cheer Up,” “TT,” "Fancy," "I Can't Stop Me," “What Is Love?” and “The Feels.”
In 2023, Jihyo also made her solo debut with the mini-album ZONE, led by the title track “Killin' Me Good.”